The greens, the reds, the blues…we’re not referring to the colours of the rainbow. We’re talking about all those wonderful shades present in the foods we eat. Nature has come up with its own style of colour coding foods that excel in a particular set of nutrients. Here’s a handy guide that will turn you into a master of demystifying nutrients based on the colour of food.
Blue/Purple/Dark Red
Foods falling under this colour group are rich in anthocyanins. These pigments have excellent antioxidant properties that are known to stimulate cognitive function and boost learning & memory. Anthocyanins are also known to control cholesterol and improve heart function.
Foods that belong to this category: Asparagus Blackberries Blueberries Cherries Eggplant Plums Cranberries Grapes Red Radishes Red Cabbages Raspberries Strawberries
Green:
Remember how mama always said “Eat your Greens”? There’s good reason behind it. Green vegetables are an abundant source of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that possess excellent anti-cancer properties. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are also excellent sources of folate.
Foods that belong to this category: Spinach Asparagus Avocados Broccoli Peas Green apples Green grapes Limes Kiwifruit Green beans Lettuce Cabbage Celery Cucumber Green capsicum
Orange/Yellow:
Just like their vibrant colour, foods that occur naturally in shades of orange and yellow let your eyes see the world in all its vivid beauty. The Carotenoids present in these foods are a rich source of Vitamin A that helps maintain a healthy eyesight and prevents cataracts.
Foods that belong to this category: Carrots Rockmelon Lemons Sweet potato Pumpkin Pineapples Mangoes Corn Oranges Squash Peaches Nectarines Apricots Grapefruit
White:
Sometimes no colour could be a good thing. White foods contain the phytochemical allicin. Allicin is known to protect against certain cancers as well as decrease blood pressure.
Foods that belong to this category: Garlic Scallions Onions Leeks Armed with this handy list, start cooking your own rainbow of dishes using our fabulous range of Eat Water products.
