Multi-coloured plant foods don't just look good on your plate; they're good for you as well, because each colour relates to different phytonutrients, each with specific health benefits. Here's how:
Red/Purple: These foods all contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by inhibiting clot formation.
They include:
Aubergine, Beetroot, Berries (blackberries, blueberries, redcurrants etc), Cherries, Chillies, Plums, Prunes, Purple or red grapes, Red apples (with skin), Red cabbage, Red pears (with skin), Red peppers, Strawberries
Red: The foods in this list are high in lycopene, which has a protective effect against cancer.
They include:
Guavas, Pink grapefruits , Pink grapefruit juice, Salsa, Tomatoes, Watermelons
Orange: These foods are rich in beta-carotene, which boosts eye and skin health and may decrease your risk of developing certain cancers.
They include:
Apricots, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Mangoes, Pumpkins, Sweet potatoes
Orange/Yellow: These foods all contain beta-cryptoxanthin, a powerful cell-protecting antioxidant.
They include:
Oranges, Papaya, Peaches, Pineapples
Yellow/green: These foods are good sources of eye-friendly lutein and xeazanthin, both of which help fight cataracts and macular degeneration.
They include:
Avocado, Cucumbers, Green beans, Green peppers, Kiwifruit, Mustard greens, Peas, Romaine or cos lettuce, Spinach, Sweet corn, Yellow peppers
Green: These foods are rich in detoxifying sulforaphane, isothiocyanates and indoles, which play a key role in stimulating cancer-fighting liver enzymes.
They include:
Broccoli,Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Sprouting broccoli
White/Green: These foods offer multiple health benefits. Garlic and onions are a rich source of tumor-fighting allicin, mushrooms contain other disease-battling chemicals, and the rest contain powerful cell-protecting flavanoids.
They include:
Asparagus, Celery, Chives, Garlic, Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions
