You probably have been told many times to eat your greens, but when was the last time you were told to eat your reds, oranges, yellows and blues? By adding  reds, oranges, greens, yellows, and blues to your meals you help to provide yourself with a healthy well balanced meal. Colorful vegetables and fruit contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals that your body needs to promote health. The following colors show which essential nurishment it contains:

Reds
Deep reds or bright pinks to your daily diet are powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene is found in tomatoes, red and pink grapefruit, watermelon, papaya and guava. Diets rich in lycopene are being studied for their ability to fight heart disease and some cancers.

 

Greens
Green vegetables are rich in the phytochemicals that help to keep you healthy. Also the lutein and zeaxanthin that are found in spinach, collards, kale and broccoli have antioxidant properties and posibly help protect your eyes by keeping your retina strong. Vegetables like cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale may reduce the risk of cancerous tumors

Orange / Yellow
Orange vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes, mangos, carrots, and apricots, contain beta-carotene. Carotenoid is a natural antioxidant and may enhance the immune system. Orange is also rich in Vitamin C Folate and is a B vitamin that may help  reduce your risk of heart disease.

 

Blue adds flavonoids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Blueberries, in particular, are rich in Vitamin C and folic acid and high in fiber and potassium.