There’s no question that eating three to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily will improve your health. But more and more experts are saying that healthy eating is not only about how many servings of healthy food you eat, it’s about the variety you pick, too. This involves incorporating a rainbow diet plan.
Did you know that each colour of your fruit and vegetable adds different nutrients that are beneficial to your body? By allowing yourself access to more colourful foods, you’ll be providing your body with the essential nourishment it needs.
So, let’s talk about the Rainbow Diet, shall we? Mentioned below are a wide choice of healthy foods available in the colours of the rainbow along with their benefits to your health.
Red: Pigments called anthocyanins give red fruits and vegetables their colour and serve as powerful antioxidants in your body. Eating more pomegranates, red peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons will help you:
* Protect yourself from certain cancers
* Improve your skin quality
* Reduce the risk of diabetes
* Reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes
Orange and Yellow: The rainbow diet consists of orange and yellow foods which are packed with carotenoids, the plant pigment responsible for their lively color. Eating more carrots, lemons, mangoes, oranges, and sweet potatoes will help you:
* Boost your immune system
* Protect your vision
* Reduce the intensity of sunburn
* Develop and maintain healthier joints
Green: Leafy greens should be a regular part of your diet as they are a good source of calcium. Vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts are high in vitamin A. Other green foods, like kiwis and green bell peppers are great sources of vitamin C. Adding more green foods to your diet will:
* Detoxify your body
* Aid in tissue healing
* Reduce the risk of cancer
* Provide important digestive enzymes
Blue and Purple: Blue and purple fruits and vegetables are rich in phytonutrients, including anthocyanins and resveratrol. Foods like blackberries, plums, blueberries, red cabbage and eggplant will help you:
* Fight inflammation
* Keep your urinary tract healthy
* Lower the risk of age-related memory loss
White: Although not technically a colour of the rainbow, white veggies and fruits provide a range of health benefits and should also be part of your healthy diet. Eating more bananas, cauliflower, garlic, potatoes, and onions will:
* Balance your hormones
* Reduce blood pressure
* Lower your cholesterol
* Keep your bones strong
There you have it! The Rainbow Diet meal plan and how it’s beneficial to your body. Just by remembering to “eat a rainbow,” you can increase your intake of nutrients and healthy food components.
Happy and healthy eating to you!
Feature image credits:
Source: smilecreatesyou.blogpost.com
