Every person needs to eat healthily. A poor diet can lead to disease and a general feeling of malaise. However, many people don’t know how to improve their diet. They hear words like lycopene and carotenoids and have no clue what the person is talking about. They don’t understand antioxidants or probiotics and wonder if they truly need them and why.
One easy way to eat a healthy diet is to consume foods from every color group. Therefore, people are told to eat the rainbow. Different colors mean the foods contain different nutrients. By eating all colors of the rainbow, a person can make certain they are getting a variety of nutrients. This is only one of several benefits, according to supplementrelief.com. Other benefits are outlined below.
Added Appeal
Food that looks pretty on a plate is more appealing. What many people don’t realize is the color of the food serves as a sensory cue for a person’s expectations of how the food or drink will taste. When a chef changes the color of a food or beverage, the diner might assume the taste and flavor have also changed. People who appreciate the color of the food on their plate are more likely to find it appetizing when they try it.
Color as an Indicator of Nutritional Value
The color of food serves as an organic labeling system. It provides information about what nutrients the food contains and what benefits a person might get from consuming foods of that color. By eating a variety of colors, a person can boost their overall health and nutrition.
1. Red Foods
Red foods benefit the brain and circulatory system. They come packed with antioxidants that help fight cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, research shows red foods are of great help in fighting macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness as a person ages. Red foods contain vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals such as calcium and iron. They are also an excellent source of fiber, so a person should try to eat red foods every day.
2. Orange Foods
Orange foods give the immune system a boost. They are an excellent source of carotenoids and can stimulate a person’s appetite. The body takes these carotenoids and turns them into vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for a strong immune system, good vision, and healthy skin. People who eat orange foods also find their energy levels increase and their metabolism is jump-started.
Furthermore, orange foods provide the body with potassium, which is necessary for muscle and nerve health, along with normal blood pressure. Of course, one cannot overlook orange foods as a source of vitamin C. In fact, this is why many people turn to orange juice when they have a cold. They know this is an easy way to get the vitamin C that will help them get past this virus.
3. Yellow Foods
Yellow foods contain antioxidants, just as red foods do, but they have another vital role in the body. These foods help a person’s digestive system. In fact, the digestive tract is responsible for removing many items from the body, including cell debris and bile. Without these foods, the body would find it harder to remove toxins from the body. The same foods help the body metabolize foods that come through the digestive tract while providing essential probiotics that help balance the gut.
4. Green Foods
Humans need green foods for a healthy heart. In fact, eating dark leafy greens several times a week may lower a person’s risk of heart disease by approximately 16 percent, thanks to the polyphenols they contain. Green foods contain nutrients the heart needs to stay healthy. This includes magnesium, folate, and vitamin K. In addition, the consumption of green foods helps to regulate blood pressure. People love that they can eat these foods routinely without weight gain because they are low in calories. They can enjoy a delicious snack or meal without guilt.
5. Purple Foods
Eating purple foods helps boost a person’s mood while enhancing their cognitive abilities. These foods contain anthocyanins which can help them feel calm and relaxed. Purple foods do much more than this, however. Foods of this color are also good for the brain. The brain oversees all muscular activity in the body, along with the activity of other organs. It also helps regulate information taken in through the senses. When a person consumes purple foods regularly, they help the brain carry out these vital activities.
6. White Foods
White is a color of the rainbow, yet many people overlook white foods when talking about eating foods of different colors for better health. People who eat white vegetables find their risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease decreases because these foods are high in fiber and resistant starch. These foods also contain potassium and magnesium, both essential for human health. Don’t overlook garlic when choosing white foods. It contains allicin, which has both anticancer and antimicrobial properties.
The Intensity of the Color
Food that has a very intense color is more likely to have a strong flavor. Foods tend to deepen in color as they ripen. When the color of food is saturated, it sends a signal to the brain that the food is ready to eat.
People who eat a range of colors in their diet find they look and feel better. They also enjoy eating more. When a person eat foods in dark colors, such as brown or gray, they find they have less energy and don’t feel very hungry. If the plate is filled with foods in vibrant colors, however, they look forward to sitting down for a meal.
Furthermore, certain foods stimulate the body to release dopamine into the bloodstream. This chemical enhances the person’s mood, which is why a person should grab an apple or banana when they are feeling down. Not only will their health benefit from eating the apple or banana, but their mood will improve as well. Try it today, as you may be surprised to see how your food choices can make a drastic difference in how you feel.
