People are always encouraging us to eat our greens, but we should really not be forgetting about the whole rainbow. It’s important to make your plate as colorful as that is where you will find the most variety of vitamins and minerals. This variety is especially good for your brain and gut microbiome which improves your overall health.
Eating Like the Dinosaurs
There are many benefits to eating a colorful plate of food. A Harvard study says that colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients which give plants rich color and distinctive taste and smell. When we eat such plant foods, the phytonutrients protect us from chronic diseases with their anti cancer and heart disease effects. Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart says that incorporating different plant products on a weekly basis improves your brain health.
There are many important organs in our bodies, but our gut has been considered our second brain because it communicates and affects so many aspects of our being. The gut microbiome alone breaks down complex foods, regulates appetite, plays a role in balancing the immune system and is thought to regulate mood and anxiety levels.
Don’t Dish the Color Theory
Each color in the rainbow has an important chemical that improves your overall health. Give each color the time of day and try incorporating some new foods. Red foods such as strawberries, beets and tomatoes have agents that protect against cancer and heart and lung disease. Orange and yellow work together to support intracellular communication. You may find this in bananas, sweet potatoes or carrots.
The most common color we find is green and it is rich in cancer-blocking chemicals. These are our leafy greens, kiwi and broccoli. Blueberries, eggplants and prunes are blue and purple which carry antioxidants which delay cellular agents and block blood clots from forming. Finally white and brown vegetables like the onion family have anti-tumor properties.
The Best Part… It’s Easy
The best part about making your meals colorful it’s that it is simple! You really just need a small portion of about ½ – 1 cup of a color in your meals. Think in twos so you pick two colors for each meal and if it’s easier swap snacks for fruits and veggies throughout the day.
Snack plates have become increasingly more popular because of their ease and nutritional value. They can be as fun or simple as you like and can resemble charcuterie boards. Carrying around carrots or celery sticks make for great snacks that add color to your plate. You may sneak colors in at breakfast in an avocado toast or adding veggies to your morning eggs. Adding colors to your diet is underrated and offers various benefits and nutritional value to your daily life.
Let us know how you sneak colors into your meals @VALLEYmag on X!
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