🌱 Did you know that only 1 in 10 adults gets the recommended daily amounts of fruits and veggies? It’s time for us to improve that! But why is it important to eat the rainbow and focus on a variety of colors? 
 
The vibrant colors in fruits and vegetables come from phytochemicals, natural compounds that provide unique health benefits and give the plant its taste, color, and smell. Each color group contains different phytonutrients, which work together to provide a broad spectrum of health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved digestion, and enhanced immune function.
 
When you eat a variety of colors, you’re giving your body a diverse range of these nutrients, kind of like taking a natural multivitamin from your food. 🍓🥬🥝🍇🍅🍊
 
🩺 Beyond that, fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your immune system, promote digestion, and reduce the risk of health challenges. The more different kinds you eat, the larger the variety of benefits you get!
 
🌶️ Red: Red fruits and veggies are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart-protective properties and potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers, as well as vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and supports collagen production.*
 
  • 🍅 Tomatoes, watermelon, and red peppers: The lycopene in these beauties may be anti-inflammatory* and support heart health. 
 
  • 🍓 Berries and pomegranates: Studies suggest that anthocyanins in these fruits can improve cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
 
🧡 Orange and yellow (carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges): These colors are high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support eye health, immune function, and skin vitality.
 
  • 🥕Orange carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, they also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, known to benefit eye health. 
 
  • 🍊Oranges: They provide massive amounts of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that benefit heart health. 
 
  • 🍠Yams/orange sweet potatoes: Their beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A is vital for healthy vision, supporting your immune system, and promoting skin health
 
Copyright Nancy Wimmer