Food Colors: Nutrition, Benefits and Examples

Eating a rainbow is a tip that many have surely heard regarding healthy eating, since in this way they will be consuming a plate with a great variety of colored foods.

However, the intention of including varied foods in colors in the different dishes is not only to make them visually attractive, but, in the same way, so that they are healthier for those who consume it.

It is essential to remember that each color of food It indicates an abundance of specific nutrients which is ideal to know.

Why should you eat a rainbow?

Due to the fact that each color of food provides different benefits, the more colorful our dishes are by including vegetables, greens, fruits, among others, that are many colors, the more benefits for good health will be obtained.

Eating a dish with avocado, lettuce, zucchini and cucumber (all green) is not the same as eating a dish that has avocado, eggplant, carrots and potatoes.

Although to get the positive aspects of a colorful dish, it is always essential what they obtain, which is why you should buy food in markets that are responsible for your safety in this aspect.

What does each color of food provide?

It is the phytochemicals present in foods that provide smell and flavor, without leaving aside the color due to its substance. Based on this we can classify foods by color according to what they provide:

red foods

In red foods we frequently find ellagic acid, a source for accelerating metabolism, with a large group of vitamins and antioxidants.

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Strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers and apples are the most popular, which fight free radicals and add better health to the heart and body in general.

orange foods

Among yellow and orange foods we find beta-carotenes, a type of optimal antioxidant that is complemented by their vitamins, especially vitamin A.

Oranges, peaches, carrots, pumpkins, pineapples, among others, positively stimulate the immune system, improve vision and regenerate tissues more quickly.

purple foods

The food group classified by purple and blue color provides resveratrol, which basically protects the urinary system and prevents serious diseases such as heart cancer.

We highlight blackberries, blueberries, plums and eggplants, great for preventing cell aging and regulating blood sugar levels.

Green foods

Green foods are where we can obtain a greater amount of phytonutrients, which additionally provide luteins for health, isoflavones and anti-inflammatory effects.

Spinach, cabbage, basil, avocado, kiwis, cucumbers and many more are ideal for better blood clotting, improving visual health and strengthening bones.

White foods

They are the least colorful foods, although they are included, and due to their flavonoid, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties, they always turn out to be a good complement.

We have onion, garlic, mushrooms, cauliflower, chickpeas, white radishes and potatoes as examples, all excellent for controlling cholesterol and helping the heart to function properly.