The Real Reasons A Colorful Plate Is Better For Your Health
As it turns out, eating the rainbow may be more important than you think. That's because getting a variety of colors in your diet is better for your overall health and well-being. As a matter of fact, some of the most colorful and vibrant foods actually contain the most nutrients. According to Healthline, colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, which give them their colorful hues. These phytonutrients, however, are also linked to specific nutrients and health benefits.
That's why it's important to consume foods that come in a variety of different colors. Eating an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables can increase your overall intake of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all of which can help benefit different aspects of your health. Because of this, experts recommended eating at least two to three different colored fruits and vegetables with each meal and at least one to two with every snack.
Benefits of eating a colorful plate
Eating dark red foods, like pomegranates, can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to Penn Medicine. That's because pomegranates are full of antioxidants, which can help ward off disease-carrying free radicals. In fact, research has shown that drinking just one cup of pomegranate juice can help reduce the risk of developing high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
It's also important to consume dark leafy greens, like Kale. As it turns out, kale is loaded with protein, alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients can help promote bone and eye health, immunity, and digestion. In addition, vibrant orange and yellow foods, like butternut squash and spaghetti squash, are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as folate, potassium, and vitamins B6 and K. Not only are these squashes low in calories, but they can also help strengthen your immune system, which can help prevent you from catching a cold or getting the flu.