Have you ever wondered why all these fruits and veggies come in different colours ? It is because they all contain different healing compounds that gives them these beautiful rainbow colours.
Red Group ( Tomato, Pink Grapefruit, Watermelon)
This group contains ‘lycopene’ a powerful antioxidant that gives them that bright red colour. It helps rip the body of free radicals that damage genes. It is linked with protecting the heart and protection against certain types of cancers.
Yellow/Green Group (Spinach, Avocado, Honeydew Mellon, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Green Peas)
These group contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are types of carotenoids (plant pigments). These compounds ,although sound uninteresting, are linked to reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration(vision loss common among people over 50).
Orange Group (Carrots, Mango, Apricots, Cantaloupes, Pumpkin, Acorn Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Potatoes)
Their colour comes from alpha-carotene which is protective against cancer and beta-carotene that is a precursor to Vitamin A. They are also antioxidants. Vitamin A is linked to eye health and low light vision.
Orange/Yellow Group (Pineapple, Orange Juice, Oranges, Tangerines, Peaches, Papayas, Nectarines)
Cryptothanxin is the key substance for this group, and it helps the cells in the body to communicate. And Cells are no different to people. Communication is essential for any functional relationship.
Red/Purple Group (Beets, Eggplant, Purple Grapes, Red Wine, Prunes, Cranberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Red Apples)
Another powerful antioxidant called anthocyanins are responsible for this bright red, purple, blue colour. Colour isn’t the only thing anthocyanin brings our lives; it also protects against heart disease by preventing blood clots, delays aging on a cellular level and could even slow the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Green Group (Broccoli,Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Bok Choi, Kale)
This group wards off cancer by inhibiting carcinogens. Green colour comes from phytochemicals such as sulforaphane, isocyanates and indoles. They are also known to be detoxifying.
White/Green Group (Leeks, Scallions, Garlic, Onions, Celery, Pears, White Wine, Endive, Chives)
Allicin, found in the onion family, has strong anti-tumour and immune boosting properties. Other members of the group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.
Every group has their own specialties and there is not one superfood to rule them all. As Strive Fitness, we implement for ourselves a well-diverse nutrition plan that has all the colours of the rainbow. It feels good to keep our plate colourful as well as our lives.
Disclaimer: This article does not contain any medical advice, please consult your GP or physician for suitability of these information.
Sources:
1) https://www.naturaleyecare.com/nutrients/carotenoids/alpha-carotene.asp
2) https://thechalkboardmag.com/best-nutrient-dense-foods
3) Dr Mark Hyman, 'Why Should We Eat The Rainbow?' https://www.instagram.com/p/CXb4vjMvuvo/?utm_medium=copy_link
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