Powerful Colors Provide Major Benefits

By: Ali Schulze, Director of Healthy Living at the YMCA of Greater Dayton

According to a Harvard Medical Blog, phytonutrients have potent anti-cancer and anti-heart disease effects. Phytonutrients are what give fruits and vegetables their color, taste and aromas. Additional research suggests that food patterns which include fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and may be protective against certain types of cancers. Check out how the colorful plants can impact your health.

Blue and purple – delay cellular aging and help the heart by blocking the formation of blood clots. Blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, Concord grapes, raisins, eggplant, figs, prunes, lavender, purple cabbage

Green – rich in cancer blocking chemicals.  Spinach, avocado, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, kale, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kiwi fruit, collard greens, green tea, green herbs.

Orange and yellow – supports intracellular communications and may help prevent heart disease. Carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, oranges, bananas, pineapple, tangerines, mangos, pumpkin, apricot, winter squash, peaches, cantaloup.

White and brown – anti-tumor properties. Onions, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, parsnips, daikon radish, mushrooms

Red – protects against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease.  Strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cherries, apples, beets, watermelon, red grapes, red peppers, red onions.