What does research say about fruits and vegetables that have different colors?
Why Are Fruits and Vegetables So Many Different Colors? Each color in fruits and vegetables is caused by specific phytonutrients, which are natural chemicals that help protect plants from germs, bugs, the sun’s harmful rays, and other threats. And each color indicates an abundance of specific nutrients.
Why should you eat fruits and vegetables of different Colours?
Fruits and vegetables get their coloration from phytochemicals, natural bioactive compounds which, in addition to giving many fruits and veggies their eye-catching hues, also promote good health. In fact, the most vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are the richest in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Does the color of a vegetable matter?
The answer is clear—color totally matters. The colors of produce come from the phytochemicals in plants reflecting light on the visible spectrum. This gives fruits and vegetables their color and provides health benefits that work together with the vitamins, minerals, and fiber of the food.
What are the five color groups of fruits and vegetables?
Different colours give different health benefits. Vegetables can be divided into five main colour groups – red, orange/yellow, white/brown, green, and blue/purple.
Which color of vegetables strengthen the immune system?
Green veggies are most nutrient- dense when consumed raw or lightly cooked. Dark blues and purples – such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes are full of polyphenols, specifically anthocyanidins.
Can you eat a rainbow?
There are five different colour categories for fruits and vegetables with their own unique set of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colour. Eating a rainbow of coloured fruits and vegetables can ensure you receive a variety of nutrients.
Why should we eat more fruits and vegetables?
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check.
Why do fruits have Colours?
They also found that plants whose fruits reflected ultraviolet light also tended to have UV-reflecting leaves, suggesting that fruit color is at least partly a response to environmental factors that affect the whole plant — such as protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
What fruits and vegetables are blue?
7 Delicious Blue Fruits with Powerful Health Benefits
- Blueberries. Blueberries are tasty and packed with nutrients.
- Blackberries. Blackberries are sweet and nutritious dark-blue berries that offer several health benefits.
- Elderberries. Share on Pinterest.
- Concord grapes.
- Black currants.
- Damson plums.
- Blue tomatoes.
What vegetables come in 3 or more colors?
On your plate, asparagus may come in three colors: green, white or purple. In the garden, green and white asparagus are the same plant; the difference being that the white varieties are blanched to look that way artificially.
What should I look for when buying fruits and vegetables?
If fruits and vegetables are canned, dried, or frozen, use the Nutrition Facts label to check the calories, the nutrient content, added salt (sodium), and sugar. Use the percent Daily Value (% DV) to determine how much dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, are in the food you select; 5% DV or less is low and 20% DV or more is high.
Where can I find more information about fruits and vegetables?
Visit fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org for more details. Become a Label Reader! One caution about buying packaged (canned, dried, or frozen) fruits and vegetables is they may contain added sugars, saturated fats, or sodium—ingredients you may need to limit.
Why is it important to eat fruits and vegetables?
Fruits and Veggies: More Matters 1 Balance is Key. People who eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help lower their risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types 2 Become a Label Reader! 3 Tips for Eating More Fruits & Veggies.
How can I make sure I eat enough fruits and vegetables?
Make sure at least half of your plate is full of fruits and veggies. Choose fruits and veggies as quick snacks. Try something new. You can find fresh choices at a farm stand or farmers market. Vary your veggies.