When discussing the health of purple foods, stay away from artificially colored purple foods. Blue and red food coloring, used to make purple, might cause allergies and possibly even cancer, although more research is needed. The purple foods you want to add to your diet are fruits and vegetables. Naturally purple foods contain a number of nutrients, although purple foods are not necessarily healthier than any other. Create meals with a rainbow of colors so you can obtain as many nutrients as possible.
Purple
Purple fruits and vegetables are similar in health benefits to blue ones. They both get their color from anthocyanin antioxidants. This antioxidant is thought to prevent heart disease, cancer and stroke, as well as boost your memory. Obtain anthocyanin in grapes, blueberries, eggplant, blackberries, plums, figs and prunes. Purple varieties also might have anti-aging properties and improve the health of your urinary tract.
Red
Lycopene and anthocyanins are antioxidants that create the color in red fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are thought to cause cancer and other diseases. Red produce might also improve your eyes, heart and immune system. Lycopene provides the hue of watermelon, pink grapefruit and tomatoes, whereas anthocyanins color raspberries, red grapes and strawberries.
Orange
Foods with an orange or yellow hue contain carotenoids. Beta-carotene is one type, which turns into vitamin A that you need for your eyes and mucous membranes. This is found in carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Foods with carotenoids are thought to lower your chances of developing heart disease and cancer, as well as strengthen your immune system. Include plenty of orange fruits and vegetables in your diet, including pineapple, peaches, cantaloupe, butternut squash and papaya.
Green
Green pigment is created by different components, depending on the fruit or vegetables. The pigment of many types comes from chlorophyll. Green leafy vegetables, peas, cucumber, celery and green peppers have lutein, which is important for your eye health. Lutein partners with zeaxanthin from red peppers, oranges, egg yolks, corn or grapes, so combining colors can help you pair them up. Green leafy vegetables and broccoli also provide your body with folate.
White
White fruits and vegetables contain anthoxanthins, another type of antioxidant. They also might have allicin, a chemical that seems to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as prevent heart disease and stomach cancer. Obtain these nutrients by eating bananas, potatoes, turnips, ginger, garlic and onions.
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