While it is true that colors can give clues about what nutrients are in plant foods, some beneficial nutrients have no color at all.
GAY PRIDE SYMBOL PUMPKIN HOW TO
Not sure how to use eggplant? Find inspiration here: White/tan These blue and purple foods are ripe when their color is its richest.Įxamples: Eggplant (especially the skin), blueberries, blackberries, prunes, plums, and more! Anthocyanins are antioxidants known for promoting heart health and healthy blood pressure. The blue or purple colors of foods like eggplant and blueberries come from a component called anthocyanin. Most green vegetables are also excellent sources of Vitamin K, folic acid, and potassium.Įxamples: Broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, and more!įind new ways to use leafy greens: Blue/Purple Many veggies that are green in color also have compounds called isothiocyanates which help enzymes in the liver clear carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Green plants get their color from chlorophyll.
Remember learning about chlorophyll in science class? This compound is found in all plants and helps convert sunlight into energy. Learn how to make this warm treat with pumpkin.
So, eating your orange fruits and vegetables is important for good eye function and boosts your immune system!Įxamples: Carrots, peaches, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apricots and more! Beta-carotene fights inflammation and is a precursor to Vitamin A – a nutrient critical for eye and immune health. Orange and yellow plant foods are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is responsible for their color. Lycopene is best absorbed from cooked produce so don’t be afraid to grill your tomatoes or saute your peppers.Įxamples: Tomato, red peppers, watermelon, cranberries, and more!Ĭheck out these ideas for utilizing tomatoes: Yellow/Orange This pigment is a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation and has even been associated with lower prostate and breast cancer risk. Red produce contains a pigment called lycopene which gives them their red or pink color. The colors of the food you eat can give you clues about the phytochemicals in the food and what healthy nutrients they provide when you eat them.Ĭheck out this guide to the colorful benefits of your Michigan grown produce:
Substances called phytochemicals found only in plants provide health benefits beyond the vitamins and minerals you may normally think of. But why do the colors of our foods matter? Dietitians even recommend “eating the rainbow” for good health. The same colors of the Pride flag are easy to find in the produce aisle. ( source) These colors symbolize harmony, spirit, life, and more. This flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker to create a unifying symbol of pride for the gay community. It’s Pride month! One of the most commonly used symbols to celebrate LGBT+ diversity is the rainbow and the rainbow flag.