Introduction: Nutritionists advise people to eat as many colorful foods as possible to better prevent diseases and maintain health. The bright colors of fruits and vegetables also indicate the different nutrients they contain. According to the US MSN Health website, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently recommended eating orange foods at least twice a week and consuming more dark-colored foods to prevent aging and age-related diseases.
Orange foods boost immunity. Orange foods typically contain alpha and beta-carotene, which the human body can convert into vitamin A, thereby protecting the health of the eyes, bones, and immune system. Orange foods are also rich in antioxidants, which can reduce the harm caused by air pollution to the human body, eliminate free radicals that cause diseases, and prevent various diseases.
Recommended foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew, mango, papaya, pumpkin, and citrus fruits.
Kiwi Papaya Smoothie
In addition to eating orange foods twice a week, different colored fruits and vegetables also have different nutritional values.
Yellow and green foods prevent blindness. Yellow and green vegetables are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can prevent age-related macular degeneration, a condition that often leads to blindness in the elderly. Additionally, green leafy vegetables are also rich in healthy beta-carotene.
Recommended foods: Corn, lettuce, romaine lettuce, endive, zucchini, green beans, beets, kale, mustard greens, and radishes.
Corn and Carrot Pork Bone Soup
Blue, red, and purple foods protect the heart and brain. The antioxidants in blue, purple, and red fruits and vegetables can maintain heart health and normal brain function. Anthocyanins, which give fruits and vegetables their blue and purple colors, can help keep the mind sharp. The ruby-red hue of tomatoes comes from lycopene, which helps prevent prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.
Recommended foods: Tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant, plums, grapes, strawberries, and purple cabbage.
In addition, cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, cauliflower, and cabbage, can effectively prevent cancer and should be eaten regularly.
Cold-dressed Purple Cabbage