The Benefits of Eating the Rainbow

Wellness Society
Oct 8, 2019
2 min read

You may have heard the phrase "eat the rainbow" before—and not just in a Skittles commercial.... the phrase is often used to get others—especially children—to incorporate more fruits and veggies in their diets. Seem impossible? I'm here to tell you it is NOT. If I can get my picky 7 year old to ASK for kale in his smoothie, you can eat the rainbow and get your kids to also. Sometimes we just have to be sneaky!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Get all the colors of the rainbow into your diet every day 🍉 for optimal health!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Fruit and vegetables fall into five different color categories:

red
purple/blue
orange/yellow
green
white/brown

Each color carries its own set of unique disease fighting chemicals called phytochemicals. These phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables their vibrant color and of course some of their healthy properties.

Eating a diet high in fruits and veggies contributes to gut health which factors into our overall health! Inflammation within our gut can cause a host of unwanted health symptoms, from fatigue and chronic constipation to irregular periods. A few changes to our diet and lifestyle, just might be the key to unlocking our gut health and controlling these symptoms that are brought on by inflammation caused by the foods we eat.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🍎🍓🌶🍅🍒 Red fruits and vegetable are colored by a natural plant pigment called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of cancer and keep our heart healthy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The plant pigment anthocyanin is what gives 🍇🍆 purple and blue fruits and vegetables their distinctive color. Anthocyanin also has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and can help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🍊🍠🌽🍑 Carotenoids give the group of orange and yellow fruits and vegetables their vibrant color. A well-known carotenoid called Betacarotene is found in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots. It is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Another carotenoid called lutein is stored in the eye and has been found to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

🍏🍐 Green fruits and vegetables contain a range of phytochemicals including carotenoids, indoles and saponins, all of which have anti-cancer properties. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are also excellent sources of folate.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

🍌White and brown fruits and vegetables contain a range of health-promoting phytochemicals such as allicin (found in garlic) which is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. ⠀⠀

Can you do it? YES you can!! Create a meal plan, don't grocery shop hungry, order for delivery or pick up to reduce impulse buys and try new things!

Eating these foods has been linked to reduced inflammation in the body. These foods also contribute to gut health in a positive way.