A pop of color goes a long way - from brightening up a room, to completing an outfit, to making a dinner plate more appealing. Color helps elevate our mood and refreshes our perspective, but in the context of a meal, color can also mean that we’re about to do something great for our bodies. Eating a colorful diet of fruits and veggies is one of the greatest gifts we can give our kiddo’s immune systems and contribute to their longterm health.
Color in fruits and vegetables come largely from their phytonutrients, or ‘plant nutrients’, within. Each color belongs to a different type of phytonutrient, provides phenomenal antioxidant support, and relates to different key aspects of our health. One fun and easy way to explain this concept is to encourage your kids to "Eat a Rainbow!"
Red (think strawberries, red peppers, and tomatoes) contain a phytonutrient called lycopene, which helps support your eye health, heart health, and also protect against cell-damaging free radicals.
Orange and yellow (think oranges, peaches, and sweet potatoes) contain carotenoids, which may boost your immune system, eye and skin health, and also help with hormone production.
Green (think spinach, avocado, and brussels sprouts) contain chlorophyll, which can increase energy levels, heart health, and cellular health.
Purple and blue (think plums, blueberries, and eggplant) contain anthocyanin, which may lower inflammation, while encouraging brain and heart health.
White and beige (think onion, cauliflower, and bananas) contain anthoxanthin, which may protect against cell damage, prevent inflammation, and increase bone and heart health.
Check out my Eat a Rainbow downloadable PDF - print it out and put it on the fridge to help your kids grasp the concept. OR for my overachievers, laminate it and use it as a placemat at meal time!
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