Did you know that the colors on your plate can have a major impact on your health? Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Here are some tips on how to boost your health with the colors on your plate:.

Red Foods

Red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, strawberries, and red peppers, contain lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may help protect against heart disease and certain cancers. It also helps to maintain healthy skin.

Beets and red cabbage are also great sources of fiber and vitamin C.

Orange and Yellow Foods

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and yellow peppers, contain beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which is important for healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

Eating these foods may also help lower the risk of certain cancers.

Green Foods

Green fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and aid in digestion.

Green leafy vegetables may also help lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Blue and Purple Foods

Blue and purple fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, blackberries, and purple cabbage, contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease, certain cancers, and age-related cognitive decline.

Eating these foods may also help improve immune function and reduce inflammation.

White Foods

White fruits and vegetables, such as garlic, onions, and cauliflower, contain allicin and quercetin. These compounds may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

White vegetables are also a good source of potassium, which is important for healthy blood pressure.

Adding More Color to Your Plate

Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is important for overall health and wellness. Here are some tips to help you add more color to your plate:.

Choose a variety of colors when shopping for produce
Add berries to your morning oatmeal or yogurt
Use vegetables as the base for stir-frys
Roast colorful vegetables such as beets, sweet potatoes, and peppers for a delicious side dish
Add sliced cucumbers, carrots, and peppers to your sandwiches and wraps