Eating a rainbow of colorful foods allows our bodies to absorb nutrients from a variety of foods. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, legumes, and nuts are composed of thousands of different phytonutrients that serve an array of functions in the human body. As we strive for balance in food colors and recognize when certain colors may be imbalanced regarding food intake, we can boost our overall health and well-being!

Red—Immune system: Red-colored foods tend to be high in vitamin C, which supports adrenal health and immunity. Red-colored foods, such as tomatoes, strawberries, and red beets, have also been shown to be anti-inflammatory.

Orange—Reproductive health: Eating orange-colored foods abundant in carotenoids like beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin may help lower the risk of reproductive issues like endometriosis or even delay ovarian decline. Carotenoids are also found within the ovaries and the sperm to support fertility.

Yellow—Digestion: Eating too many of the processed yellow foods, like breads, baked goods, and processed cereals from, can extinguish our digestive fire and increase our risk for metabolic syndrome and even type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, eating acidic, warming, yellow foods, like lemons, ginger, and grapefruit, can help us burn brightly and rev our metabolism.

Green—Cardiovascular health: Green foods like leafy greens are rich in nutrients such as folate, vitamin K, and naturally-occurring nitrates that make them healing and expansive for the heart and blood vessels.

Blue-Green—Thyroid health: Blue-green foods like algae, sea plants, and even spirulina contain minerals such as iodine and selenium, which nourish and support the function of the thyroid gland.

Blue-Purple—Cognition and mood: Blue-purple foods like berries and grapes have been shown to help with better brain function like learning and memory, as well as improving mood and calmness.