You’ve probably heard once or twice that you should eat the rainbow, but is there really a benefit to having a colorful plate? Other than just making your meal more aesthetically pleasing, a wide variety of hues on your plate can help you consume natural sources of several antioxidants, all of which perform different functions in the body. Check out how you can truly benefit from an Instagram-worthy dish.
Fruits and vegetables get their vibrant hues from a variety of phytonutrients, which are naturally occurring chemicals that offer many benefits for the body. They act as antioxidants, eliminating free radicals that could otherwise damage cells. There are various types of phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and more, and it’s important to consume a balanced diet rich in all types.
Looking for more ways to improve your health? Schedule an appointment with your Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group primary care physician to discuss easy ways to add more balance to your diet, how to get the most out of your exercise plan, and what you can do to manage chronic conditions.
Sources:
Heart Matters | Should you eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables?
Harvard Health Publishing | Add color to your diet for good nutrition
Healthline | Lycopene: Health Benefits and Top Food Sources
Healthline | Phytonutrients
Medical News Today | What are the benefits of chlorophyll?
NCBI | Health Benefits of Anthocyanins and Their Encapsulation for Potential Use in Food Systems: A Review.
VeryWell Health | The Benefits of Anthocyanins
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