Colorfood Fruits and Vegetables, Phytochemicals and Their Benefits:

Sources: The American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Color: Yellow/Orange

• Phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, bioflavonoids

• Benefits: Boosts immune system; improves vision health; reduces risk of cancer and heart attacks; improves skin, bones, teeth; helps with ovulation regularity

• Found in: Carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin, butternut squash, cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, peaches, oranges, lemons, tangerines, papaya, nectarines, pineapple, yellow peppers

Color: Red

Color: Red• Phytochemicals: Lycopene, capsanthin, anthocyanins

• Benefits: Reduces risk of heart attack and diabetes; improves circulation and memory function; helps prevent breast, skin and prostate cancer; helps control high blood pressure

• Found in: Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, beets, red apples (with skin), red grapes, red cabbage, red onion, radishes, red peppers, pomegranates

Color: White

• Phytochemicals: Allicin, flavonols

• Benefits: Boosts immune system; helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure; reduces the risk of heart attack; helps prevent cancer cells from spreading

• Found in: garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, ginger, jicama, chives, mushrooms, apples, pears

Color: Green

• Phytochemicals: Chlorophyll, lutein, zeaxanthin, folate

• Benefits: Helps reduce vision impairment and macular degeneration; supports strong bones and teeth; reduces the risk of cancer/tumor growth; improves joints and reduces inflammation; aids in digestive regularity

• Found in: Leafy greens, lettuces, and green vegetables such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, broccoli, peas, Brussel sprouts, bok choy, arugula, Swiss chard, watercress, kiwi, honeydew

Color: Blue/Purple

• Phytochemicals: Anthocyanin, quercetin, phenolics

• Benefits: Reduces the risk of cancer and heart attacks; improves longevity and protects against memory loss/cognitive dysfunction; improves joint movement and reduces inflammation; supports urinary tract health; helps reduce high blood pressure, prevents complications from diabetes

• Found in: Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, prunes, plums, raisins, figs, purple kale, purple cabbage, eggplant

Need a few ideas to get started on your colorful new life? Check out the color-loving recipes below!