Colors of well-being (2024)

Every category of fruits and vegetable presents different characteristics. In order to take advantage from each one of them, it is recommended to eat some of every color.

Red, yellow-orange, green, blue-purple and white are the 5 identifying colors, determined by a variety of different natural pigments. Let’s find out together how to classify the colors and their characteristics.

Red fruits have several features: cherries are depurative and detoxifying, while the vitamin C contained in strawberries contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Red oranges are also part of this group. Theyhelp our body absorb the iron contained in the food we eat thanks to the ascorbic acid. Pomegranates, on the other hand, have strong natural antibacterial power. Last but not least, the watermelon: not only a fresh summer fruit, but also a powerful ally against tiredness thanks to its mineral salts.

Among red vegetables we find tomatoes, helpful to keep the cholesterol on a low level, radishes that depurate and calm us, and red onions with antioxidant and diuretic functions. Red beet and chili pepper are respectively antioxidant and stimulate our metabolism. When eaten raw, tomatoes and peppers also contain vitamin C that contributes to the normal function of bones, cartilage, gums, skin, teeth and immune system.

Within this group we have apricots, whose vitamin A takes care of the growth of our bones, tangerines, rich in fibre and particularly helpful for the wellbeing of the bowel, and melons, full of beta-carotene and able to fight free radicals. Lastly we find peaches and bananas, both sources of potassium, regulators of the arterial pressure and high in energy.

The yellow-orange vegetables are all rich in vitamin A. Carrots are the one responsible for our eyes' health while pumpkins preserve the integrity of skin and mucous membranes. Finally, thanks to both vitamin A and C peppers are a powerful antioxidant.

Among the fruits of this color we find plums, well known for their laxative effect due to their fibres, while black grape and raspberries are powerful antioxidants. Figs are highly recommended for people who are looking for an energy boost before their training because they contain high levels of sugar. Finally, we havecurrant and blueberry: the first one prevents capillary fragility while the second one takes care of both our circulatory system and eyes.

Part of this vegetables group is theeggplant, full of water that helps cleanse our body, and theradicchio, rich in potassium and an 'ally' of both the nervous and muscular system. Last but not least, the purple carrot is a low-calorie food and is an ideal mid-day snack.

The white group includes 3 different fruits. Firstly, there are pears and coconuts: both rich in potassium but with two different effects. Pears stimulate calcium absorption from the food we eat, while coconuts have a diuretic effect. Then, we have apples that contain pectin, a substance that keeps cholesterol and blood glucose on normal levels.

Among the vegetables of this color we find cauliflowers, rich in fibers and 'friends' of our gastrointestinal system, fennels, extremely important because of their digestive and anti-inflammatory power, and white onions that are diuretic. In this group there are also: cabbage, helpful to cleanse our body, celery that is helps our liver, kidneys and airways, garlic, that prevents coronary diseases, and leek, known for its diuretic and purifying action.