Color Me Healthy

by Diane Lofshult

Food experts often recommend including colorful fruits and veggies in everyday meals to add both visual interest and more healthy foods. Here is a breakdown—by color and health benefits—of the best of the crop:

Yellow/Orange. Cantaloupe, carrots, corn, grapefruit, oranges, sweet potatoes and winter squash all improve the immune system, vision and heart health.

Blue/Purple. Blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, grapes and plums maintain urinary tract function and help with memory retention.

Red. Apples, red peppers, strawberries and tomatoes also promote memory function and urinary tract health.

Green. Broccoli, green beans, (dark) lettuce and spinach ensure strong bones and teeth and good vision.

Source: Reader’s Digest, 2004.