A recent study in Britain of 2000 adults found that 25% are happy eating boring-looking beige food. That select group will purposefully avoid foods that are blue, purple or black. Shockingly, 20% will never touch green food. If only they knew that eating colourful foods can have a positive affect on one’s mood. Almost half of the people interviewed admitted that they ate too much beige food even though they were aware of colourful food’s health benefits.
Fruits and vegetables provide us with the most colourful foods, giving us the vitamins and antioxidants that we require. These foods contain phytonutrients, which aid in strengthening the immune system of plants. These phytonutrients, in turn, bolster our immune systems and help us fight things like cancer, hypertension, and heart disease. Kale, spinach and watercress, top the list of the most nutrient-dense foods. Red peppers, broccoli, blueberries, tomatoes, kiwi and raspberries follow closely.
“Eating all the colours of the rainbow is not only good for your body,” says chef Sophie Wright, “but it’s good for the soul and, we should all try to include as many colours on our plate and in our kitchens as possible.” So consider replacing those bland foods with reds, greens, yellows and blues and watch your body become more resilient and your mood more cheerful.