The Top Five Colored Produce Picks

Choosing from a rainbow of colors in produce is amazing for good health. Find out the top picks for your colored produce...

Variety is the spice of life, and as it relates to food it means much more than having different foods every day or every so often. It also refers to the colors we eat. Getting a variety of colorful produce in our diet can have an important positive impact on our overall health. So, what are the best options in each color group? While there are no losers produce – all fruits and vegetables are beneficial- there are clear winners. Here are the top winners in five colors.

Blue: Blueberries - Blueberries are delicious, and consumption of blueberries may aid in prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, blueberries boost immune function. Choosing frozen isn’t a bad thing as they may be just as good or better (and easier on the pocketbook!) as their fresh counterparts.

Green: Watercress – Watercress, is in the cruciferous family, and is a powerful green. It contains lutein for eye health, iodine for metabolism, and is high in chlorophyll, which is great for our blood. Watercress also contains a number of antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Orange: Sweet potatoes - Sweet potatoes are special not only because of their naturally sweet taste, but they are packed with nutrients; namely calcium, potassium, copper, niacin, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Red: Strawberries - Strawberries are bursting with nutrients; they are high in antioxidants, anthocyanin, polyphenols, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and potassium. Health benefits associated with strawberries include: decreased risk of stroke and cancer, lowering blood pressure and alleviating symptoms of allergies and asthma. Still want more… strawberries are being studied for their potential role in preventing age-related memory loss.

White: Popcorn – While not technically in the produce section, pop corn is a whole grain that is a delicious, low-calorie snack that has been shown to contain more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. And it’s packed with fiber.

Even if you don’t choose these top colorful picks, SupermarketGuru encourages you to choose vibrant colored produce and include it in every meal.