You Should Eat More Purple Food
By Sara Butler
It's advised that people "eat the rainbow." That means you should try to eat foods of all different colors in your diet -- and beige doesn't count. Why do you need to eat a variety of colors? To ensure that you get a large assortment of phytonutrients that are contained in foods of different colors. Purple is probably one of the hardest colors of the rainbow to find and eat, but not if you know where to look. Here are some purple foods you should eat more of.
Why is Purple Food Purple?
Anthocyanins are the phytonutrients that make foods purple, blue, and red. These phytonutrients have anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research also suggests that these phytonutrients can help to improve blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and the function of blood vessels to help lower your heart disease risk.
Purple Foods to Put on Your List
Here are a few great purple foods -- a few of them you've probably tried before, too!
- Blueberries - Blueberries may have blue in their name, but if you've ever gotten the juice on your white shirt, you know it's purple. These berries are full of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Some studies have found that blueberries also help to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
- Black rice - Also known as black rice, this rice is similar in nutrition to brown rice. It's a whole grain and is a great high-fiber accompaniment to your meals. Studies also show that eating whole grains can help reduce heart disease and even help reduce your chance of developing some forms of cancer.
- Purple cabbage - Also called red cabbage, this vegetable is in the same family as Brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower. This group of vegetables contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation. Plus, purple cabbage is full of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A to help support healing, vision, blood clotting, and immunity.
- Red grapes - Red grapes contain a special polyphenol in their skin called resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory powers. It's thought to support cognitive function and brain health in some people.
- Purple cauliflower - This has many of the same benefits as red cabbage but also provides almost an entire day's allowance of Vitamin C as well as folate and Vitamin B6.
Remember, when you're advised to eat the rainbow, that means you need to eat the whole rainbow -- so branch out to try some colors you may not normally eat!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Katy, Texas.