Eat the Rainbow: Blue, Purple and Black to keep you on track!
This Wellness Wednesday we are continuing our series on Eating the Rainbow. Today we’re talking about the incredible nutrients found in foods displaying the beautiful hues of: Blue, Purple, and even some that seem “Black” to the human eye! Blue and Purple foods get their gorgeous hues from an important plant compound called anthocyanins (remember this one from our Red foods blog?). Anthocyanins in concentration, give these foods their deep color. These plant compounds act as strong antioxidants, protecting cells from damage and helping to encourage cell turnover, which is when fresh new cells are created. In addition to the antioxidants, many Black/Plue/purple foods like blackberries contain Vitamin C, magnesium, folate, potassium and other trace minerals.
Here are some Blue/Purple/Black foods that are packed with these powerhouse nutrients:
Berries (blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries, huckleberries, marionberries), cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, figs, grapes, purple kale, olives, plums, purple potatoes, prunes, raisins and black and purple rice.
So, next time you’re in the produce aisle and a beautiful hue of Purple, Blue or even Black catches your eye – don’t hesitate to snag a color and indulge in the delicious rainbow of nutrients!