Purple and blue foods promote relaxation and antioxidants

Purple and blue foods like blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, eggplants and even South Africa’s indigenous rooibos tea are rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants. These compounds fight free radicals, which are responsible for ageing and chronic diseases like cancer.

These foods also promote relaxation and mental clarity, making them ideal for today’s high-stress lifestyle.

In a country where stress and mental health challenges are on the rise, incorporating more purple and blue foods into your diet can help you unwind while supporting your overall health.

Yellow foods feed your brain and mood

Yellow foods like bananas, pineapples, lemons and yellow peppers are vibrant and full of life. But they’re also rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and serotonin-boosting compounds.

These foods are particularly good for brain health, improving focus, memory and mood.

Why the colour coding of food matters

Understanding the colour coding of food means you don’t need to decipher the complicated scientific names on food labels.

Many processed ingredients are industrialised materials posing as food, and they’re contributing to the rise of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and even cancer .In South Africa, the call for transparency in food labelling has been growing louder.

Organisations like the HEALA, Heart and Stroke Foundation SA and Diabetes South Africa are advocating for clearer labels to help consumers make healthier choices.

But until that happens, you can rely on the natural simplicity of food colours as your guiding system to well-being.

How to eat a rainbow every day

Here’s how you can incorporate a variety of colours into your diet:

1. Snack smart: Swap chips and sweets for colourful fruits like oranges and apples.

2. Balance your plate: When preparing meals, aim for at least three different colours on your plate.

3. Try local superfoods: South Africa is rich in natural produce. Think of indigenous foods like amadumbe (a root vegetable) or morogo (wild spinach).

4. Drink your colours: Blend smoothies using a mix of greens, berries and citrus for a nutrient-packed drink.

Eating by colour isn’t just about adding visual appeal to your meals; it’s about tuning into what your body needs.

The colours of food are nature’s way of guiding us towards balance, health and vitality. Eating by colour offers a simple, accessible way to improve your diet and reduce the risk of chronic illness.

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Taste the spectrum: how food colours can boost your well-being