If you’ve heard the phrase “foods of the rainbow” before, you might be wondering what it means. The phrase is actually referring to eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
It’s no secret that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for your health. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults eat at least 2 cups of fruit and 2-1/2 cups of vegetables per day (2).
But what you might not know is that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables go beyond just general good health.
Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be at lower risk for developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes (6).
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. We’ll also provide some tips on how you can add more color to your diet.
Also referred to as the “rainbow diet”, eating the rainbow is a term used to describe consuming foods from each color of the natural spectrum.
The colors of fruits and vegetables indicate clues about their nutrient profiles, so by filling your plate with a variety of hues you’re ensured to get a good mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
Here are examples of 7 colors of the rainbow foods:
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal (6). If you’re aiming to eat the rainbow, that would mean consuming a variety of colors at each meal or throughout the day.
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There are several benefits of eating colorful fruits and vegetables:
Phytonutrients are the naturally occurring chemicals in plants that are responsible for their color.
These nutrients provide health benefits by protecting the plant from pests, disease and damage from UV rays. They can also help protect our cells from damage, reduce inflammation and protect us from chronic disease (7).
Some of the most potent phytonutrients include (7):
While all fruits and vegetables contain some phytonutrients, those with the most vibrant colors tend to be the most nutrient-dense. This is because the pigments that give plants their color are also packed with health-promoting antioxidants and other compounds.
Because they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked with a reduced risk of chronic diseases (1).
For example, studies have shown that consuming more carotenoids is associated with a lower risk of developing cancer, while eating flavonoid-rich foods is linked with better learning, memory, and mood (1).
Additionally, consuming lycopene-rich foods is believed to lower the risk of prostate cancer, while eating cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts) is linked with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (1).
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also associated with a lower risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases (6).
If you’re looking to reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease, aim to fill half of your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables at every meal (6).
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Your immune system is responsible for protecting your body against infections and diseases. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to support your immune system (6).
This is because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help keep your cells healthy and improve their function (6).
For example, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce cell damage and supports immunity, while vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage (6).
Additionally, zinc is a mineral that’s essential for immune function, and copper also helps support the function of immune cells (8).
One of the factors that influence the health of your gut is the diversity of the microbes that live there. These microbes play an important role in digesting food, producing vitamins and protecting against harmful bacteria.
Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a more diverse gut microbiome. This is thought to be due to the fact that fruits and vegetables contain fiber and other nutrients that support gut health (6).
Additionally, eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer.
Fruits and vegetables with soluble fiber, such as oranges, apples and carrots, are particularly good for gut health. This is because soluble fiber is fermented in the gut by friendly bacteria and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can then be used by human gut cells for energy (5).
Those with insoluble fiber, such as leafy greens and beans, are also beneficial for gut health. This is because they help add bulk to stool and promote regular bowel movements (5).
If you’re looking to lose weight, fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. This is because they’re low in calories and packed with fiber, which is a nutrient that helps promote satiety (4).
Additionally, studies have shown that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of obesity (1).
Inflammation is a process that helps protect your body against infection and disease. However, chronic inflammation is associated with a number of health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers (7).
Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to reduce inflammation. This is because they’re packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that help fight inflammation.
For example, vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that help reduce cell damage and inflammation. Additionally, carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
The nutrients in fruits and vegetables also benefit your skin. For example, vitamin C is essential for collagen production and helps protect your skin against damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays (3).
Additionally, vitamin A is important for skin health and may help keep your skin looking youthful. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, can also be beneficial for skin health (3).
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One of the best ways to consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is to eat a rainbow a day. This means filling your plate with foods that are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and white.
Here are some meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, snacktime, and dinner based on the rainbow diet:
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Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet is easy and delicious! Not only do they provide numerous health benefits, but they also add beauty and flavor to your meals. So start filling your plate with the colors of the rainbow today to reap the benefits of a healthy diet!
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