March is National Nutrition Month, as designated by the American Dietetic Association. This year’s theme focuses on eating a festive and nutritious array of colorful and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies. Find out which colors you should add to your plate ““ and the best dietary sources of each.
RED: Foods with a deep, rich red color contain antioxidants and other nutrients that may promote cardiovascular, vision and immune health. Red fruits and veggies include grapes, red grapefruit, watermelon, cherries, cranberries, red onions, red peppers and tomatoes.
GREEN: Green fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants to help protect overall health. Add these popular green foods to your plate: avocados, grapes, kiwis, limes, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, green peppers and leafy greens such as kale and spinach.
ORANGE/YELLOW: Want to support eye health? Eat more orange and yellow! Look for deeply colored hues, such as those found in apricots, grapefruits, peaches, mangoes, pineapples, carrots, yellow peppers and sweet potatoes.
PURPLE/BLUE: Foods with a purple or blue pigment may promote brain and urinary tract health. These foods include blackberries, blueberries, raisins, plums and eggplant.
In honor of National Nutrition Month, turn your plate into a palette by eating a diverse assortment of these brightly colored fruits and veggies! Share your meal ideas here.