Eating & Living the Rainbow

Written by Jennifer Levitan C.H.N.C. & Rebecca Mullins R.H.N.
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Summer is here and our world is full of vibrant colour once again!
For optimal health, we need to eat a rainbow of nutrients and colours. The variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemical in fruits and vegetables have enormous benefit.
Most people aren’t getting the range of colourful food that they need. According to a 2009 phytonutrient report (based on data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys), 8 out of 10 people in the US are falling short in virtually every color category of phytonutrients.  88% are falling short in purple and blue phytonutrients, 86% are falling short in white phytonutrients and 69% are falling short in green phytonutrients.
In addition to food, I will also share some of the benefits of including them in your life in a holistic way!  The information presented includes colors as it applies to light, clothing, as well as food. This is not an extensive list nor does it include specific nutritional information. Obviously wearing a red shirt isn’t going to get you any lycopenes, but it is definitely stimulating and exciting! 

Red
The most physical and sensual of the colors, vibrates the most slowly and has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum. Red is stimulating, hot, and exciting; it is associated with vitality, strength, passion and willpower.

Red stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It can be used to treat anemia, colds, low blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weakness and depression. It helps one feel present and grounded. Use red when feeling run down, to improve athletic performance, and when quick energy bursts are required. A study done on athletes at the University of Texas indicated that viewing red light increased strength by 13.5 percent and produced 5.8 percent more electrical muscle activity.

When red is present in food, it often denotes ripeness or sweetness, as well as the presence of lycopenes, quercetin, and Vitamin C. Because red is so energizing, it should be avoided in decorating eating areas, as it makes diners feel hurried. In packaging, however, red is attention getting and highly visible, so you'll find it often on supermarket shelves.
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Red is an energetic frequency found to stimulate physicality. Red fruits and vegetables promote health of the adreanals, gonads, colon, legs and red blood cells. Red fruits and vegetables also contain powerful phyto-chemicals such as lycopene and anthocyanins which are essential for the circulatory system. 

Examples of Red Foods
Cayenne
Cherries
Cranberries
Dulse (seaweed)
Goji Berries
Guava
Hibiscus Flowers
Kidney beans
Pink beans
Pink Grapefruit
Pomegranite
Radishes

Red apples
Red Cabbages
Red Corn
Red Currants
Red Peppers
Red Plums
Red Tomatoes
Rhubarb
Rose Hips
Strawberries
Watermelon 

May your week be full of Joyfull RED Foods! :)
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~ Joyfully Yours,
Jennifer