What does the color of fruits and vegetables indicate about their health benefits?

The color of fruits and vegetables is a key indicator of their nutritional profile, particularly their antioxidant content. Vibrant colors such as red, blue, purple, orange, and green often signify the presence of specific phytonutrients and antioxidants, which play a crucial role in promoting health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

For example, fruits like blueberries and red cabbage are rich in flavonoids, while orange and yellow fruits and vegetables often contain carotenoids. These compounds exhibit a wide range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, as well as the potential to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Therefore, the assertion that the color of fruits and vegetables correlates with higher antioxidant content highlights the importance of eating a colorful variety of produce to maximize health benefits. This focus on antioxidants is more significant than factors like sugar content, vitamin levels, or calorie counts, which do not have the same direct relationship to color as antioxidant presence does.