5 Colors a Day--Healthy Kids Concepts

You may want your kids to eat fruits and vegetables because of their many nutrients. On the other hand, the biggest draw for your kids may be the fun array of colors.

That’s one of the premises behind 5 Colors a Day, a great program developed by the nonprofit organization Healthy Kids Concepts. The focus of the program is on teaching children how foods that are red, orange, yellow, green, and blue/purple can help us grow healthy and strong—all while having fun! If you have kids, consider reading this post with them to help them understand the importance of eating their fruits and veggies. You might even learn some things yourself!

Red (Heart, Strength)

Strawberries are shaped like a heart, so use that as a reminder that they protect your heart by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering your blood pressure. Strawberries also keep you strong because they are packed full of vitamins (like vitamin C), fiber, and antioxidants.

When it comes to veggies, red bell peppers are a great choice to help keep you strong. They protect against cell damage and are a good source of folate, fiber, and vitamin K. They also contain vitamin A (which strengthens eyes and fights off infections), vitamin C (which protects against chronic diseases), and vitamin B6 (which helps your brain and immune system). [jcol/]

Green (Life, Energy)

Did you know limes can help with weight management? These little green beauties have no fat or cholesterol and only 20 calories. They help keep your cells and digestive system active, so you have more energy. Limes can also improve skin, both when consumed and when applied to your skin.

Celery can aid in weight loss by calming and soothing your central nervous system. Plus, celery seed is used to treat colds, arthritis, and liver and spleen diseases. And we all know that when we feel good we have more energy. 

Yellow (Defense, Protection)

Bananas contain potassium, which helps protect your heart's rhythm from becoming irregular.

Yellow squash is a great defense against many diseases. This veggie is rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as magnesium, fiber, folate, potassium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. Wow, that's a lot of great vitamins and nutrients your body needs. 

Orange (Comfort, Safety)

Oranges are packed with vitamin C and polyphenols, which keep you safe from chronic diseases and viral infections. In the winter, when colds are more common, I enjoy drinking a glass of orange juice or eating an orange each day.

Carrots aren't my favorite veggie, but they comfort me because I know they're keeping my eyes healthy and making my hair, skin, and nails beautiful and strong. 

Blue/Purple (Brain, Smart)

Blueberries can boost your memory. The deep blue color of blueberries comes from a group of flavonoids called anthocyanins. Anthocynanins can help prevent degenerative diseases, including memory loss. Anthocyanins are also behind the deep pigmentation of purple cabbage, meaning this veggie can also help your brain stay sharp.

What fruits and veggies do you eat? What benefits have you noticed?  

Sources:

• http://www.healthykidsconcepts.org
• http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/nutritional-benefits-of-the-strawberry
• http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-peppers
• http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-health-benefits-of-oranges.html
• http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/5-healthy-facts-about-carrots
• http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-one-banana-day-3316.html
• http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/07/07/6-ways-summer-squash-can-improve-your-   health/
• http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lime.html
• http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-limes-4084.html
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leo-galland-md/blueberries-health-benefits_b_869196.html
• http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrients-purple-cabbage-1160.html