Beat SAD With These Bright-Colored Foods
To brighten your meals and to fill your nutrient recommendations, it is important to include lots of colorful, whole foods in your diet. It may sound silly, but the more colorful and unprocessed your meal is, the more health benefits it provides. Eating nutritious foods can also boost your mood and regulate your body. We compiled a list of bright, nutritious foods for you to enjoy during the fall and winter, when SAD hits hard. These foods may not treat the disorder but the nutritional benefits will leave you feeling healthy and happy.
Assorted Peppers
Whether you choose red, orange, yellow, green, or purple peppers, all of the varieties are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, which will carry oxygen to your blood cells and prevent anemia.
Berries
There's a reason why we praise blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. These fruits are rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which are antioxidants associate with a healthy heart and brain.
Green Vegetables
Think spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, which are high in vitamin C and a substance called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has been shown to kill cancer cells and keep healthy cells healthy. The vitamin C content will strengthen the immune system, keeping your healthy during the cold and flu months.
Orange Carrots and Sweet Potatoes
You know that orange vegetables are high in beta carotene and vitamin A, which improve vision. Carrots and sweet potatoes are also beneficial for the youthful structure of skin, mucous membranes, and skeletal tissue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Red Beets and Cabbage
Bring on the antioxidants! Red cabbage and beets are red because of anthocyanins, which prevent cell damage in the body. They are also high in potassium, which can reduce high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Red Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in fiber and lycopene, which has been linked to preventing prostate cancer. This fruit is also high in folate, potassium, and vitamin C, so create a healthy pairing of tomato sauce and zucchini noodles.
Salmon
The bright red color of wild caught salmon is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which are currently being studied as a possible treatment for depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are the healthy fats found in cold water fish, flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts, and some other foods.