COLOR YOUR PLATE

Color your plate with these fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.

Reds: Fruits and vegetables in this color family contain — tomatoes, peppers, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, radishes, beets, pomegranates, radicchio, rhubarb, cherries, cranberries, red apples, and red onions — contain high levels of the antioxidant vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These are important nutrients that boost heart health, lower "bad" cholesterol, maintain normal blood pressure, and fight damage caused by free radicals throughout the body. "

Oranges and yellows: The orange family members — including apricots, squash, pumpkins, orange peppers, sweet potatoes, mangos, peaches, cantaloupe, carrots, and (of course) oranges — are all rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is essential to a healthy immune system and a healthy reproductive system.

Blues, indigos, and violets: foods — including blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, plums, cabbage, prunes, figs, eggplant, purple potatoes, grapes, and purple carrots — contain high amounts of anthocyanins, which fight inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and even boost memory and brainpower.

Blacks and tans: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, this color family — including whole grains, legumes, fruits, mushrooms, olives, chocolate, quinoa, black rice, freekah, beans, and seeds — can add flavor to meals and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Greens: Many fruits and vegetables in the green family — kiwi fruit, avocado, broccoli, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini, kale, fennel, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, edamame, mustard greens, sugar snap peas, herbs, lime, and watercress — are loaded with fiber, and the iron, B-vitamin folate. An added bonus: They are fat-free and very low in calories. Most green vegetables are less than 50 calories per cup.  www.donnacodelljuiceplus.com