Dr. David Orman

Q: How do different colors of fruits and vegetables influence their nutrient profile and healing properties in the body?

A: The color of fruits and vegetables offers more than visual appeal—it reveals their dominant phytonutrients, each with unique health benefits. For example, red foods like tomatoes and watermelon are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces inflammation. Orange and yellow varieties such as carrots, mangoes, and squash are abundant in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which strengthen immunity, protect the skin, and enhance vision. Green foods, from spinach to broccoli, contain chlorophyll, folate, and magnesium, all of which support cellular repair and detoxification.

Purple and blue foods, including blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants, owe their hue to anthocyanins—compounds known for improving brain health and circulation while fighting oxidative stress. White and tan foods, such as garlic, onions, and mushrooms, contain sulfur-based compounds and flavonoids that bolster immune function and act as natural antibacterials. Each color contributes a different energetic vibration and chemical defense system from nature, and when combined, they provide a comprehensive spectrum of nourishment for the body and mind.

From a holistic or Taoist perspective, these colors also resonate with specific organ systems and elements. Green harmonizes the liver and wood element, red nourishes the heart and fire, yellow strengthens the spleen and earth, white supports the lungs and metal, and black or deep purple tones fortify the kidneys and water. Eating a colorful variety each day helps maintain internal balance, ensuring all elements within the body receive their proper nourishment. In essence, color is not only nature’s palette but also her healing code.