Jakarta –
Fruit and the vegetables we usually consume can be distinguished by their color. It turns out that this color also has meaning and benefits for body health. This is what it means!
Fruit and vegetables are indeed foods that are rich in nutrients and other vitamins. This food is also the healthiest and safest choice to consume every day. Usually fruits and vegetables can be distinguished by their characteristic color pigments.
It turns out that the color of fruit is not only a sign, but also has a meaning behind it. This color also shows the various benefits contained in fruit and vegetables.
So, what do each color of fruit and vegetables mean for maintaining overall body health? Summarizing theconversation.com (25/11), this is what it means:
1. Red fruit and vegetables
One of the red fruits is strawberries. The red color is produced from phytonutrients in the form of carotenoids which have anti-oxidant properties. Photo: iStock
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Red fruits and vegetables are packed with phytonutrients called carotenoids. This substance is contained in cherry tomatoes, apples, watermelon, and strawberries.
Not only do they provide color, carotenoids also contain antioxidants which function to ward off free radicals. Free radicals are known as molecules that can damage proteins, cell membranes and DNA in the body.
By consuming red fruit and vegetables containing these carotenoids, the antioxidant content in them can clean and stabilize free radicals and prevent cell damage in the body.
2. Orange fruit and vegetables
There are also fruits and vegetables that have orange pigment. This color also contains carotenoids but is slightly different from red vegetables. In orange fruit and vegetables, the carotenoids are alpha and beta carotene and curcuminoids.
Alpha and beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A in the body which functions to maintain eye health. Vitamin A also has antioxidants that can target free radicals that accumulate around cell membranes, so it can also reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Orange-colored fruits and vegetables that can be consumed include carrots, mandarin oranges, pumpkins and apricots.