Red: Rich in the carotenoid lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals that seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease.
- Found in: strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cherries, apples, beets, watermelon, red grapes, red peppers, and red onion.
Orange and Yellow: Provide beta cryptothanxin, which supports intracellular communication and may help prevent heart disease.
- Found in: carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, oranges, bananas, pineapple, tangerines, mangoes, pumpkins, apricots, winter squash (butternut squash), peaches, cantaloupe, corn
Green: These foods are rich in cancer-blocking chemicals like sulforaphane, isocyanate, and indoles- which inhibit the action of carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds).
- Found in: spinach, avocados, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, alfa sprouts, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kiwi fruits, collard greens, green tea, green herbs (mint, rosemary, safe, thyme, and basil).
Blue and Purple: Have powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to delay cellular aging and help the heart by clocking the formation of blood clots.
- Found in: blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, concord grapes, raisins, eggplant, plums, figs, prunes, lavender, purple cabbage.
White and Brown: The onion family contains allicin, which has anti-tumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.
- Found in: onions, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, parsnips, daikon radish, mushrooms.