Eat organic and eat the rainbow

Eating the rainbow

Eating all colours of fruit and veg ensures the widest variety of phytonutrients necessary for optimum health. 

Because the colour of a given fruit or veg is often derived from a given nutrient present in its abundance within it, the brighter the colour of a given produce, the higher its health-giving properties.

For example, green fruits and vegetables (like avocado, kale, spinach, asparagus) are high in vitamins K, B, and E; yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (like citrus fruits, squash, carrots) are abundant in vitamins C and A, whilst purple ones (like red cabbage, red grapes, figs) are high in vitamins C, K and flavonoids. 

Several studies have shown that the wider the variety of phytonutrients we consume, the better our nutritional status and thus protection from the disease-states and complaints of the 21^st century, let alone recovery from those already experienced. 

Not only do these colours indicate the most dense nutritional value of specific nutrients, they resonate with and nourish various energy centres (called chakras) that deliver energy to organs and systems within the body.

The Soil Association says ‘organic’ means working with nature

Going organic

While eating organic food may be seen as more costly or a ‘nice to have’ food choice, it’s actually more costly to our wellbeing and our environment, not to have it.

According to the Soil Association, ‘organic’ means working with nature. The Soil Association ‘organic’ stamp authorises a manufacturer to label their food as such.

It means higher levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides, no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers and more environmentally sustainable management of the land and natural environment, which means more wildlife.’ 

In scientific literature, several of the chemicals used in animal husbandry as well as in the fertilisers have been linked to disease and ill-health when combined.

Organic produce contains fewer chemicals and its nutritional value has also been shown to be superior to that produced on a large scale, non-sustainable, chemically saturated agricultural fashion. 

If eating organic feels unaffordable, eat smart by eating less food overall and prioritising organic foods as much as you can. Your body and the planet will thank you for it.

This self-care health hack is from Superfied expert nutritional therapist Beata Rachowiecka

Research:
Fruit and vegetable consumption and health outcomes: an umbrella review of observational studies
Human health implications of organic food and organic agriculture

To find out more, read our ‘Rethink your wellbeing’ guide