Americans find it a challenge to eat enough blue, purple and black foods, but the benefits of this color of food are plenty!

It’s probably because purple/blue/black foods are a little less available, unlike their neighbors green and orange- so we need to make a conscious effort to eat them every day!

Look for:  berries, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, figs, grapes, kale, olives, plums, potatoes, sweet potatoes, prunes, raisins and rice.

Blue/purple/black foods are really important for protecting the brain from stress damage and improving cognition and memory.  In addition, their benefits include:  anti-cancer, anti-inflammator, cell protection, thinking health, and heart health.

One important phytonutrient that comes from purple foods is called resveratrol.  It promotes healthy aging by decreasing inflammation and blood sugar, and also has positive effects on the cardiovascular system.  Eat grapes, especially the skins and drink some red wine, as this includes reveratol too!

Pterostilbene resembles resveratrol and can be found in blueberries and grapes.  There is some animal research that suggests it helps deter cancer, keeps blood fats like cholesterol and triglycerides low, and may even help with preserving your mind's health (Institute for Functional Medicine, 2015).

Today, I tried sliced, purple sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of nutmeg and salt, baked at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.  I was surprised at the scent of my kitchen- just like the memories of Thanksgiving dinner!  And the taste of these yummy morsels?  Sweet, a little nutty and MMMMMMM…. 

What purple, blue or black foods will you eat that are nuts, veggies, fruits, seeds, teas, legumes or spices to heal your body?