Rainbow Diet

"The Rainbow Diet" was founded by Dr. Eric Braverman and his wife Dasha. It is based on the premise of incorporating all the colors of the rainbow into the foods that make up the diet. The focus of this diet is to promote overall good health with a holistic slant.

Orange and yellow foods typically contain carotenoids, which contain more antioxidants and help defend against cancers, as well as helping the body produce more white blood cells and boost immunity. Foods that are blue, purple and red can help protect against damage to tendons, cartilage, ligaments and blood vessels as well as against cancers. Specifically:

Red – Represented by tomatoes, red grapefruit, watermelon, cherries, etc. which contain vitamin C and can maintain the elasticity of the skin, prevent cancers, heart disease and is anti-aging. Red pepper helps burn fat.

Lycopene found in tomatoes and watermelon is known to be a defense against prostate cancer and heart disease.

Orange - Represented by carrot, orange, pumpkin, etc. Carotene and vitamin C promote metabolism, prevent constipation, skin and colorectal cancers. Vitamin A and beta carotene found in carrots can help protect skin health.

Yellow - Represented by corn, yellow pepper, grapefruit and lemon. They can fight against free radicals, help fat metabolism, absorb the harmful rays, protect the retina to prevent vision loss, help fat metabolism.

Lemon contains antioxidant selenium, which is known to help reduce cancer risk.

The spice turmeric is often used as a heart tonic, digestive aid, and for the healing of wounds and is also believed to help protect against Alzheimer's disease.

Green – Represented by lettuce, spinach, broccoli, celery, cucumber, green peppers, kiwi, etc. The greens contain chlorophyll, which is a detoxification agent known to help protect against cancers. Chlorophyll can also help lower cholesterol, prevent arteriosclerosis and protect blood vessels.

 

Leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and broccoli contain high levels of carotenoids, iron and vitamin B-12.

Spinach contain lutein for the retina in our eyes and iron for blood formation. Green grapes contain phytochemicals that help defend against cancer, heart disease, nerve disease, Alzheimer's and viral infection.

Kiwis are believed to help in the reduction of clotting in the blood and reducing fat in the blood that blocks arteries.

Dill, basil, and tarragon are spices believed to help prevent cancer, reduce intestinal gas and promote the production of estrogen.

Blue – Represented by blueberries which contain anthocyanins. Its antioxidant capacity can fight against free radicals and is anti-aging. And anthocyanins can help alleviate eye fatigue and enhance vision power.

Purple – Represented by purple broccoli, grapes, eggplant. These also contain a large number of anthocyanins which are antioxidants and can prevent heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

Further to these colors, you may also add black and white colors to your diet.

Black - Represented by black sesame seeds, which are an extremely good source of calcium. One gram of seeds contains approximately 85 milligrams of calcium. Black sesame seeds also have high amounts of protein, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. They are also used to help patients recover from serious illnesses and fevers, treat constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Some practitioners recommend using black sesame seeds with polygonum to keep a person's hair looking rich and dark.

White - Represented by garlic which besides other functions (please refer to previous article), contains allicin that can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and tofu which is a good source of protein.