Colorology or color therapy has been used in different ways since ancient times; ancient Egypt had healing temples of light and color, where color was used for healing. Just as color is used as therapy for different conditions, it also plays a preventive role through food. According to Suzy Chiazzari, a leading color therapist and healer, “Studies show that the colours of fruit and vegetables indicate their individual health-promoting benefits……….It is the colour pigments that are the real super nutrients and these are as important to our health as vitamins and minerals”.
Color and Health
According to ayurveda, (the ancient Indian system of medicine) some colors promote good health, and certain diseases are manifestations of a deficiency of a color or colors in the body. The use of these colors as therapy, through the consumption of colored fruits and vegetables, helps to restore the balance in the body. Moreover, each color is not only significant in itself, but also associated with specific organs. Even different shades of a color have different effects.
Color and Food Groups
According to Julie Garden-Robinson, Food and Nutrition Specialist, there are five food groups based on color. Vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes, non-vegetarian food like white fish and chicken, as well as bread and cottage cheese are considered white in color. Red food items include tomatoes, strawberries, sweet potatoes, kidney beans and salmon. Beans, peas, salad leaves, cucumber, spinach and green peppers are the obvious examples of green. Examples of yellow/orange items are sweet lime, papaya, peaches, apricots, oranges, yellow pepper, corn and bananas, while violet/blue/indigo are found in blueberries, blackberries, dates, raisins, blackcurrants and aubergines. The best example of indigo is mulberries.
Benefits of Red, Green and White Colors
The ayurvedic system of medicine recommends the use of different colors for holistic health, both mental and physical. Papers published after different studies and sources like the North Dakota State University and Department of Agriculture US make similar suggestions.
The link between red and blood circulation is evident, so it alleviates circulatory and heart problems, and even paralysis. It is also a positive color and energizer, so it is prescribed for building hemoglobin, energizing the liver and boosting general energy levels. Beetroot is believed to maintain the balance in the body. The effect of color on health extends to non-food items like vessels made of copper. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking water that has been stored in copper jugs, to improve the quality of blood and alleviate constipation.
The complement to red is green, a calming color as opposed to an energizer. Green colored foods are prescribed for nervous conditions, high blood pressure, skin problems, influenza and hay fever. The presence of radium in the color green helps to build muscles and tissues. Many green colored foods like spinach, guava and grapes prevent cardiac problems and prevent cancer, and stimulate the pituitary gland. White is a neutral color, which helps to achieve mental clarity.
Effects of Yellow, Orange, Blue and Violet
Yellow has an effect on the endocrine system and intestines, and strengthens the nervous system. It is a cerebral stimulant because of the cerium it contains, while the carbon content makes it a motor stimulant. It is common knowledge that lemon juice boosts vitality. Yellow is recommended for ailments related to the kidney and liver, throat and eyes and also diabetes.
Orange colored food items contain anti-oxidants, stimulate the respiratory system and thyroid glands and benefit the lungs. The color is beneficial in many other ways by boosting digestion and eliminating toxins, and even alleviating mental problems. It is used to control asthma, fever and gout, and increase the pulse rate. Orange is a complement to blue.
As opposed to red, blue is considered a cool color, so it soothes and alleviates pain, thus proving beneficial in glandular problems, burns and bleeding. Moreover, blue colored foods are beneficial for controlling blood pressure and ensuring healthy eyes, sound sleep and healthy aging.
The complements to yellow are violet and indigo, though the latter is not very common. Violet helps to alleviate nerve conditions and problems related to the skin, head and scalp. Moreover, it even controls mental problems and boosts memory. Indigo is considered a purifying color, as it is related to the pituitary gland. It soothes the nervous system and eyes and ears, and is thus useful in alleviating skin problems, cataract and migraine.
Apart from the individual properties of each color, brightly colored foods like red, green and yellow peppers are rich in antioxidants that boost immunity and neutralize harmful free radicals that cause cell damage.
Naturopaths and alternative medicine practitioners as well as the World Healing Organization prescribe “five a day”, which means eating one item from each of the five groups of colors, in order to consume all the essential nutrients. Moreover, colorful and visually appealing items boost the appetite and aid digestion.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
Color therapy, Colortherapyhealing.com
Suzy Chiazzari, “Are you eating the right colours”? worldwidehealth.com
Color therapy and Ayurveda, vedic-academy.com
Julie Garden-Robinson, What color is your food? Ag.ndsu.edu (North Dakota State university site)
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