During my most recent visit to my acupuncturist, I was having some anxiety issues and we discussed the fact that I should be eating more red foods, which could help some blood related problems I may be having. During my session I was trying to relax and meditate but I couldn't help but think about all the different colors of various foods. During my meditation, I was focusing on the colors and each related chakra. Was there a connection with foods and my energy centers? Did certain foods have qualities that represent bodily functions?
I was ultimately inspired to eat a salad with a food from every color on the rainbow, as well as to consume mass quantities of beets (since my blood stream obviously needed a boost). I started to contemplate how each of these foods serve me naturally and nutritionally. I did a little poking around and here is what I found...below you will find a list of foods from each color of the rainbow. I also tried to relate them to each of our chakras. If you are unfamiliar with these energy centers I recommend watching this video. It helped me understand them a little better. Please note the infinite possibilities of green foods and understand their extremely important role to us as a species who depend on them and the planet as well. I only listed a few of the greens but the list is endless.
By the way, after my acupuncturist suggested beets I have been eating them like crazy. I love them and yes even the greens, which I have juiced before. I experimented with sauteing them in garlic and onions just like collards and made a meal out of them.
Red Foods: are associated with vitamin A or beta-carotene. Red colored foods are known to strengthen the blood, regenerate energy and rebuild the immune system. These are typically foods that are high in antioxidants, and also support heart and memory functions. While the color red represents warmth and energy, it also speaks clearly from our grounding first chakra (The Root Chakra) located at the base of our spine. This is where our primal strengths such as survival and safety originate.
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Red Peppers
- Kidney Beans
Orange Foods: assist in the improvement of blood circulation and digestion. They seem to stimulate the appetite and are super high in antioxidants. Antiviral and antibacterial, orange foods help destroy toxic cells and help repair cellular damage. This is typically found in foods rich in vitamin C, carotenoids (foods with red/yellow pigments) and bioflavonoids(water soluble yellow compounds typically found in citrus fruits). The color Orange represents balance, energy and unity as well as our second chakra (The Spleen Chakra) focusing on creativity and intuitive gut instincts. It also is an important sexual center for women.
- Oranges
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Peaches
- Cantelope
Yellow Foods: are important for the nervous system which is directly related to the digestive system (the liver and the intestines). They contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, help maintain a healthy heart, stregthen the immune system and aid in vision. The color yellow represents the sun, uplifting feelings and warmth. The third chakra (The Solar Plexus) is ultimately personal empowerment, what it is that you are meant to do with self respect.
- Bananas
- Pineapples
- Lemons
- Peppers
- Squash
- Onions
- Corn
Green Foods: are healing foods all the way! They detoxify and cleanse the body using chlorophyll (green pigment found in plants). Green foods balance the body's metabolism and are helpful in the prevention of heart disease and high blood pressure. The color green represents the heart, the color of nature as well as harmony and peace. It just so happens that the fourth chakra (The Heart Chakra), has to do with compassion, empathy, the love of all things natural and above all true healing.
- Limes
- Apples
- Avocados
- Kiwi
- Pear
- Spinach
- Onions
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Beans
- Brussel Sprouts
Blue Foods: help with throat problems, fevers, heart palpitations, inflammations and headaches. They help maintain urinary health and assist in memory function. Asthmatic symptoms can be addressed here. The color blue represents truth and understanding while encouraging exhalation which induces relaxation and calmness. The fifth chakra (The Throat Center) is the center for communication, as well as having the ability to talk and speak clearly.
- Blueberries
- Blue Potatoes
- Rosemary (Flowers)
Indigo Foods: assist with treatment of eye disorders as well as ear, nose and lungs. Mental disorders included here are schizophrenia, nervous conditions and insomnia. During Color Therapy these disorders are treated with indigo because this color represents focus and visualization. It is calming and soothing and tends to feed spirituality or the quest for inner guidance. The sixth chakra (The Third Eye Center) is open for higher intuition and spiritual guidance meanwhile not being attached to material objects.
- Egglplant
- Endive
- Mushrooms
- Grapes
- Lavender
Violet Foods: stregthen the nervous system by treating pain, epilepsy and healing bones. They are believed to maintain urinary health and memory function. High anxiety is usually addressed with this color which represents knowlege, creativity, spirituality and intuition. The seventh chakra (The Crown Chakra) deals with power and reason, as well having total access to the conscious and the subconscious.
- Purple Cabbage
- Purple Onions
- Raisins
- Plums
- Purple Basil
All this information is available online or at your local bookstore. I have been interested in Color Therapy for a number of years now and this is where I gained insight for this blog. If you would like to research more I recommend visiting your local library, look into local shops or groups and attend related seminars.
