Fruits and Vegetables are the original fast food. They are packed with fiber, nutrients, and color. In fact, the different colors represent different nutrients and health benefits. Scientist link low fruit and vegetable intake as among the top ten risk factors attributable to early mortality. The world health organization states that up to 2.7 million lives could be saved annually with sufficient fruit and vegetable consumption.
There are many known benefits to eating vegetables, and science is discovering more all the time. But did you know there are spiritual lessons we can learn from the colors found in nature? The colors are reminders of God’s love every time we eat of them.
THE GOSPEL IN COLORS
Red
Tomatoes, berries, and peppers, contain Lycopene, Anthocyanin, Ellagic Acid, and Flavonoids like Quercetin, and Hesperidin. The well-known health benefits of these substances found in the deep red pigment of red foods is the reduction of prostate cancer; lowering risks of heart disease; support for the body’s joints; and the scavenging of harmful free radicals!
Red reminds us of the blood of Christ and the great sacrifice that purifies our carnal heart. It is the power that prevents the cancer of sin that would destroy the cells of our “spiritual man.”
Orange/ Yellow:
Carrots, yams, squash, and oranges contain Carotenoid pigments like Zeaxanthin and lutein, as well as other dark antioxidant pigments called Flavonoids. They also contain Vitamin C and potassium. The bright orange pigment helps reduce age-related macular degeneration (age-related blurry vision), and fights harmful free radicals that cause aging and cancer. If consumed twice per week these fruits and vegetables may reduce risks of glaucoma!
These colors remind us of the work of the Holy Spirit (a bright orange fire) that fights the spiritual free radicals that are against the pure and undefiled gospel. The Holy Spirit reduces spiritual glaucoma as it gives us eyesalve and spiritual discernment.
White
Cauliflower, pears, bananas, coconuts, garlic, and onions—these fruits and vegetables contain EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), SDG (secoisolariciresinol digulcoside), and other phytoestrogen antioxidants called lignans, which provide powerful immune boosting activity by activating the natural-killer cells B and T-cells. These immune fighter cells reduce the risk of many cancers. They also help to balance hormone levels, which may reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers and chronic metabolic disorders.
White represents purity. It reminds us of the purity of the gospel and its power to make the character pure. It represents a strong spiritual immune system by activating the immune system against the cancer of sin, hatred, gossip, wrongdoing, and apostasy.
Green
Wheatgrass, kale, spinach, cabbage, alfalfa sprouts, and avocados contain a host of minerals like: calcium, folate, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene (Vitamin A), chlorophyll, lutein, zeaxanthin, and antioxidants like glucosinolate. These reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure, normalize digestion, support retinal health, and reduce risk of cataracts and arthritis.
In a spiritual sense, the color green in the Bible is often used in reference to the herbs and trees. It reminds us of God’s power to sustain life. Green is also a symbol of faith and trust. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river” Jeremiah 17:7.
Faith and trust in God help us digest and assimilate the word of God, which supports our spiritual strength and eyesight.
Purple/ Blue
Berries, pomegranates, grapes, elderberries, eggplants, and prunes contain Anthocyanins, carotenoid pigments, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, fiber, Flavonoids, Ellagic Acid, and Quercetin. All of these assist in protecting brain cells against Alzheimer’s and other oxidative-related diseases. They support retinal health, lower cholesterol, boost the immune system, and improve calcium and general mineral absorption.
Purple and blue are the colors of royalty, and remind us of God’s royal character. Purple is obtained by mixing red and blue. Red is the color of self-sacrifice, and blue is the color of obedience (Numbers 4:7). By blending our obedience to the law of God and our faith in Christ’s righteousness, we are transformed into royalty. As royal sons and daughters, we receive the “mind of Christ” which protects us from spiritual Alzheimer’s, which can cause one not to remember the Sabbath or the other Commandments of God.
The next time you are planning a meal, remember to include various colorful vegetables and fruits and remember all of God’s colorful blessings!