Color Me Red

If you want the most vitamin C from your bell peppers, munch on red ones. A recent study revealed that mature red bell peppers have higher levels of vitamin C compared to green ones. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant vitamin that can reduce arterial aging and boost immune system function. In addition to bell peppers, other super vitamin C sources include orange juice and strawberries.

Aim to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet to help ensure you get a mix of important nutrients and phytochemicals. Generally, brightly colored produce is a good source of flavonoids and carotenoids. Red tomatoes and watermelon are rich in lycopene. Orange, yellow, and green produce -- such as carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens -- contain beta carotene and other antioxidants. Purple grapes and berries are filled with anthocyanins.

Color can affect the nutrients of similar foods. For example, red grapefruit contains more lycopene than white grapefruit. And a new study revealed that red bell peppers are higher in vitamin C, whereas immature green bell peppers are higher in polyphenols. Mix it up to make sure you get all the health benefits that produce has to offer.