Unless you've spent a large part of the past two years completely off the grid without any access to social media—and if that's the case, then bravo; you're probably better for it—you've likely noticed that light pink is the hue that the Instagram generation just can't quit. We snap our Glossier pouches and line up for photos in front of a punchy wall in West Hollywood; I dyed my hair pink last year and have recently felt the itch to do it again. And naturally, as is the destiny of any truly pervasive trend in our aesthetically driven culture, we're even more disposed to post (and consume) pink meals.
The good news is that nutritionally speaking, there's something to be said for seeking out rose-colored foods. "Adding color to your plate not only makes your food look more appealing, but it also mixes up the nutrients you give your body when you change the colors," says Amy Shapiro, a New York City–based nutritionist. "Red or pink foods typically contain lycopene and anthocyanins, both powerful antioxidants that help prevent blindness, prostate cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Many of these foods also have vitamin C, which helps with muscle recovery and can even aid in sleep."
Now, if we're splitting hairs, we can't technically label the food trend Millennial Pink—that calls for a specific shade of bubblegum-mauve, whereas the most nutritious pink foods favor a deeper, more saturated hue. (That's your indication that you're getting more vitamins and nutrients.) But they're Instagram-ready nonetheless, and the healthy options abound. "Foods I would recommend include strawberries, cranberries, watermelon, beets, dragon fruit, red meat, salmon, shrimp, and red grapes," says Shapiro.
From brightening skin to easing digestion, keep reading to learn more about the specific benefits of different pink foods.
