Nature’s Colors

We are used to believing in science. We want the scientific names to come up, because the studies show us the specific compounds that exist within plants. When we look at our bodies and the impacts certain medications have, we trust them — we believe in the medicine we take. Perhaps we have even been made to disbelieve the components that nature gives us. When we hear the name of a plant compound, or when we take a medicine that contains a particular compound to address a disease, we don’t always understand how deeply the plant compound can work in our bodies, or how it can help us move through an ailment, or even something we desire to introduce into our lives.

And yet, this is strange, because it is scientifically very well studied: a lot of the compounds in plants have been identified, and there is a direct connection between the colors of plants and the benefits they provide. These benefits are not just through ingestion, but also through skin absorption and through scent or inhalation. There are multiple ways in which these compounds can enter and support our bodies.

In our modern lives, it is particularly challenging to keep these colors present in our homes — even if we live in the countryside. Fresh plants require constant care: fridges full of greens and fruits, timely usage, and high maintenance because fresh elements spoil quickly. Some plants last longer, but often, when we rely on pre-made or cooked products, the colors and compounds are diminished or removed. Artificial colors or flavors are added instead, meaning we are not using the full potential of the plant. Freezing helps, but it requires space, electricity, and consistent management — if the electricity fails, the plants are lost.

So how can we live in a city, far from nature, and still bring these colors — and the benefits they provide — into our lives? The answer begins with understanding how colors affect our bodies. Colors influence us at multiple levels: from visual perception to ingestion, skin absorption, and inhalation, with impacts that can reach cellular and even genetic levels.

Colors are associated with specific plant compounds that interact with DNA, influence gene expression, and support cellular repair. The effects are profound. We might think that medication or treatments like radiation are the only answers to diseases such as cancer, but studies show that plants can play a protective role. For example, compounds in broccoli and other dark green leafy vegetables have been shown to influence cancer cells, reducing their proliferation or preventing growth.

This is remarkable: certain plants — and even more specifically, certain colors — can protect, energize, calm, or bring clarity. Each color provides different benefits. These compounds have scientific names, and their effects have been measured in research: some support the brain through scent or ingestion, others are absorbed topically and support skin health, while some work systemically when ingested.

Scientific research has identified many of these compounds by name. For example, anthocyanins in blueberries and purple cabbage support antioxidant and DNA-protective effects; betalains in beets provide anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits; sulforaphane in broccoli and kale activates cellular detox pathways; beta-carotene in carrots supports immune and skin health; and allicin in garlic and onions has antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits. Studies published in journals like Food & Function, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and Nutrients have documented these effects, providing robust evidence that plant compounds, linked to their colors, exert real biological impacts.

Plants around us are incredibly powerful. They can influence our reality in subtle and profound ways. When we consume or interact with plants, it is not just about general health; we can choose specific plants and colors for specific needs. Leafy greens support repair and detoxification. Dark reds or blues provide antioxidants and energy. Bright purples or blues can calm, while yellows and oranges can uplift.

The sensory experience also matters. Smell, touch, and sight all contribute to the effects. Even in small apartments in the city, we can bring these colors into our lives. Dried plants or powders retain part of the color, allowing us to experience their benefits even when fresh plants are unavailable. Visual exposure to these colors also supports mental and emotional health.

Different colors have specific effects on the skin as well: some support repair and rejuvenation, while others provide protection or relief. Ingesting, smelling, or visually experiencing these plants allows us to receive the full spectrum of benefits — from cellular and genetic repair to emotional balance and vitality.