We eat with our eyes, and that's why colorful foods always appeal to our senses. In fact, they actually may add years to our life!

There are no guarantees, of course, but the natural pigments that make our fruits and veggies so bright make them powerhouses when it comes to protecting our bodies from diseases as we age. Research proves that the so-called "good stuff" in our produce rainbow is a compound called a phytonutrient. Basically, that's just an organic part of a plant that's thought to promote good health.

What does this mean for us?

• The red in tomatoes and in cranberries just might be heart-healthy for us and reduce the risk of some cancers, just as antioxidant-rich vegetables like Salad Savoy and dark green leafy greens are also said to do.
  
• Heart-healthy purple fruit like Concord grapes and the blue in blueberries do that, too, while also boosting our brain power.
  
• The yellow in corn has been linked to fighting one of the causes of blindness in the elderly.
  
• We all know that the beta carotene in orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes are good for our eyes, but did you know that they also may reduce cholesterol, making them heart-healthy?