Colour psychology refers to the usage of four base colours according to the European colour system. In addition to black and white as the neutral colours, the base colours also include the chromatic colours red, yellow, green, and blue. Red stimulates and increases appetite. Orange improves mood and possible thyroid function. Yellow increases concentration and possibly treats arthritis. Green is a calming color and promotes healthy metabolism. Everyone carries a colour or two splendidly.
Colors influence our emotions, mood, and behavior. It has been scientifically proved that different colors have psychological and physiological effects on people. Therefore, selecting the right colors in our house, office, school, playground, movie theatre, hospital environments have a significant impact on the experience of people. In a hospital setting the choice of colors can influence patients’ perception of their experience and their overall well-being. For example, some specific colors that can affect patients’ mental and emotional health.
Sky and ocean are blue colour. Technically, the short wavelengths that scatter across the sky relate to the colours blue and violet, making the real colour of the sky a bluish purple. However, the cone cells in our eyes which are photoreceptor cells that are in the retina of the eye which are responsible for color vision as well as eye color sensitivity that detect colour aren’t very sensitive to violet, so we see the sky as blue. Colors are the smiles of nature.
Color is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and even influence physiological reactions. Certain colors have been associated with physiological changes, including increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.
Smokers and people with diabetes or heart disease have fewer blood vessels in their skin, and so skin would appear less rosy. The preference for more golden or ‘yellow-toned’ skin as healthier might be explained by the ‘carotenoid pigments’ that we get from the fruit and vegetables in our diet.
Do you know that subconsciously, colour affects all our senses and colours have an important effect on our appetite and the food we choose – they can make us feel hungry, sad, happy, relaxed, or energetic.
Red fruits have several features: cherries are purifying and detoxifying, while the vitamin C contained in strawberries contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Red oranges are also part of this group. They help our body absorb the iron contained in the food we eat. Pomegranates, on the other hand, have strong natural antibacterial power. The watermelon not only a fresh summer fruit, but also a powerful fruit against tiredness thanks to its mineral salts.
Psychologist Andrew J. Elliot tested to see if the color of a person’s clothing could make them appear more sexually appealing. He found heterosexual men and women dressed in red were significantly more likely to attract romantic attention than women dressed in any other color.
Among red vegetables we find tomatoes, helpful to keep the cholesterol on a low level, radishes that depurate and calm us, and red onions with antioxidant and diuretic functions. Red beet and chili pepper are respectively antioxidant and stimulate our metabolism. When eaten raw, tomatoes and peppers also contain vitamin C that contributes to the normal function of bones, cartilage, gums, skin, teeth, and immune system.
Yellow fruits and vegetables consist of apricots, whose vitamin A takes care of the growth of our bones, tangerines, rich in fibre and particularly helpful for the wellbeing of the bowel, and melons, full of beta-carotene and able to fight free radicals. We have peaches and bananas, both are sources of potassium, regulators of the arterial pressure and high in energy. The yellow-orange vegetables are all rich in vitamin A. Carrots are the one responsible for our eyes’ health while pumpkins preserve the integrity of skin and mucous membranes. Finally, thanks to both vitamin A and C peppers are a powerful antioxidant.
Green colored kiwis are full of vitamin C which are important for the correct function of the immune system, while grapes have an energetic effect due to the fructose and the glucose they contain. Green apple is a friend of our digestion process and thanks to its low calorie count it is a healthy snack. There are many more vegetables belonging to this group, such as broccoli and green salad, filled with antioxidants that help the circulatory system, as well as green leafy vegetables. They contain potassium and water but they both work together to promote diuresis. Equally important, green beans are rich in fibre and fight constipation, while spinach thanks to its folic acid helps us recharge our body.
Blue & purple fruits consist of plums, well known for their laxative effect due to their fibres, while black grape and raspberries are powerful antioxidants. Figs are highly recommended for people who are looking for an energy boost before their training because they contain high levels of sugar. Finally, we have currant and blueberry: the first one prevents capillary fragility while the second one takes care of both our circulatory system and eyes. Part of this vegetables group is the eggplant, full of water that helps cleanse our body, and the radicchio, rich in potassium and an ally of both the nervous and muscular system. The purple carrot is a low-calorie food and is an ideal mid-day snack.
Color can affect how memorable something is, guide attention, evoke emotions, and even influence motor function and performance. Keep in mind that these effects can differ between cultures and contexts. For example, according to Ford Data, France, and Italy Favour Cream Colours, Denmark Likes Black, Ireland opts for Silver. Blue is the most loved color by humans being preferred by more than 35% of world’s population. Love is symbolized by green in Japan, red and purple in China, Korea, Japan, and the USA. Unluckiness is symbolized by red in Republic of Chad, Nigeria, and Germany. Luckiness is symbolized by red in China, Denmark, and Argentina. The traditional bridal color is red in China and white in the USA.
The world around us is full of colours and although different people might prefer a certain hue of colour to others, we all agree that a world in black and white would not be as beautiful as one that offers an array of shades and tones.
