Many young people are reluctant to eat their vegetables and other healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. New research indicates that one of the simplest ways to help them overcome this problem is to simply add more colorful foods to their plate.

Doing so may not only help young people eat more nutritious foods. It may also ensure that they are eating a well-rounded diet. The color of fruits and vegetables often denote the nutrients they contain, which is why experts often advise individuals to eat foods of many different colors.

For the present study, researchers from Cornell University showed groups of children and adults pictures of various dishes and asked which they would prefer. While the adults typically chose meals with fewer colors, young people tended to opt for dishes that contained six different colors and seven different items.

The researchers said their findings point to a relatively simple method for getting young people to eat more broccoli, fish and other foods containing high levels of vitamins and minerals. Given the fact that adults tend to have such different ideas about what they find visually appealing, this is an approach they may not have thought of on their own.