The Blue Effect

Blue has a calming effect. The beach scenery with the rich blue ocean is an enticing invite for a relaxing holiday.

Blue colors:

• slow the pulse
• deepen breathing
• lower body temperature
• cause you to relax

East Japan Railway Co. has spent £100,000 fitting out all 29 stations on the capital's central train loop, the Yamanote Line, with the strong bulbs.

The operators believe they will emit a soothing glow, despite the absence of any scientific proof that the method reduces suicides.

Mizuki Takahashi, a therapist involved with the project, said: "We associate the colour with the sky and the sea.

"It has a calming effect on agitated people, or people obsessed with one particular thing, which in this case is committing suicide." Read on.

White - The Soul Food

White - the language of food. Ice cream, cheese, coconut, mashed potatoes, yogurt, fish and rice are generally served in white china set in white table cloth and napkins by white jacketed wait staff.

White or near white colors are our favourite food colors. Restaurants and cafes in white suggest comfort, good nutrition, cleanliness and wholesomeness.

The next favourite color for diners is brown. Whole grains, bread, tea, beans come in this shade.

Of the opposite scale, blue and black kills the appetite. Can you recall any blue leafy vegetables?

The Physiological Effect of Colors

"Respiratory movements increased during exposure to red light and decreased during blue illumination" Robert Gerald, University of California.

Powerful, dominating, energetic, fiery, exciting, penetrating

Calm, concentrated, patient, passive, waiting, respecting

See if this is correct.

Powerful, dominating, energetic, fiery, exciting, penetrating

Calm, concentrated, patient, passive, waiting, respecting

What do you think? The caution sign works best in blue or red? Did you notice that the red sign seems to 'jump' at you? And the blue sign is 'retreating'.

It is rare to find a Ferrari in blue. It would be odd. In fact Ferrari sells more red models than other colors.