Put a Little Yellow on Your Plate for Healthy Variety
By Tom Herrin
When looking for that item that is healthy but a little different from the norm, people may end up searching the shelves of the markets for that just right thing. There are plenty of things that may be added, but let’s face it: most people are somewhat creatures of habit. They may vary the menu, but they tend to have the same foods on it in different dishes. Sometimes it can be best to go outside of the box in order to find just the right thing to enhance their diet. Yellow vegetables, which includes the orange shades such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes, can add a whole new perspective to a diet.
They May Really Help the Eyes
For years, people have heard that carrots are good for the eyes. Not only is that why no one sees rabbits with glasses but some studies on humans have shown some interesting things. In one study, women who ate a diet of cooked carrots for six weeks showed marked improvement in their response to darkness. Carrots have considerable amounts of Vitamin A along with several other things that seem to help the cause.
They May Boost the Immune System
It is always good to look for foods that can provide a boost to the immune system. Sweet potatoes contain glutathione, which is known to remove toxins from the body and thereby help the immune system to do its job more efficiently. Pumpkins contain large amounts of Vitamin C. With these the antioxidants available to the body through these foods, they appear to be of some help in fighting some cancers.
They Have a Unique Taste
Yellow vegetables often have a very different taste. It is very different from that of most other foods. Yellow squash, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes -- to name a few -- all have a flavor unlike just about anything else. I love sweet potatoes baked with butter. I like yellow squash baked, boiled, or fried. I generally stay away from fried foods but make an exception with yellow squash. Add in the fact that many yellow vegetables are really low in calories and not starchy like the white vegetables (such as potatoes and pasta), and they make a wonderful food for a healthy menu. Some of these foods seem to be more common in the south, but they can be found just about anywhere. Your family is sure to appreciate the change.
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