Seeing More Yellow at Meals Could Mean Healthier Food
By Tom Herrin
Not to pick on anyone, but some people seem to feel that once they have added some green to a meal, it is complete. While green is important and can be good, there are more colors in the food spectrum than one or two. Having a colorful meal is considered a sign of a healthy one. It seems that is true. When looking to fulfill that instruction, finding something in yellow can add its own twist to meals. It is unfortunate that many people seem to have forgotten that they even exist. Not only are they there, but they come in a lot of different types. Most of the variations of yellow, such as orange, are still considered to be yellow because they contain many of the same nutrients.
They May Be Good for the Heart
Heart problems are a major health issue in the country today. Many people lack enough exercise and/or have poor eating habits. Many yellow vegetables can help to lower bad cholesterol because they contain soluble fibers. They are also low in fats themselves. Vitamins A, C, K, beta carotene, magnesium, and several others add various nutrients including many that are antioxidants.
They May Be Low in Calories
Yellow squash contains only about 36 calories each with about seven grams of carbohydrates. This is quite a contrast to the starchy foods like potatoes and white rice. People can eat just about all they want of these without wrecking their weight management plan. These foods also pose little or no threat to someone with blood sugar concerns. Many fast food restaurants now offer sweet potatoes in some fried or baked form as an alternative to tater tots or fries. They are certainly a healthier choice.
They Taste Good
At our house, we sometimes get a little tired of the same old things. Even when we try, it is easy to fall back into a rut. Yellow vegetables offer a different flavor when added to a meal. I enjoy baked sweet potatoes with butter. Yellow peppers are great in fajitas. My favorite, however, is yellow squash. It can be eaten baked, boiled, or fried. It is about the only food I ever eat fried. When we have had a garden, yellow squash was always easy to grow and really good fresh. It actually goes well in a salad, too. Find something yellow and give it try. Your family may find it a welcome change.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.