You may have heard that yellow foods are good for your health. While this is not the case for every single yellow food out there, most them are certainly ingredients you want to add to your diet. However, how do you know if a yellow food is good for you?
We consider the yellow foods that you want to start adding to your diet. They are all those that offer better nutrition through the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants on offer. We also consider just why they are so good for you. Are you ready to improve your health with a slight diet change or two?
Why Are Yellow Foods So Good?
Yellow foods offer an instant mood boost. This is the case for any bright color food, but there is something about yellow. When people look at yellow, they see happiness and joy. There is a feeling of hope, even when life seems to get you down constantly. The mind will instantly get a boost from happy hormones just by looking at something yellow. Adding the food to your meals, you will find you get an instant positive glow from your meals.
However, it is not all about psychology. After all, you could just have yellow items around your workspace or home for all the benefits, right?
Yellow foods are also mostly full of extra nutrients that you do not get from foods of other colors. The yellow coloring comes from certain healthy vitamins and antioxidants, such as carotenoids or bioflavonoids.
These pigments help to add far more vitamin C to your diet. This is a vitamin that the body cannot make itself and cannot store. You need to get it in your diet daily if you want to keep yourself healthy. Vitamin C is important for so many functions, including boosting the immune system, supporting the vision health, improving digestion, and keeping the heart healthy.
Other nutrients within yellow food also help with the process of wound healing and skin health support. Some studies show the nutrients will also support the strength of the teeth and bones.
One of the biggest benefits of yellow foods is that the coloring is natural. There is no need to add chemicals to your diet. Nature offers the likes of pineapples, lemons, squashes, peppers, bananas, and so much more. By getting more nutrients through natural means, you keep your overall health in check. Your organs do not have to remove the toxins, meaning they can focus on healthy growth.
Do not forget about yellow hers too, which offer other health benefits. They have been used for medical reasons for centuries because of their antiseptic, diuretic, and astringent benefits. While you avoid adding more toxins to your body, you can also help your body remove other toxins. The herbs help with the digestive process, blood flow, and removal of bile from the body.
Yellow foods can also aid in weight loss. You get rid of gas buildup, increase the mood to avoid comfort eating, and eliminate unnecessary calories so your metabolism constantly works to your advantage.
Now that you know all about why yellow foods are so good, it is time to look at the ultimate list. Make sure these yellow foods are on your shopping list the next time you go to the grocery store.
Stock Up on the Sweet Corn
Any corn is going to offer you major benefits for your health, but sweet corn tends to be the easiest to get. Plus, sweet corn offers a certain natural sugar benefit.
Let’s look at corn overall. The bright colored plant is packed with vitamins A and E, along with numerous B vitamins and minerals. It is known to help reduce the risk of colon cancer because of its phytochemicals. The phytochemicals prevent carcinogens infecting the cells within the body, eliminating cancerous changes and developments. If you already have cancerous cells, the phytochemicals can prevent advancements and even repair some of the damage.
The fiber count in corn has also shown benefits for the body. Fiber helps the digestive system work more effectively, meaning more nutrients are absorbed, and constipation is less of a problem. It can also help to reduce symptoms of IBS, Crohn’s disease, and other health problems.
Moreover, you do also have the sweet benefits. There are natural sugars in sweet corn, which can lead to it being slightly higher in calories than most other yellow foods. However, the sweetness will help with weight loss and improve the health. You can help curb the sweet cravings, without adding unnatural sugar to your body. The natural sugars are fiber-filled sugars, which will help to keep your blood sugar levels to a minimum.
Corn can be eaten in a variety of ways. You can add it to your salads cold or throw it into your dishes to cook. Corn on the cob is a fun and healthy dish to add to a BBQ.
Get Squashes that Are in Season
Winter and summer squashes can come in yellow varieties. Butternut squash is one of the most popular, but there are so many other options. It is time to stock up on them for your diet. Get whatever is in season at the time to gain most of the health benefits. The nutrients will be plentiful, and you will get tastier options.
Squashes are packed with vitamins A and C and folate. You will also get plenty of potassium, fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus. Most people look at bananas for their potassium, but squash can contain more of it in a serving. Moreover, yes, potassium is needed by the body, as it helps to keep the organs and tissues in the body working effectively. It is an electrolyte that you will need to add daily.
More importantly, yellow squash is full of manganese, a mineral we often overlook. It is used for improving the strength of the bones, working with the calcium to keep your bone health in order. The manganese will also help your metabolism process carbs and fats to turn them into energy, helping you with your weight loss efforts.
How else will squash help? Well, the vitamin A helps with the tissue development and eye health. The vitamin C helps to support the immune system. Folate will help with the nervous system development.
One of the downsides of squash is that it can be difficult to use in your cooking. It is hard to chop when raw but there is a way around this. Pop it in the microwave or oven and allow it to soften. You can then chop and easily add it to your soups and stews. Butternut squash soup is one of the tastiest fall and winter dishes to make. You will feel warmer and happier when the nights get darker.
Do not Overlook the Yellow Peppers
You have likely seen yellow peppers in the grocery store. While peppers are often called a vegetable, they are a fruit, but that should not stop you from buying them.
All types of peppers are mostly made up of water, which can make them excellent for those trying to lose weight. Yellow peppers are the sweetest of the lot, too. You will feel like you are eating something naughty and help to curb your sweet cravings, which will help you stick to a diet. Since there is so much water, they will help you feel fuller quicker, but they also offer a variety of macro and micronutrients.
One nutrient that you get from yellow peppers that tends to be overlooked is vitamin K. This is necessary for the clotting functioning of the body. It is another vitamin that the body cannot make itself and finds it difficult to store, so you will want to add it to your diet as much as possible. It will make all the difference between healing from wounds and prevent internal bleeding.
Of course, the peppers are also packed with vitamin C. You can protect yourself from disease, improve your skin health, and even boost your energy levels.
Yellow peppers are extremely easy to add to your diet. They can be eaten raw and are exceptionally taste in salads during the summer. When it comes to the winter, try making stuffed peppers, using the yellow peppers as the base. Alternatively, marinate them with some lemon, oregano, and garlic olive oil. You can use them in wraps or make them as a side dish with your roast dinners.
Switch White Potatoes for Yellow Potatoes
Most people will switch white potatoes for sweet potatoes but opt for yellow potatoes instead. They tend to be cheaper than sweet potatoes and come in larger bags instead of paying by the pound or kilo. They are also excellent comfort foods while offering a variety of nutrients.
Potatoes are extremely filling. They tend to get a bad reputation for their carb count, but the carbs are all starchy. They help to add nutrients without increasing the blood sugar levels. At the same time, they will make you feel fuller sooner than other carbs and some proteins! You are less likely to overeat potatoes. However, they are cooked.
Yellow potatoes are full of phosphorus. This helps to protect the cell membrane structure, meaning it is harder to damage them. The mineral will also help to turn more nutrients into energy while aiding with bone mineralization to keep them strong and healthy.
By adding yellow potatoes to the diet, you can also improve the heart health. Potatoes are packed with niacin, which is also known as vitamin B3. It helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body, which improves the blood flow. Your heart does not have to work as hard, and you can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Pantothenic acid is another vitamin you will find plenty of in yellow potatoes. Also known as vitamin B5, the nutrient will help to support the nervous system health and the adrenal function to make sure your body works effectively throughout the day.
One of the downsides of potatoes is that people tend to add a lot of fats and oils to them, especially when roasting them. It is important to cook them in a way that releases all the nutrients without adding extra calories and unhealthy elements. Boiling and mashing are excellent options, and you can always add some yellow herbs for tastier treats with extra health benefits.
Stock Up on Plenty of Yellow Beets and Beans
Beets and beans will be included on most of food lists for a healthy diet. However, you want to get the right type. Yellow beets and beans are extremely good for your health.
Let’s start with the yellow root vegetables, which tend to be sweeter than their red counterparts. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The natural sweetness is backed by the starchy goodness to help keep the blood sugar levels down. By stocking up on sweeter root vegetables, you can help to curb your sugar cravings effectively throughout the day.
The yellow beats are also packed with nutrients to support the kidney health. Your body will be able to remove more toxins, supporting the overall health. You will find your blood pressure drops and chronic fatigue is not as bad.
Yellow root vegetables are packed with plenty of beta-carotene, which is turned into vitamin A in the body. It is this nutrient that helps to support the health of the eye, giving root vegetables the known ability to help you see in the dark! The nutrient can help to slow down aging within the eyes, reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
On top of that, the vitamin A can help to protect against cell damage in the rest of the body. You are less likely to see signs of aging on the skin. Collagen production is supported, helping to reduce the sight of wrinkles and fine lines.
As for yellow beans, you will get plenty of isoflavones and phytosterols. Together, the two can help to block the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the body. Your blood vessels remain healthy, and you can reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardio problems.
There is also plenty of fiber in the legumes. This will help improve the health of your digestive system while improving your weight loss efforts.
Root vegetables and legumes can be used in a variety of ways. You can add them to your salads, soups, and stews. You can also mash them or roast them for side dishes.
Opt for a Banana a Day
We have mentioned bananas in passing, but they deserve a pointer for themselves. Bananas are certainly a yellow food you want to stock up on for the house. You only need one a day to benefit fully from the nutrients within them. Do be careful with the number of bananas you eat. There are a lot of natural sugars, and they can end up affecting your weight loss efforts negatively.
Let’s start with the potassium benefits. Bananas are one of the most potassium-filled fruits and vegetables on the market. You can get almost all your daily recommended amount from just one banana a day. The potassium will help to reduce your blood pressure, keeping your heart healthy and functioning properly.
Bananas can also add much energy to the diet that is easily accessible. Yes, this is the natural sugars. Depending on the ripeness of the bananas, the energy can be starchy or sugary. Either way, your metabolism easily accesses the carbs to fuel the body throughout the day.
You can also get a good amount of magnesium from bananas, which is an essential nutrient for your muscle. Magnesium can help to prevent your muscles from cramping and spasms, helping to reduce the pain you feel. If you suffer from restless leg syndrome, you may find that bananas help to reduce the effects.
While you can just eat a banana, you can also add them to your smoothies for a healthy, creamy texture. Bananas also work well with eggs for low-calorie pancakes!
Use Lemon Daily
Finally, we must remember about lemons. This yellow fruit is one of the most widely available. It is used for a variety of reasons and supports the body in more ways than you can imaging.
The best way to add lemons to your diet is through the lemon water. Just add a couple of slices to your normal water and drink it first thing in a morning. Not only will the water help to rehydrate your body and fill you up, but the lemon will help to neutralize the acid levels in the stomach. Despite being an acid, the lemon juice will become more alkaline in the water to help support the overall health.
Lemon is also an excellent cleanser. Without the water, its acidity is high. It is commonly used for brightening the skin and hair, reducing the look of dark spots and age blemishes. You will need to use this carefully, as the acid can be too strong for some skin types.
Of course, the vitamin C is a major reason to add more lemons to your diet. You will support your immune system considerably by adding lemons to your diet.
Moreover, we cannot forget the natural sweetness. Using zest and lemon juice in your dishes will help to create a natural sweetness that will help curb most of your sugar cravings.
You can get many of the same benefits from pineapple. The acid in pineapple is a little less strong, making it slightly better for those with sensitive skin.
Which Yellow Food Will You Stock Up on First?
There are just so many yellow foods out there. Not all are great for you, but there are certainly some that will offer a range of health benefits. Make sure you stock up on ones that will support as much of your health as possible. Add foods that will get rid of more toxins, support your heart health, and improve your weight loss efforts.
Add a mixture of the yellow foods above. They can be used raw and cooked to help you add them easily to your diet. Which one will you add first to your health?
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