Health Benefits of Yellow Foods

Many nutritionists say one should have a variety of colors on their plates from yellow, green, red to even black. The colorations of foods can determine what benefits each food product can have. Black foods can contain high levels of antioxidants that help the immune system. But what benefits could other colors of foods could have. The color yellow is one that is associated with happiness, the sun, and can provide intellectual stimulation. Yellow foods are important for a different part of our bodies. It helps the nervous system and is directly involved with the organs that are a part of the digestive system. There are many different foods that fall into the yellow foods category. Here are just a few and their benefits.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

The benefits of butternut squash are just now being discovered. It has a sweet mild taste to it and was a staple in the meals of Native Americans. The butternut squash is a great source of vitamins like A and C as well as iron and riboflavin. Since it is a good source of iron, those with anemia may find it useful for keeping their iron levels at a good range. Because of the vitamin A this vegetable helps with respitory problems such as emphysema.

YELLOW CORN

Corn is a wonderful source of many vitamins and nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorous and manganese. Corn also has a nutrient called folate which helps lower the levels of an amino acid that cause problems with the blood vessels reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Also it has been said that folate rich diets can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Corn also contains a B vitamin that promotes memory health.

YELLOW LENTILS

Lentils can be mixed with things such as rice and other grains for added benefits. Because lentils are high in fiber they can help reduce the risk of coronary disease. Much like corn yellow lentils have a high content of folate and other B vitamins that are essential for the blood stream to h elp reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart related problems.

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