Eat healthy, eat yellow

What comes to mind when you think of yellow? Sunflowers, the school bus or the smiley face? As a food-junkie and a health nut, when I hear the word yellow, savory soy beans, munchy bananas and sweet corn are things that pop into my mind. That's how much I love food. Hopeless? Perhaps.

However, my fondness for yellow foods is fully justified. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is believed to be a unified organic being with organs tied to the five elements, five flavors and five colors. Eating food with a certain color can help regulate and strengthen the corresponding organ.

In TCM, the color yellow corresponds with the spleen. The spleen plays a vital role in regulating red blood cell metabolism. It also plays a regulatory role in our immune systems. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to the body, and the immune system protects us from infections and diseases. The importance of both systems goes without saying.

Whether you believe TCM or not, having a colorful plate of food for dinner is always a good thing. Take a look at following delicious yellow foods that possess health-benefiting properties.

Lemons

Though beautiful on its own right as a garnish for any dish, the nutritional values of lemons are underrated. Lemons do a good job playing the supporting role in our kitchen. But, given the opportunity, they can also shine on the center stage of nutrition.

In 1747, James Lind discovered that vitamin C from citrus fruits helped cure scurvy suffered by seamen. Lemons can also enlighten moods when used in aromatherapy, improve blood circulations and enhance immunity. Moreover, lemons are extremely rich in vitamin C, one of the most potent antioxidants out there that serve to fight premature aging.

The acidity of lemons can be too harsh on our stomachs when consumed in large quantities. Take precautions when eating lemons on their own. Lemons should be treated as icing on the cake and used in moderation.

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