Yellow Foods: Gut Health Powerhouses You Need To Know About.

Your gut is the key to health. Nutritionists have found focusing on gut health often has a significant impact on the rest of the body. And when it comes to what you eat there are number of powerhouse foods that are a great addition to the diet.  They’re nutritionally dense and the provide a number of different benefits.

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, how important it is to eat a colorful diet and a variety of foods.  Interestingly enough everyone seems to focus on greens.  At Cocavo, we think there’s another color that deserves just as much attention as the greens.  Yellow!  When it comes to you and your gut, consuming more yellow foods is highly supportive.

What’s so special about yellow foods?

The carotenoids found in yellow foods are a naturally occurring pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their vibrant color. These carotenoids are also responsible for a number of different health benefits, one of which is improving the health of your gut.

Many of the yellow foods are, of course, nutrient dense and are a wonderful source of micronutrients and phytonutrients.  A number of yellow foods are highly prebiotic, meaning they feed the good bacteria in your gut.  They’re also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which can be supporting and calming for gut health. And if that’s not enough they’re also loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. These antioxidants help protect your cells against free radical damage, good for your gut and for the rest of you.

A few of our favorite yellow foods

The foods listed below are healthy choices regardless of whether they are yellow, red, green, purple, etc. For the purposes of this blog, however, we are talking specifically about the yellow varieties.

Turmeric

Curcumin is a natural substance found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), a plant in the ginger family with a long history of use as both a medicinal herb and a culinary spice. It’s the primary ingredient in curries, especially Indian and Pakistani varieties, and is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. Its warm and vibrant yellow-orange hue is used to color a variety of foods, including mustard.

Ginger

Ginger offers numerous health benefits, primarily due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can aid digestion, reduce nausea, potentially lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and ease muscle pain and inflammation. It has also been linked to improved brain function and may help prevent some types of cancer. 

Mango

These are high in both amylase, a digestive enzyme, and dietary fiber. The amylase helps to break down starches while fiber helps against constipation.

Pineapple

A good food source of bromelain, another digestive enzyme. This enzyme however is specifically to breakdown proteins. So fresh pineapple can be an excellent tenderizer for meat.  Eating pineapple can help make it easier for you to digest and absorb protein rich foods.

Yellow Squash or Pumpkin

Pumpkin offers a variety of health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to immune support, eye health, and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers & heart disease. The fiber content also aids in digestion and weight management. 

Lemon

Lemons offer a variety of health benefits, primarily due to their high vitamin C and antioxidant content. They can support heart health, aid digestion, improve skin health and potentially help with weight management. . Additionally, lemons may help with kidney stones, anemia, and even offer some benefits for oral health.