Busting Myths About Salads

Ayam Percik Caesar Salad (Photo:NMA)

The humble salad: a simple dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a meal or as a side. It’s widely considered as a healthy choice of food because vegetables are low in calories, and they provide plenty of vitamins and minerals, along with a good dose of fibre and antioxidants. But is a big bowl of greens really the best and only way to eat healthily?

Whether you’ve been having salads since ages ago, or are interested in adopting a healthier diet starting now, read on to find out about some myth-busting facts about salads:

Myth 1: Only go for the greens

This is not true. Green is good – but how green is too green? There are benefits to having other brightly coloured vegetables to your diet, as they offer phytonutrients which are not available in green veggies. One example is the purple eggplant, which has powerful antioxidants that help to reduce the risk of heart diseases and improve your brain functions.

Myth 2: No dressing is always the best

There are good fats and not-so-good fats. Your body needs good fats to help improve cell functions and absorb the antioxidants found in leafy veggies, tomatoes, and carrots. The fatty compounds also reduce the risk of heart disease! Some salads dressings, like the ones by Hellmann’s, offer the good fats needed in our body. Hellmann’s salad dressing is made with real ingredients and has nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6, which are great for your health.

Myth 3: Salads aren’t filling

False! If you only have greens on your plate, then yes, you won’t feel satisfied at the end of your meal. Salads need not be only made up of vegetables – you can have meats, fruits, nuts and dressings along with your greens. Adding extra ingredients can enhance the taste and texture of your salad and fill you up. You can try out the Roasted Sweet Potato Salad recipe or the Ayam Percik Caesar Salad for a great, bellyful meal.

Myth 4: Salads are always boring

This is a huge misconception! You can add an array of colours and a mixture of vegetables to your salad to make it spectacular. This can be capsicums, carrots, tomatoes, and onions. Also, you only have to change up the dressings on your salad for it to taste differently, even with the same ingredients!