Try New Food For Additional Health Benefits
The Many Benefits of Eating Weird and Wonderful Foods
Anyone with an interest in health and nutrition should know about the health benefits associated with a balanced diet. At the risk of generalizing, health conscious people are basically the same underneath. We all aspire to the same goal – optimum vitality for ourselves and our loved ones. In today’s fast paced society, health and wellbeing have never been more important – and understanding the delicate balance of vitamins and minerals required by the human body is one way of helping to safeguard against illness and disease.
Are You Stuck In A Nutritional Rut?
Unfortunately, even the most health conscious people can get stuck in a ‘food rut’, gravitating towards the same healthy snacks in the grocery store and cooking the same meals every day. Not only is this painfully boring, it’s also disadvantageous to our physical well-being.
Our nutritional requirements change as we progress through life and introducing new foods to our diet is one way to achieve maximum vitality, no matter our age. This post will aim to provide inspiration for those who are ‘stuck in a nutritional rut’ by suggesting some simple (and often inexpensive) additions to your shopping cart.
The Dragon Fruit – Not As Scary As It Sounds
The Dragon Fruit – or Pitaya – is often likened to the kiwi fruit due to its fleshy seed filled interior. However, despite the fruit’s bright appearance, its taste is easily compared to the humble melon. A soft, mild-tasting treat, the dragon fruit is naturally low in calories but high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants – boosting immunity and warding off more serious illnesses. The fruit is also very filling due to its high fiber content, making it the perfect accompaniment to any weight loss plan – great news for hungry dieters! Photo: Shutterstock
The Star-fruit – A Superfood Superstar
Also known as the carambola, the star-fruit is a fleshy, sweet fruit packed with Vitamin C. Its flavor is distinctly citrusy and every part of the fruit is edible, even the waxy skin. The star-fruit has powerful antioxidant properties and, like bananas, is also high in potassium –a mineral linked with lowering blood pressure. Photo: rawdiet.com
Goji Berries – Great For People On The Go!
The goji berry (or Wolfberry) is perfect for those needing a quick boost to vitality due to its array of essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The berry is noted for its high Vitamin A content – an essential ingredient for healthy skin, eyes and teeth. Goji Berries are commonly sold in a dried form but can be purchased as a sweet tasting juice.
Seaweed- An Edible Algae
In fairness, most people don’t put seaweed on their list when they go to the grocery store. Maybe they should – because its health benefits have been tried, tested and proven by various coastal cultures for centuries. The Japanese already know about the health properties contained in seaweed (think sushi!) but luckily, Westerners are cottoning on to this incredible natural food as evidenced by its presence in health shops. Firstly, edible seaweed is extremely filling despite being very low in calories (another valuable tool for the ravenous dieter!). Secondly, studies suggest that seaweed has strong detoxification properties – absorbing toxins associated with cigarette smoke and a range of other nasty elements lurking in our bodies. Using seaweed as part of a balanced diet can also help kick start detoxification treatment, perhaps geared to a specific program incorporating detoxifying medication. All the news on seaweed is good and we highly recommend adding this nutritional gem to your shopping list.
Celeriac –Celery’s Root Based Relative
Celeriac is a root vegetable commonly used in soups and stews. Popular throughout Europe for years, it has enjoyed greater success in the USA in recent years due to its powerful health benefits. Crammed with antioxidants, celeriac is also a good source of Vitamin B6 – a vitamin believed to lessen the symptoms of PMS. Both high in fiber and low in calories, celeriac can easily substitute the potato as a filling winter warmer and is equally as delicious served mashed. Yum.
Kai-Lan – A Different Kind of Broccoli
A great source of Vitamins A, C and K, Kai-Lan (or Chinese Brocolli) is also rich in folic acid – essential for any mothers to be. Both versatile and tasty, this vegetable is commonly used in soups and stir-fry’s although it can be eaten raw for a quick and healthy snack. Try steaming this delectable vegetable with grilled fish for the ultimate healthy meal – and don’t shy away from adding tasty oriental sauces to your dish – they really bring out a rich flavor.
So, there you have it – a few different items to add to your grocery list. You might have to visit your local health food store or farmer’s market for some of these foods but let’s face it – our health is worth the extra effort, right?
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