Chocolate may have some health benefits, but beware of the fat and sugar in commercial products, which can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Plain cocoa in moderation is the best choice for adding chocolate flavor to food. It is low in sugar and fat but offers potential health benefits. Cocoa appears to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Flavanols in cocoa beans have antioxidant effects that reduce cell damage. Flavanols — more prevalent in dark chocolate than in milk chocolate — may also help lower blood pressure and improve vascular function. In addition, some research has linked chocolate consumption to reduced risks of diabetes, stroke and heart attack. But more research is needed to confirm these results.
White mushrooms are rich in many bioactive compounds that may protect against cancer and heart disease, as well as help improve blood sugar control and gut health.
A mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. Toadstool generally denotes one poisonous to humans. The standard for the name “mushroom” is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricusbisporus; hence the word “mushroom” is most often applied to those fungi (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes) that have a stem, a cap, and gills.
Most mushrooms sold in supermarkets have been commercially grown on mushroomfarms and are considered safe to eat because they are grown in controlled, sterilized environments. Agaricus bisporus can be harvested at varying stages of maturity. When young and immature, they are known as white mushrooms if they have a white color, or crimini mushrooms if they have slight brown shade. When fully grown, they’re known as portobello mushrooms, which are bigger and darker. White mushrooms are also known as table, common, button, or champignon mushrooms. They have a small stem, smooth cap, and mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
White mushrooms are low in calories and sugar. They are also high in protein and vitamin D, and they’re a source of vitamin B12, so they are beneficial for those following plant-based diets. They are rich in many bioactive compounds that protect against cancer and heart disease, and help improve blood sugar control and gut health.
One cup (96 g) of whole white mushrooms provides
Calories: 21 Carbs: 3 grams Fiber: 1 gram Protein: 3 grams Fat: 0 grams Vitamin D: 33% of the Daily Value (DV) Selenium: 16% of the DV Phosphorus: 12% of the DV Folate: 4% of the DV Due t
Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, which have been linked to a lower risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Passion fruit (español: maracuyá) is the fruit of the Passiflora vine. It has a tough outer rind and juicy center full of edible seeds. There are several types that vary in size and color. Purple and yellow varieties are the most commonly available ones, including Passiflora edulis, small round or oval-shaped fruits with purple skin, and Passiflora flavicarpa, round or oval with yellow skin and usually slightly larger than the purple variety.
Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber. Diets high in these nutrients have been linked to a lower risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Passion fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It is also rich in beneficial plant compounds, including carotenoids and polyphenols. It has a small amount of iron, and even though the body doesn’t usually absorb iron from plants very well, passion fruit comes with a lot of vitamin C, which is known to enhance iron absorption.
Passion fruit allergy is rare, but some cases occur. People with a latex allergy are at greater risk.
More studies are needed on this amazing plant’s medicinal possibilities, but the delicious fruit is safe to eat, nutritious, and low in calories…but don’t eat the seeds.
Soursop (español: guanábana) is the fruit of Annona muricata, a broadleaf, flowering, evergreentree native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. It is in the same genus, Annona, as cherimoya and is in the Annonaceae family. The soursop is adapted to areas of high humidity and relatively warm winters. With an aroma similar to pineapple, the flavor of the fruit has been described as a combination of strawberries and apple with sour citrus flavor notes, contrasting with an underlying thick creamy texture reminiscent of banana.
The delicious fruit is safe to eat and nutritious, but the seeds are toxic and should not be consumed. Soursop is typically eaten raw by cutting the fruit in half and scooping out the flesh. Fruits range in size and can be quite large, so it may be best to divide it into a few portions. Some studies have shown that the plant’s active ingredients possess antioxidant, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, anti-parasitic, anti-malarial, liver protective and anti-diabetic effects. The uses of guanábana in herbal medicine and research into its potential for cancer treatment are of interest, but medicinal uses of the fruit or its parts should be done only with the supervision of a reliable health professional.
In traditional herbal medicine, the fruit and leaves of the tree are used to relieve digestive ailments (including diarrhea), pain, hypertension, inflammation, fever, coughs, and asthma, among many other medical afflictions. The leaves and fruits contain natural compounds that could potentially be beneficial for prostate as well as other cancers, although more scientific studies are needed. Graviola / Soursop extracts have a promising potential for treating gastric ulcers. A study showed that an alcohol-based extract of soursop possessed antiviral activity.
Getting enough B6 through your diet or a supplement is crucial for staying healthy. Some good food sources of Vitamin B6 are chickpeas, bananas, mamey, avocado, tomatoes, and brussels sprouts. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is significant to protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters. Your body cannot produce vitamin B6, so you must obtain it from foods or supplements. Most people get enough vitamin B6 through their diet. The current recommended daily amount (RDA) for B6 is 1.3–1.7 mg for adults over 19.
TOXICITY: Vitamin B6 toxicity is not likely to occur from food sources of B6, but taking more than 1,000 mg of supplemental B6 a day may cause nerve damage and pain or numbness in the hands or feet. Some of these side effects have even been documented after just 100–300 mg of B6 per day. For these reasons, the tolerable upper limit of vitamin B6 is 100 mg per day for adults
One cup of raw mamey fruit provides 74% of the Daily Value of Vitamin B6.
Mamey is the fruit of the Mamey Sapote tree, which grows throughout Mexico and Central America. The mamey has a soft, creamy texture and orange color. Its unique flavor is sometimes compared to sweet potatoes. Mamey supplies a hearty dose of fiber, copper, and vitamins B6 and C. Mamey enhances immune function, promotes regularity, prevents anemia, and supports heart and skin health.
Amaranth is a gluten-free source of fiber, protein, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. It must be cooked in order to be digested. It can be boiled or toasted and eaten as a cereal. It is a healthy addition to granola and other dishes.
Amaranth (español: amaranto) is a pseudocereal grown for its edible starchy seeds. It is not in the same botanical family as true cereals such as wheat and rice. Most of the Amaranthus species are summer annual weeds, commonly referred to as pigweeds. There are approximately 75 species, 10 of which are native to North America.
Lettuce is rich in antioxidants, folates, and Vitamins A and K.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (Spanish: lechuga) is a popular leafy vegetable in the daisy family. It ranges in color from yellow to dark green, and some varieties have reddish hues. Lettuce is a major ingredient in salads, and it is a healthy addition to wraps, soups, and sandwiches. Romaine and iceberg are the most common types in western cuisine, but there are many more varieties with unique flavors and nutritional properties. Most types of lettuce are rich in Vitamin K, folates, and antioxidants.
Crisphead lettuce, widely known as iceberg lettuce, is light, crunchy, and full of nutrients like folate and vitamin K.
Romaine’s long, crisp leaves are popular for Caesar salads. It’s high in folate, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A and K.
Butterhead lettuce has soft leaves and looks similar to cabbage. It’s particularly high in iron and vitamins A and K.
Leaf lettuce has crisp, ruffled leaves. Both green and red types are high in folate, manganese, and vitamins A and K. Red leaf lettuce is higher in antioxidants.
For information about other types of lettuce, see this link: 18 Types of Lettuce
Oranges, kiwi, lemon, bell pepper, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are a few plant foods that are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been linked to many impressive health benefits that include boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk. Because the human body cannot produce Vitamin C, it must be obtained through food sources or manufactured supplements. Opinions vary about how much Vitamin C is needed for optimal health. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)–enough to prevent deficiency syndromes such as scurvy–is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, but the Upper Limit (UL) is 2,000 mg. Because of the known benefits of Vitamin C for prevention and optimal health, including those that have not yet been fully proven, I prefer to take a 1,000 mg supplement and to eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C every day. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten. Quick heating methods or using as little water as possible when cooking, such as stir-frying or blanching, can preserve the vitamin. Foods at peak ripeness eaten raw contain the most vitamin C.
Lemons, which are high in Vitamin C, may reduce risks of heart disease and cancer.
Lemons (limones) are among the world’s most popular citrus fruits. They are a hybrid of the original citron and lime. Lemons contain a high amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds that give them a number of health benefits. Lemons may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and cancer. Lemons are a veryhealthyfruit, with a distinct, pleasant taste and smell that make them a great addition to foods and drinks.
Lemons are high in heart-healthy vitamin C and several beneficial plant compounds that may lower cholesterol. Vitamin C and citric acid help in the absorption of non-heme iron from plants. This may prevent anemia. Their main fiber is pectin, which may help lower blood sugar levels. Drinking lemon water may decrease stress, enhance immune function, help prevent anemia, reduce your risk of kidney stones, and protect against several diseases.
Lemons are usually well tolerated but may cause allergies or skin irritation in some people. Large amounts may be harmful to dental health.
Plant foods that are rich in beta-carotene, such as green leafy vegetables, carrots and cantaloupe are a good source of Vitamin A. Your body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A. Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) is a nutrient important to vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. The recommended daily allowance is 900 mcg for an adult male and 700 mcg for an adult female. A healthy and varied diet will provide most people with enough vitamin A. For the antioxidant properties of vitamin A, food sources are best. It’s not clear if vitamin A supplements offer the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food. Too much vitamin A can be harmful, and excess vitamin A during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects.
Cut the roots and dark green ends off the LEEKS, keeping only the white and light green parts. Slice them lengthwise and rinse under running water, scrubbing away the dirt and sand that may have accumulated between their layers. Cut into thin slices. There should be about 2 cups of sliced LEEKS.
Sauté the LEEKS in the BUTTER for about 10 minutes, until they are soft.
Cut the POTATOES into small squares and cook with the LEEKS about 10 more minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
Add the VEGETABLE BROTH, CARROTS and PEAS and cook over low heat until vegetables are well done.
Season with SALT and PEPPER to taste, and sprinkle CHIVES on top before serving.
Leeks belong to the same family as onions, shallots, scallions, chives, and garlic. They look like a giant green onion but have a much milder, somewhat sweet flavor and a creamier texture when cooked. They are particularly high in provitamin A carotenoids, including beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, important for vision, immune function, reproduction, and cell communication. They’re also a good source of vitamin K1, which is necessary for blood clotting and heart health. Leeks are also a good source of manganese, which may help reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms and promote thyroid health. What’s more, they provide small amounts of copper, vitamin B6, iron, and folate. Leeks are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, especially kaempferol and allicin. These are thought to protect your body from disease. The fiber and water in leeks can promote fullness, prevent hunger, and promote digestive health.
To prepare them, cut the roots and dark green ends off, keeping only the white and light green parts. Slice them lengthwise and rinse under running water, scrubbing away the dirt and sand that may have accumulated between their layers. Leeks can be eaten raw, but you can also poach, fry, roast, braise, boil, or pickle them. They make a great addition to soups, dips, stews, taco fillings, salads, quiches, stir-fries, and potato dishes. You can refrigerate raw leeks for about a week and cooked ones for around two days.
Iron is a major component of hemoglobin, a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body. Without enough iron, there aren’t enough red blood cells to transport oxygen, which leads to fatigue. Iron is also part of myoglobin, a protein that carries and stores oxygen specifically in muscle tissues. Iron is important for healthy brain development and growth in children, and for the normal production and function of various cells and hormones. Some plant food sources of iron include beans, dark chocolate, lentils, spinach, potato with skin, nuts, and seeds. Vitamin C and heme iron taken at the same meal can improve the absorption of non-heme iron.
An iron deficiency is seen most commonly in children, women who are menstruating or pregnant, and those eating a diet lacking in iron. Vegetarians may develop IDA if they do not include adequate non-heme iron foods in the diet. Because non-heme iron is not well-absorbed, either greater quantities of these foods my be required or careful attention is needed in how they are eaten to improve absorption (consuming with vitamin C-rich foods while avoiding eating with calcium-rich foods, calcium supplements, or tea).
It is possible to obtain enough iron in a vegetarian/vegan diet with careful planning. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, causing extreme fatigue and lightheadedness. It affects all ages, with children, women who are pregnant or menstruating, and people receiving kidney dialysis among those at highest risk. Iron from food comes in two forms: heme and non-heme. Heme is found only in animal flesh like meat, poultry, and seafood. Non-heme iron is found in plant foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and leafy greens. Iron is stored in the body as ferritin (in the liver, spleen, muscle tissue, and bone marrow) and is delivered throughout the body by transferrin (a protein in blood that binds to iron). Heme iron is better absorbed by the body than non-heme iron. Bran fiber, large amounts of calcium particularly from supplements, and plant substances like phytates and tannins can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. Toxicity is rare because the body regulates iron absorption and will absorb less if iron stores are adequate. Excessive iron occurs most often from taking high-dosage supplements when not needed or from having a genetic condition that stores too much iron. The maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects is 40 mg for children 14 and under and 45 mg for all adults over 14. The Recommended Daily Allowances vary for gender, age, pregnancy, and lactation.
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