Eggplant
Eggplant is packed with fibre and contains the whole gamut of B vitamins. Its deep purple colour is evidence that it has powerful antioxidants to protect brain cells and control lipid levels.
Brussels sprouts
This pungent vegetable contains sulfur compounds called glucosinolates that not only give them their aroma but help lower the risks of prostate, lung, stomach and breast cancers.
Quinoa
Not only is quinoa considered a whole grain; it’s also a complete protein, containing all the amino acids necessary for building muscle and upping metabolism.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in the fibre beta-glucan, which lowers levels of bad LDL cholesterol.
Bulgur
Bulgur is one of several lesser-known whole grains that pack a wealth of fibre and B vitamins.
Flaxseeds
Seeds are good sources of plant protein; flaxseeds are high in the plant-based omega 3 fatty acid called ALA and are very heart-healthy.
Tuna
Tuna is high in protein, vitamin B, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate because of its high concentration of cocoa, which is packed with disease-fighting antioxidant plant chemicals called flavonol; milk chocolate contains only modest amounts. Those antioxidants can help reduce the risk of blood clots.
Red Wine
A compound in red wine called resveratrol has been linked to longevity and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Olive Oil
It’s high in monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol.
Gluten-free
Gluten-free labels have been springing up everywhere from coffee (which is naturally gluten-free) to snack foods, bakeries and even restaurants. Gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, such as barley and rye, has been blamed for a multitude of health “ailments” from headaches to weight gain.
Black Rice
Once considered sacred among the ancient Chinese, Black Rice earned itself the nickname “forbidden rice” as only the Chinese emperor was allowed to eat it. Probably unknown to the ancient Chinese, Black Rice is abundant in anthocyanins. Responsible for giving certain fruits, vegetables and grains, a deep red, blue or purple stain, anthocyanins act as a potent antioxidant, ridding the body of harmful free radicals that can cause accelerated ageing, cancer and heart disease. While many fruits such as blueberries are revered for their high anthocyanin content, a tablespoon of Black Rice yields more antioxidants than a similar amount of blueberries, as well as has less sugar and more fibre.
Coconut Water
Due to its high electrolyte content, coconut water became acclaimed, and was advertised this past year as a natural sports drink.
Vegetable Desserts
Parsnip cake is the new carrot cake. Creative chefs are cramming an extra serving or two of your daily veggies into savory, vegetable-based desserts like goat cheese with celery and celery sorbet.
Likewise there can be many other ingredients, which make our food healthy and among them the latest trend is of incorporating organic foodstuff into our dietary schemes.
Organic Foods
These are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Organic foods are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.
Although these food stuffs have got their advantages, latest studies have shown that there is "little evidence of healthier benefits from organic food over those grown conventionally," according to the reports of Stanford University. The researchers found no difference in protein or fat content between organic and conventional milk. No consistent differences were seen in the vitamin content of organic products. Only one nutrient phosphorus was significantly higher in organic food as compared to conventionally grown produce.
There are many options available for us to use in health food segment, researchers, chefs and catering industry is trying to incorporate the same into their dishes and we into our lifestyle, but it all comes down to the basic principle of eating well and health will take care of itself.
