Are Black Foods Healthy?
Foods that are dark in color are what’s in now! We all know that eating foods in all the colors of the rainbow is beneficial to our health, but don’t forget that black and white meals are also high in nutrients. It shouldn’t be the case that black foods are the underdogs of the food world. Few people discuss the health benefits of eating dark foods, which isn’t helped by the fact that they may not be appetizing to children. Black foods, on the other hand, are generally high in antioxidants and have a variety of health and therapeutic properties. Find out what these advantages are and join the dark side!
What Are Black Foods?
Black foods are rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments found in foods that have antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins can be found in the plant’s leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits, among other places. These pigments are potent antioxidants that can assist to strengthen the immune system, preserve good health, and prevent disease. They may also have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cancer-fighting properties. Anthocyanins can be found in meals that are red, blue, black, or purple in color.
8 Black Foods you should Add to your Diet
Black Beans
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse in general, but there are some distinctions. Black beans are high in calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, all of which aid in bone strength and structure promotion, maintenance, and support. Furthermore, black beans are low in sodium, which is good for blood pressure regulation, and they include fiber, folate, phytonutrients, potassium, and vitamin B6, all of which are beneficial to heart health. Quercetin and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, are also found in black beans. Their high fiber content can help with digestion and reduce the incidence of colon cancer. Black beans can be used in salads, burritos, and other Mexican dishes, as well as soups and casseroles.
Blackberries
When it comes to nutrition and health benefits, these delectable berries are second only to blueberries. Helping to regulate menstruation, supporting cardiovascular health, improving immunological function, lowering inflammation, promoting healthy skin, perhaps preventing and slowing cancer growth, and maintaining brain function are all possible blackberry health advantages. These advantages are linked to the fact that blackberries are among the top ten antioxidant-rich foods, as well as the existence of various phytonutrients. Blackberries can be eaten by a handful or combined with other fruits in smoothies, salads, cereals and pancakes, and baked products.
Black Seed Oil
Black caraway, black cumin, kalonji, and black onion seeds are all terms used to describe black seed oil. The seeds have a strong, bitter flavor that tastes like oregano, onion, and black pepper mixed together. The oil originates from Nigella sativa; a tiny plant that grows in Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East and has pale purple, blue, or white blooms. Black seeds are advantageous in that they aid in the fight against superbugs (bacteria and viruses that have become antibiotic-resistant). Anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemia (lipid-lowering agent), anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and wound-healing properties are all properties of the seeds. Because of its anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) and analgesic properties, it’s also used for the digestive, immunological, and central neurological systems. Due to its therapeutic effects, people have used this natural treatment for thousands of years. Curries, pickles, bread, and sauerkraut can all benefit from the flavor of the seeds. In cooking, baking, and drinking, high-quality black seed oil is best employed.
Consuming pills or applying them topically to the skin are two other methods to acquire the advantages. Massage oils, shampoos, handmade skincare products, and scents can all benefit from the addition of black seed oil.
Black Garlic
For years, Asian countries have used black garlic for cooking and medical uses. Garlic bulbs that have been aged are used to make these. They turn black and sticky after three weeks, with a molasses-like flavor. It also contains allicin, an amino acid that is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. Black garlic has a milder flavor than ordinary garlic and can be substituted in some meals and recipes. They’re also fantastic on pizzas and pasta.
Black Mission Figs
This is a dark-colored meal that can be served as a dessert or breakfast. Figs are ancient fruits that are best eaten dried or turned into jams because they contain nutrients, natural sugars, and soluble fiber. Reduced blood pressure, weight loss, improved digestive health, and increased bone density are all health benefits of black mission figs. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron are some of the minerals found in figs. They’re also high in antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and prebiotics, which all help with general health.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are the edible seeds of Salvia Hispanic, a flowering plant native to Central and South America that belongs to the mint family. They are regarded as one of the world’s healthiest foods. Chia seeds have a black-grey tint with markings and are tiny oval-shaped seeds. They can absorb 12 times their weight when saturated. When chia is in liquid form, this water-absorbing characteristic gives it a mucus and gel-like texture. Chia seeds are abundant in B vitamins, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and folate, among other minerals. Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc are among the minerals found in them. Chia seeds are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber (10 grams per ounce) (1 ounce has 4 grams). They also possess other benefits such as decreasing diverticulitis flare-ups, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing constipation, improving digestion, and making gut bacteria healthier. They’re also delicious in raw cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal, as well as baked dishes.
Activated Charcoal
Although this isn’t food, activated charcoal has numerous health benefits. Coconut shells or other natural sources are widely used. This is a natural method of eliminating poisons and pollutants from the body. It promotes digestion, prevents the effects of aging, and lowers cholesterol levels by eliminating toxins from the body. Activated charcoal is well recognized for its application in the treatment of food poisoning and drug overdoses. It can also help avoid hangovers by reducing bloating and gas. The safe and effective elimination of toxins and poisons from the body is why activated charcoal is so popular. It can help whiten teeth, prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum disease, which is why it is found in most toothpaste. Black charcoal is also used in water filters because it catches all the bad stuff in the water, such as pesticides, industrial waste, solvents, and other pollutants, by filtering it through. Ice cream, lattes, lemonades, smoothies and smoothie bowls, macarons, cocktails, and donuts are some of the foods that include activated charcoal.
Black Olives
Olives are high in healthful fats, monounsaturated fatty acids, and oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fatty acid. High monounsaturated fat intake has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and people who increased their monounsaturated fat intake saw a decrease in cholesterol factors linked to heart disease, such as LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and the LDL:HDL ratio. Including black olives in your diet may help lower your blood pressure, which has been linked to oleic acid activity. Black olives may also aid to reduce cancer risk, which is due to the presence of triterpene phytonutrients.
Now that you Know…
There’s no need to be afraid of dark or black cuisine any longer. Because the advantages have been highlighted for you, it is better if you take action to enjoy these advantages and improve your health. Black foods can be a terrific complement to your diet, whether you desire a nutritious breakfast or a hefty dinner. Sometimes you just have to think beyond the box!
