Most times, we hear nutritionists and food experts talk about how vital consuming greens are. Yes, greens are good; there’s no doubt about that. But what if we told you that there is another type of colored food that contains as many nutrients as greens? These foods are known as Black Foods.
Black foods aren’t a secret, but a lot of people often characterize them as regular foods, thereby missing out on all the health benefits they have to offer. This article will discuss what black foods are, their composition, and give recommendations on what black foods you should add to your diet.
What are Black Foods?
You might have guessed it already, black foods derived their name from their color. However, there is more to these types of food than just their color.
Black foods are naturally black due to pigments called Anthocyanins. These pigments are also potent antioxidants because they help boost the immune system and prevent the onset of diseases caused by free radicals. They also offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits.
Examples of Top Black Foods
Now that you know what black foods are and understand some of their benefits, you must to curious to know examples of foods that fall into this category. Some black food you can incorporate into your diet include;
Black Beans
Black beans are rich in protein and are extremely tasty. Asides from this, black beans help relieve digestive and control blood sugar. They also contain Quercetin and saponins, two wonder chemicals.
Quercetin is a flavonoid that reduces inflammation, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, boosts the immune system, pain relief, and helps in preventing cancer. Lastly, saponin is a compound that helps lower cholesterol and control body fat levels.
Black Rice
Although Black Rice is not popular, probably due to its color, it has more benefits than regular white or brown rice. Black rice provides the body with disease-fighting antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and fiber. While rice is widely known to be rich in carbohydrates, Black rice is an excellent source of protein.
The hull of the black rice grain also contains high levels of anthocyanin antioxidants, the chemical we discussed earlier.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed, also referred to as black cumin or black caraway, has a pungent, bitter taste. Think of its tastes like a combination of oregano, onion, and black pepper.
Black seed oil is gotten from these seeds. It is a superfood as it helps fight bacteria and viruses that are resistant to antibiotics. Black seed is also anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic.
Apart from its benefits internally, black seed oil can be applied topically to help treat conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Black Garlic
Garlic is a healthy herb used for centuries by various cultures worldwide. Garlic is white naturally, but when allowed to age, it turns black. Aging your garlic bulbs will take about three weeks, and once they age, they will become black and sticky.
Black garlic contains allicin, an amino acid that offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. With a milder taste than regular garlic, Black garlic can be swapped for its counterpart in dishes and recipes.
Black Mission Figs
Black mission fig, also known as Black Mission or Franciscana, is an edible fig that gives a lot of health benefits. These figs were first introduced into the united states in 1768 when Franciscan missionaries planted them in San Diego.
Some of its benefits include weight control, reduced blood pressure, better gut health, and stronger bone density. Black Figs also hold a lot of nutrients like magnesium and potassium.
Conclusion
Black foods are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are nature’s quick hack for healthy living. Adding foods such as black rice, black seed, and black beans will diversify your diet and enrich your body with much needed nutrients such as anthocyanin.
Try supplementing your diet today with healthy black foods and watch your overall health improve! To get quality health supplements go to our online store today to place your order. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about how to improve your health through nature’s gifts.
