food facts you probably didn't know
You thought you knew what you were eating? We did, too!
From astounding levels of nutrients to the origins of some of our favorite foods, here are some mind-boggling food facts.
1.Dark chocolate isn't just for sweet treats.
The cacao tree's roasted beans are used to make the dark chocolate that we all know and love, which has a ton of interesting facts, many of which are health advantages.
Dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, according to Harvard. According to a research, members of an isolated tribe who consumed a lot of cocoa had lower incidences of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease than members of the same tribe who had relocated to cities.
Bonus information: Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa has an ounce more caffeine than coffee. Just be aware that drinking hot chocolate mix from a grocery store won't keep you up all night. The caffeine content of this product is usually pretty modest.
2.Consume a fruit that is actually as sweet as nectar.
Did you know that the term "nectarine," which is most likely where the name came from, means "sweet like nectar"?
Like peaches, nectarines are said to have originated in China more than 4,000 years ago.
Nutritionally speaking, nectarines are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and A. They support healthy weight loss, blood pressure regulation, and general wellbeing. They also support better immunity and cardiovascular health.
3.Raspberries are a rose family member.
As are strawberries, blackberries, quinces, peaches, pears, apples, apricots, plums, pears, cherries, and apricots. These fruits, however, often feature flowers with five equal petals arrayed around a central core, unlike roses.
Additionally, raspberries (as well as blackberries) have a lot of thorns, just like roses.
4.Nearly as much protein is found in chickpeas and almonds as there is in steak.
Greg McFarlane, a director at Vegan Australia, mentioned that it's a frequent misunderstanding that you can't get strong on a vegan diet and that this is a fantastic example of dispelling that stereotype in a recent interview about plant-based diets with EatFirst.
If you adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can typically receive the protein you need as long as you eat a variety of foods, claims Better Health.
While consuming 100g of steak may provide up to 25g of protein, the same quantity of chickpeas and almonds provide 21g and staggering 28g, respectively!
And we'll take that as an excuse to consume even more hummus!
5.The most despised vegetable in the world is one of the healthiest for you
For years, these little, crunchy, green nibbles have been deceiving us. Pistachios belong to the "drupe" family of fruits, which also includes cherries, peaches, and olives. They are not at all nuts.
Therefore, it is a fruit technically! Actually, a fruit's seeds, since the fruit's outer layer is removed during processing. Pistachios, like other "nuts," are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can aid with weight control, prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, and improve digestion. Pistachios include omega-3 fatty acids that can lower blood pressure and perhaps minimize your chance of developing heart disease.
