Jicama, Sunflower Greens, Rooibos Tea, Aioli and Kefir. These are 5 health foods that you may be unfamiliar with. Surprisingly, these 5 foods are good for you and have hidden benefits that could be helpful to your diet plan.
Jicama: a sweet flavored root vegetable from Central America that looks like a potato but is fairly juicy. You can eat it raw in slices, or boil it like a potato until soft. You can generally find this rare vegetable in the produce section of higher-end super markets.
Health Benefits: Loaded with 6 grams of fiber, this veggie has only 49 calories per cup, and is loaded with Vitamin C.
Sunflower Greens: these sprouts grown after a week in the soil from sunflower seeds are hard, crunchy, and nutty flavored. You can find them at your local farmer's market, or sometimes in the produce section of high-end supermarkets.
Health Benefits: Sunflower Greens have the same plant protein found in sunflower seeds, as well as healthy fat and fiber.
Rooibos Tea: grown in South Africa, this lively red tea has no caffeine, and is also naturally sweet. It can be bought in the tea section of most supermarkets and grocery stores.
Health Benefits: high in antioxidants, rooibos is known to fight disease and boost the immune system. There have also been studies done that suggest it can help prevent allergies and cancer.
Aioli: a sauce made of olive oil, eggs, and garlic, Aioli originates from the south of France, and is served with seafood, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables. It is hard to find in regular supermarkets, but it is easily available online at gourmetfoodstore.com, or you could easily make your own!
Health Benefits: Aioli is a source of olive oil, protein, and vitamin E, as well as the addition of garlic to lower cholesterol, and fight cancer.
Kefir: a dairy product similar to yogurt, it is made by culturing milk with grains of kefir. Kefir can be found in the health-food section of any supermarket, or in the dairy section in health-food stores.
Health Benefits: Kefir contains certain bacterium that is known to lower cholesterol, improve the digestion of lactose, as well as help the immune system. Another key health benefit is that it is more effective at controlling hunger than fruit juice or other dairy drinks.
