origins of health food

Apples

#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Olympia London, 27 Feb - 01 March 2015

Apples are able to satisfy hunger while remaining low in calories, thanks to their high levels of fibre. Dice an apple and add to warm oats with honey for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

The apple tree originated in central Asia and Western China somewhere between two to ten million years ago, around the time the first humans were evolving.

Fun Fact: Apples belong to the rose family.

Brussels Sprouts


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamin C, a vitamin that also functions as an antioxidant. Enjoy them stir-fried with cabbage, cashews and bacon, sprinkled with radicchio.

They aren’t actually from Brussels. The earliest versions of the vegetable have been traced back to ancient Rome, which were later cultivated by Brussels in the 16th century.

Fun Fact: They are classified as part of the mustard family due to a four-part flower in the shape of a cross.

Cacao


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Cacao may be effective at helping to lower blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Opt for bite-sized squares of dark chocolate; they are healthier and more filling than milk chocolate.

The world’s obsession with cacao began in Mesoamerica back in 1900 BC.

Fun Fact: The Aztecs believed that cacao seeds were a gift from the God of wisdom, and considered them so valuable that they were used as a form of currency.

Carrots


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Carrots were initially grown for their fragrant leaves and seeds rather than their roots. The minerals in carrots may help to kill harmful germs in the mouth and help prevent tooth decay. Swap regular pasta for carrot pasta: use a peeler or spiralizer to create spaghetti-like ribbons and boil until al dente.

The carrot is believed to have originated in Persia.

Fun Fact: The common carrot used to be purple.

Catfish


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Catfish contain high levels of protein, vitamin D and omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy brain functioning. Bake catfish instead of frying it for a healthier dish. Serve with an almond-garlic sauce, a dash of lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

These fish have been a fairly popular food source in most parts of the world for hundreds of years.

Fun Fact: In the wild, catfish can live for up to 25 years.

DandelionGreens


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Dandelion Greens are praised for their healing, cleansing and diuretic qualities, high levels of vitamin A and K, and their ability to help fight the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Add them to salads, soups, stir-fries and smoothies to capitalise on these hefty health benefits.

The earliest use of Dandelions as a food dates back to the 10th century somewhere in the Middle East.

Fun Fact: These greens are 14% protein – which means there’s more protein per serving in dandelion greens than there is in a serving of spinach.

Honey


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Honey is the only food that contains pinocembrin; an antioxidant linked to improved brain functioning. For a fat burning, digestion promoting hot drink, add a teaspoon of honey to warm water with a dash of lemon and enjoy with breakfast daily.

Humans have been on the hunt for honey for over 8000 years.

Fun Fact: Honey is also the only food that includes all the substances necessary to support life.

Kale


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Kale has more iron per calorie than beef, making it a great source of iron for vegetarians. Drizzle kale leaves in olive oil and bake them in the oven for baked kale chips.

Scientists still disagree about when humans first tasted this leafy food. However, it is accepted that the ancient Greeks cultivated kale, which they boiled and ate as a cure for drunkenness.

Fun Fact: One serving of kale has more absorbable calcium than a small carton of milk.

Marmite


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Not only is marmite produced from yeast extract, but it is 100% vegetarian, low in both sugar and fat, and a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Add Marmite to soups and stews to strengthen taste and add flavour.

Marmite has been around since the 19th century.

Fun Fact: Marmite was included in soldiers’ rations back in World War II. Unfortunately, toast was not.

Millet


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Also found in bird seed, millet is full of fibre and manganese – an element that supports the development of bones and connective tissue. Switch up your regular porridge for cooked millet, and add nuts and fruit for flavour.

It is thought to have originated in Ethiopia during prehistoric times.

Fun Fact: Millet is one of the oldest foods known to man.

Purple Potatoes


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

This vibrant vegetable contains roughly four times as many antioxidants as regular potatoes do. The purple potato also helps to decrease blood pressure and protect the body against heart disease. Slice into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, bake and enjoy.

We have South America to thank for the purple potato.

Fun Fact: The skin contains a large portion of the nutritional value, so be sure not to remove it.

Quinoa


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

This seed is an excellent source of protein and is naturally gluten free. Add it to pancake mix to increase the nutritional value of a sweet or savoury breakfast.

Quinoa is the product of an Andean plant that originated in Peru and Bolivia about 7000 years ago.

Fun Fact: There are roughly 120 known varieties of Quinoa.

Seaweed


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Seaweed is one of the world’s most nutrient dense foods, particularly in terms of calcium and protein. To up your seaweed intake, finely chop or snip a sheet of nori (a type of seaweed) and add it to pastas, soups and smoothies.

Seaweed as a staple food item dates back to prehistoric times.

Fun Fact: Roughly 21 species of seaweed are used in everyday cookery in Japan.

Tea


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

According to the legend, a Chinese Emperor accidentally discovered tea when leaves blew into his boiling water. Tea is high in antioxidants – helping to protect the body against a number of cancers. To enjoy maximum health benefits from tea, drink it plain without milk or sugar.

It is believed that tea originated in China about 4000 years ago.

Fun Fact: Initially tea bags were intended to be opened and the tea strained. However, people decided it was easier to simply dip the bag itself into the cup.

Turmeric


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Turmeric has been proven effective in helping to counteract the effects of depression. Add Turmeric to scrambled eggs or tofu for a slight flavour twist.

The origin of Turmeric has been traced back almost 4000 years to Southeast India.

Fun Fact: Adding turmeric powder to toothpaste is a popular tooth whitening method amongst beauty pageant queens.

Watermelon


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

The watermelon originates from Southern Africa.

It contains the nutrient Choline which helps our bodies with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Pair watermelon cubes with feta, pistachios, lettuce and basil leaves for a delicious light salad.

Fun Fact: Watermelon seeds have been found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Yoghurt


#HEALTHYFOODFACTS

Herdsmen used to carry the milk from their cattle in containers made from animal stomachs. These containers ended up curdling the milk and producing yoghurt. Yoghurt is packed full of vitamins and usually contains probiotics which help improve digestion. Enjoy it plain or use it as a substitute for cream when making pasta sauce.

Yoghurt was first produced accidentally by those in Central Asia around 6000 BC.

Fun Fact: The amount of protein in Greek yoghurt is double that of traditional yoghurt.

origins of health food

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