3 Unknown Foods to Discover!

There are so many different foods, all with different qualities and nutritional values, that eating healthy can sometimes seem complicated! Keep in mind that using variety is the key.

So, I wanted to share some of my discoveries to improve your eating routine!

1. Kefir

Kefir is in fact a dairy product, because it is composed of fermented milk. It has the consistency of a drinkable yogurt, but contains more of the precious probiotics. Therefore, it contributes to your digestive health by maintaining your intestinal flora. It should ideally be purchased unflavoured, because the flavoured ones contain a lot of added sugar. Enjoy it as a smoothie, with fresh or frozen fruit and a dash of honey or maple syrup, for breakfast or as a snack!

2. Seaweed, or “sea vegetables”

Seaweed is mostly being consumed in Asia, where it is served as a part of many dishes, under many different forms. Learning about seaweed has many advantages, because they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, phytosterols (molecules that prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the organism), proteins, and a variety of minerals and vitamins. A good way to discover them is to try a wakame salad on your next visit to a Japanese restaurant. You can also purchase chlorella and spirulina in natural health stores and add it to your smoothies.

Important note: because seaweed is rich in iodine, if your suffer from hyper or hypothyroidism, avoid consuming it in large quantities. In addition, if you are using anticoagulant medication such as Coumadin, it should be consumed sparingly because of its high vitamin K content.

3. Quinoa

A gluten-free grain, quinoa is gaining in popularity. It is prepared the same way as rice and is eaten as a starchy side dish. It is an interesting variation to add because it is rich in fiber, iron, and calcium, and it contains twice as much protein as rice. Rinse it before cooking to eliminate its bitter taste.

Happy discoveries!

By Marilyne Petitclerc

3 Unknown Foods to Discover! is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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