Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a very popular and versatile ingredient in a variety of cuisines. It is commonly eaten in such places as France, Italy, Australia, Egypt and the U.S. This vegetable is especially loved for its bright purple color, fleshy skin and unique taste. The taste is generally described as slightly bitter … Continue reading Eggplant: A Mediterranean Diet Jewel
Tag: heart health
Bell Peppers: Capsicums
The bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a fruit that belongs to the nightshade family. Botanically it is a fruit, but nutritionally considered a vegetable. Also called a sweet pepper or capsicum, it is native to Central and South America and can be eaten either raw or cooked. Bell peppers come in various colors, such as … Continue reading Bell Peppers: Capsicums
Herbs and Spices: Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a delicious spice that has been used around the world for thousands of years. It confers several health benefits, not to mention its sweet, distinct, warm flavor. Out of 26 popular herbs and spices, researchers have ranked cinnamon as number 1 for its high antioxidant levels. Cinnamon actually comes from the inner bark … Continue reading Herbs and Spices: Cinnamon
Herbs and Spices: Ginger
Ginger is among the healthiest, and most delicious, spices on the planet. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part most commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger. It is actually in the same family as turmeric. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger comes from … Continue reading Herbs and Spices: Ginger
Mango – The King of Fruits
Luscious and sweet, mango is known as the "king of fruits." Biting into this tropical fruit can feel like pure bliss, so much so that you may wonder if something so delicious and decadent can actually be good for you. The answer is a resounding "yes." Mangoes offer some pretty impressive perks. In fact, studies … Continue reading Mango – The King of Fruits
6 Amazing Health Benefits of Tahini
If you like nut butters, then you will love tahini. A staple of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, tahini is a thick paste made of finely ground sesame seeds. Tahini offers a richer, more savory flavor profile than your standard peanut butter. You may have had tahini before, if you've had hummus. Besides chickpeas, tahini … Continue reading 6 Amazing Health Benefits of Tahini
Almonds and Health
The Almond is a tree nut native to the Mediterranean region. Historically, almond trees grew there wild and were later cultivated as early as 3000 BC. The edible part of the almond is actually a seed from a drupe. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, fiber, biotin, minerals (calcium, phosphorous, magnesium), and phytonutrients … Continue reading Almonds and Health
Chickpeas and Health
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, come in two varieties. The Kabuli-type is large, round and light-colored; The Desi-type is small, dark, and irregularly shaped. Chickpeas have high nutritional value and are rich in carbohydrate, protein, fiber, B vitamins, and some minerals (phosphorus, iron). They are a nutritional staple of many diets. Reasons to Eat … Continue reading Chickpeas and Health
Amazing Sweet Potatoes
Unlike a potato (edible tuber of the nightshade family), the sweet potato is a large edible root of the morning glory family. Sweet potatoes are typically recognized by their copper-colored skin and vibrant orange flesh. However there are varieties grown worldwide that display colors such as white, cream, yellow, and purple. The more common orange-fleshed … Continue reading Amazing Sweet Potatoes
Cauliflower’s Remarkable Health benefits
Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family - along with cabbage, kale, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Recent studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of natural antioxidants due to their various phytochemicals. Recent research also demonstrate that cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower are highly correlated with preventing chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, … Continue reading Cauliflower’s Remarkable Health benefits
The Mediterranean Diet Unplugged 