BLACK is the new GREEN! 6 Amazing BLACK Superfoods!
If you asked most people what color foods contain the most nutrients, vitamins and minerals, they will point you towards green foods. However, there are a number of studies and proven facts about how BLACK foods are just as good and in many ways, even better than green foods.
Black is the new green! How so? New studies show that many black or dark pigmented foods contain more antioxidants than lighter colored foods. The high pigment content also gives more nutrient density, packing in more useful and vital vitamins and minerals into each bite. Therefore, many nutritionists and dieticians now proclaim that Black is the new Green. Dark fruits, veggies, produce and grains are nutritional powerhouses. The dark black color comes from anthocyanins. These anthocyanins cause dark pigmentation in fresh produce and whole foods and they may help lower the risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Black superfoods also contain higher levels of fiber, protein, antioxidants and phytonutrients when compared to there counterparts. As well, black superfoods are now more readily available in local grocery stores.
In additional studies, researchers are also trying to figure out if these anthocyanins from black plants and whole foods can help treat cancers, heart diseases and diabetes. Black foods can now be found in many supermarkets but if you can’t find any, try natural food stores and small local grocers. So what are the best black foods? And how is Black the new Green when it comes to diet and nutrition? Find out more about Black is the new Green below:
Black Tea
Let’s start off with one of our favourite black foods. Although white and green teas get all the diet and nutrition hype as some of the best healthy drinks in the world, black tea has many perks as well. The dark pigmentation of black teas gives the drink theaflavins. According to the New Jersey Rugers University, theaflavins are special antioxidants found in black tea that help improve muscle recovery during and after intense workouts and exercise. In addition, theaflavin antioxidants in black tea may also help in healing muscle soreness. Another health benefit of black tea is that studies have shown that is may also lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Just add black tea!
Black Soybeans
Although yellow and green soybeans get all the attention (think edamame in Japanese cuisine), black soybeans are the real superfood when it comes to soy beans. Although all soybean oils contain alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid which reduces the risk of heart disease, black soybean oil seems to contain the highest levels of this health benefit. As well, a recent study from Korean researchers show that black soybeans also reduce the risk of thrombosis, a type of blood clot that is in some cases, fatal. Just add black soybeans!
Black Beans
Just like black soybeans, black beans also contain higher levels of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and other minerals that aid in regular body function and combatting disease. The dark black beans are packed with bioflavonoids. According to Cornell University, the high levels of bioflavonoids in black beans help protect us from all forms of cancer. The potent plant base nutrients are exceptional. Just add black beans.
Blackberries
Often overlooked due to the hype surrounding goji berries, blueberries and acai berry, blackberries are actually some of the most nutritional dense berries. High in fiber which aids in digestion, one cup of blackberries contains more than 30% of your daily fiber requirements! In addition, blackberries also contain polyphenols which help reduce cognitive decline and aid in brain/nervous function. The polyphenols help clean up cells that impair daily brain function according to Boston’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Just add blackberries!
Black Lentils
Many vegans and vegetarians eat black lentils because of their high iron content. About one cup of black lentils gives you close to 40% of your daily recommended intake of iron for women, which is just incredible. In addition, lentils, specifically black lentils or those with a darker pigmentation, will contain high levels of soluble and digestible fiber. This will help lower your cholesterol, improve immune function and even reduce your chance of heart disease according a new study done at the University of Illinois. Just add black lentils!
Black Rice
Most of us grew up eating white rice or brown rice. Not many of us know that there is even black rice on the market. Brown rice is better than white, but black is better than either of them. That’s because the bran hull of black rice contains significantly higher amounts of Vitamin E. As you know Vitamin E helps boost our immune system to combat diseases and it also protects our cells from free radical damage. According to a recent study at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, black rice contains more anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries! Just add black rice!
The top 6 black superfoods explained in this article includes: black tea, black soybeans, black beans, blackberries, black lentils and black rice.
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