Although not a staple food in the United States, plantains have a rich history, with references to the fruit dating back 2,500 years ago. There are even mentions of plantains in Ancient Greek records of Alexander the Great’s travels to India. He liked them so much he ordered them to be grown in his coastal…
Jicama (also called yambean) is a type of bulbous root vegetable that many people describe as being a cross between an apple and a turnip. Originally from the Mexican peninsula, jicama has played an important part in traditional cuisines of populations living in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia from thousands of years.…
Rich in calories, carbohydrates and vitamin C, plus highly versatile and full of flavor, yucca root is an important dietary component for millions around the world. It can be mashed, boiled, baked or fried and swapped in for potatoes in just about any recipe. It's also used to make a variety of gluten-free flours and…
We've all heard the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but with all of the antioxidants, micronutrients and health-promoting properties crammed inside the orange, it's safe to say that oranges may be just as effective in keeping you healthy. In fact, the orange nutrition profile contains a good chunk of the fiber,…
If you’ve ever visited Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean, you may have been introduced to a delicious little fruit called the guava. Native to these tropical regions, the guava is a very popular fruit that's been associated with a number of valuable health benefits. Guavas are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and variety…
What fruits are loaded in health-promoting antioxidants; contain disease-fighting phytochemicals; provide fiber, amino acids and micronutrients; and are so versatile they can be added to almost any sweet recipe? Berries. Berries are among the healthiest foods on the planet because of their beyond impressive nutrition profiles and antioxidant content. Adding them to your diet supports…
We all know how delicious and versatile grapes are — used to make wine, raisins and grapeseed oil, among other grape products. They're fun to eat with their round shape and unique texture — not to mention their sweetness combined with a bit of tart flavor — but what are the benefits of eating grapes? These delicious fruits…
In the past few decades, our diets have changed dramatically. Highly processed foods are more common than fruits and vegetables, as Americans opt for convenient choices that fit in to their busy lifestyles. Enter the Paleo diet plan, which seeks to ditch processed options in favor of the foods eaten by our ancestors. The Paleo…
Notice how in recent years there’s been a growing trend toward eating more “whole foods,” while avoiding things that commonly cause allergies, sensitives, sugar cravings and weight gain? Even many big-name supermarket chains are making a serious effort to clean up store shelves and remove suspicious ingredients from products — such as trans fats, for…
Whether you’re working out to lose fat, increase muscle tone or just feel good, hitting the gym is only part of the battle to get the best results. While your diet matters throughout the day, your post-workout meal might play the biggest role of all — take that, breakfast. See, your body stores glycogen and…
