9 Weird Foods That Are Surprisingly Good For You
[Photo: Getty Images]
With the warm weather on the way and summer skin-showing opportunities ahead, our healthy diets are going into overdrive. Healthy living doesn’t have to be boring though, experts and lifestyle gurus have introduced us to a whole world of weird but wonderful foods that are good for us.
So if you’re BORED of stocking up on chia seeds and almond butter, why not try these bizarre foods which are surprisingly beneficial for your body? (If you dare!)
[Photo: Getty Images]
Cactus water
So coconut water has been around for ages but there’s a new natural drink which might be better for you. Cactus water is extracted from the Prickly Pear and blended with filtered water. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals - cactus water is full of anti inflammatory betalains to keep your skin looking good.
We love True Nopal Cactus Water which has no fat, and half the calories and sugar of coconut water. Yup, HALF the calories and sugar. It tastes of diluted Ribena, so is much less of an ‘acquired taste’ than coconut water too.
[Photo: Getty Images]
Animal bones
Not to be confused with stock, bone broth has been cooked for longer and doesn’t actually require any meat. It’s been a staple in many cultures but has only recently had a resurgence in the UK.
Bones contain a lot of nutritious minerals and boiling the bones allows the nutrients and collagen to be released. Drinking bone broth is a great way to get more omega-3 essential fatty acids into your diet. Omega-3s contribute to the maintenance of healthy eye, heart and brain functions and bone broth is a purer form compared to omega-3 from fish.
[Photo: Getty Images]
Fermented vegetables
Although you might think of it only as a garnish at a Korean restaurant, Kimchee is absolutely packed full of fibre and vitamin C. Made of a mix of fermented cabbage, chilli and onions, this tangy dish has potent antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
There are more than 300 varieties of Kimchi but the fermentation process means they’re all rich in gut-boosting lactobacilli bacteria. It’s also a great way to incorporate more veg into your life.
[Photo: Getty Images]
Cheesy yoghurt
So Icelandic Skyr isn’t technically a yoghurt, it’s actually a strained skimmed milk cheese. This means it’s super high in protein and calcium when compared to plain yoghurt. It’s very similar in taste but slightly thicker.
Skyr also contains the stomach-friendly probiotic cultures that are found in Greek yoghurt which are great for promoting gut health and immunity. Say bye-bye to that bloated belly!
[Photo: Getty Images]
Living Tea
Made from sweetened tea that’s been fermented with bacteria and yeast, Kombucha is literally a living health drink. By placing the bacteria culture into the sweetened tea, the bacteria eats the sugar and turns it into a range of nutritious acids and vitamins.
Slightly sparkling, this drink is shown to have antiviral and antifungal properties as well as protecting against stress. You can even use it externally to treat skin problems – use it to rinse your hair and balance your scalp!
[Photo: Getty Images]
Blood Sausage
Many of us might choose to avoid the black pudding on our plates but blood sausage is actually really high in fibre and protein. Although the thought of eating black looking plasma my put you off, it’s basically carb-free and the high iron levels will give you lots of energy throughout the day. Tempted?
[Photo: Getty Images]
Savoury Bananas
Although plantain looks very much like a banana, did you know it makes an excellent potato substitute? When they’re green and less ripe, you can have them boiled, mashed or roasted in the oven.
You can even use Plantain as an alternative to the pasta sheets in your lasagne – just season well and you might not be able to taste the difference.
[Photo: Getty Images]
Dandelion Leaves
Not just for rabbits you know, dandelion leaves are predicted to be the new Kale. Each leaf is chock full of calcium, vitamin and protein and can be eaten raw in salads, or stir-fried with your favourite lean proteins. It’s slightly bitter in taste but definitely a must-try if you’re bored of the usual greens.
We’d advise not just going for the ones in your garden though – try your local farmers market.
[Photo: Getty Images]
Purple Potatoes
Potatoes have got a good amount of vitamin C and fibre but purple potatoes have FOUR times the amount of antioxidants compared to the traditional coloured ones. Studies show that two helpings of purple potatoes a day decreases bloody pressure and may protect against heart disease.
You can treat them just like you would normal potatoes, but we love chopping them up and adding them to salads for a splash of colour. Try mixing these with heritage tomatoes for a real rainbow feast
Ever tried any of these bizarre health foods? How far would you go to try and eat healthily? Tweet us your thoughts @YahooStyleUK.