Tropical Superfoods
The term "superfood" may sound like hyperbole, but there's science behind the term. A superfood doesn't just nourish, it also provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that promote good health. Superfoods are nutrient-dense and pack a large nutritional wallop per serving without adding empty calories. If you're traveling somewhere exotic, why not enjoy some of the superfoods native to your vacation destination?
It's no coincidence that many superfoods thrive in tropical climates. Greater biodiversity in sub-tropical and tropical zones means a broader range of phytochemicals. Including some of these exotic foods in your diet gives your meals a boost both in nutritional fitness and in flavor.
Coconut
On any list of tropical superfoods, coconut must be first. A staple of tropical diets and Ayurvedic medicine for millennia, coconuts are a source of essential trace minerals manganese and selenium. The real superfood nature of coconut isn't in the fresh white flesh, though, but in coconut oil.
Once maligned as just another saturated fat, coconut oil increases "good" cholesterol (LDL) and lowers "bad" cholesterol (HDL). Although it's as caloric as any oil or fat, coconut oil sates hunger well; using it in cooking adds flavor and makes smaller portions feel more filling. The coconut milk used to enrich curries and mixed drinks like pina coladas is rich in coconut oil, so enjoy plenty of this superfood while traveling in tropical climates.
Chocolate
Surprised to see cocoa on the superfoods list? You're probably thinking of rich, calorie-laden chocolate desserts. The complex flavor of this product of the cacao tree were so prized by pre-Columbian peoples of the Americas that the pods were used as currency. Only the very wealthy drank chocolate, and they drank it bitter. These ancient cultures may have been onto something; science is only now seeing the health value of chocolate.
While the sugar, cream, and butter in chocolate treats aren't exactly diet-friendly, the cocoa they contain is loaded with flavonoids, compounds that may help reduce your risk of cancer, ward off heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Take advantage of cocoa's superfood properties without the extra calories by enjoying dark and semisweet chocolate drizzled over fresh fruit or coconut.
Papaya
This sweet tropical fruit's pink flesh contains vitamins A, C, E, and K along with potassium and fiber. It's also low in calories, making it a good choice for anyone who wants to stay slim and still enjoy delicious food. Papaya's nutritional benefits are readily apparent, but what elevates this tropical fruit to superfood status is the enzyme papain.
Papain makes papayas a natural tenderizer for meats; that same enzyme aids digestion when you eat papayas. If you suffer from an upset stomach on your vacation, try eating papaya to feel better naturally. While you're enjoying papaya as a snack, you might want to rub it on your face as well; fruit enzymes act as a natural gentle exfoliant. Whether you eat papayas or wear them, they'll enhance both health and beauty.
Mango
Native to India, mangoes now thrive throughout tropical and semi-tropical zones around the world. They're a favorite for their lusciously rich taste, but they're also packed with vitamins A and C as well as important minerals such as copper and potassium. Mangoes are also rich in fiber.
If you have a taste for this tropical superfood, make sure you peel it thoroughly. One of the many phytochemicals mangoes contain is urushiol. Unlike other phytochemicals that have beneficial effects, urushiol is the itchy active ingredient in poison ivy. If you're susceptible to itching from poison ivy, take care when peeling a mango. Better yet, enjoy having one peeled for you.
Fish
Not all superfoods are plants. Although cold-water fish are more typically considered superfoods thanks to their abundant omega-3 fatty acids, fish that live in warmer climates are also good for your health. High in protein and low in calories, fish of any sort should feature prominently on your dinner plate. If you're planning a tropical vacation, try some of the local varieties of fish while you travel.
Thai fish curries made with coconut milk and served with mango chutney, for example, would give you a taste of three superfoods in one meal.
Incorporatiing multiple superfoods enhances their beneficial effects. Thai fish curries made with coconut milk and served with mango chutney, for example, would give you a taste of three superfoods in one meal. Regional cuisines often feature food combinations that happen to be especially healthful as well as flavorful.
Eating healthy even on vacation is a good plan, but flavor counts for just as much as health; you'll enjoy both with fresh tropical superfoods.
Looking to update your wardrobe? Check out the vast selection and unique designs at fairwindssarongs.com.
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It's no coincidence that many superfoods thrive in tropical climates. Greater biodiversity in sub-tropical and tropical zones means a broader range of phytochemicals. Including some of these exotic foods in your diet gives your meals a boost both in nutritional fitness and in flavor.
Coconut
On any list of tropical superfoods, coconut must be first. A staple of tropical diets and Ayurvedic medicine for millennia, coconuts are a source of essential trace minerals manganese and selenium. The real superfood nature of coconut isn't in the fresh white flesh, though, but in coconut oil.
Once maligned as just another saturated fat, coconut oil increases "good" cholesterol (LDL) and lowers "bad" cholesterol (HDL). Although it's as caloric as any oil or fat, coconut oil sates hunger well; using it in cooking adds flavor and makes smaller portions feel more filling. The coconut milk used to enrich curries and mixed drinks like pina coladas is rich in coconut oil, so enjoy plenty of this superfood while traveling in tropical climates.
Chocolate
Surprised to see cocoa on the superfoods list? You're probably thinking of rich, calorie-laden chocolate desserts. The complex flavor of this product of the cacao tree were so prized by pre-Columbian peoples of the Americas that the pods were used as currency. Only the very wealthy drank chocolate, and they drank it bitter. These ancient cultures may have been onto something; science is only now seeing the health value of chocolate.
While the sugar, cream, and butter in chocolate treats aren't exactly diet-friendly, the cocoa they contain is loaded with flavonoids, compounds that may help reduce your risk of cancer, ward off heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Take advantage of cocoa's superfood properties without the extra calories by enjoying dark and semisweet chocolate drizzled over fresh fruit or coconut.
Papaya
This sweet tropical fruit's pink flesh contains vitamins A, C, E, and K along with potassium and fiber. It's also low in calories, making it a good choice for anyone who wants to stay slim and still enjoy delicious food. Papaya's nutritional benefits are readily apparent, but what elevates this tropical fruit to superfood status is the enzyme papain.
Papain makes papayas a natural tenderizer for meats; that same enzyme aids digestion when you eat papayas. If you suffer from an upset stomach on your vacation, try eating papaya to feel better naturally. While you're enjoying papaya as a snack, you might want to rub it on your face as well; fruit enzymes act as a natural gentle exfoliant. Whether you eat papayas or wear them, they'll enhance both health and beauty.
Mango
Native to India, mangoes now thrive throughout tropical and semi-tropical zones around the world. They're a favorite for their lusciously rich taste, but they're also packed with vitamins A and C as well as important minerals such as copper and potassium. Mangoes are also rich in fiber.
If you have a taste for this tropical superfood, make sure you peel it thoroughly. One of the many phytochemicals mangoes contain is urushiol. Unlike other phytochemicals that have beneficial effects, urushiol is the itchy active ingredient in poison ivy. If you're susceptible to itching from poison ivy, take care when peeling a mango. Better yet, enjoy having one peeled for you.
Fish
Not all superfoods are plants. Although cold-water fish are more typically considered superfoods thanks to their abundant omega-3 fatty acids, fish that live in warmer climates are also good for your health. High in protein and low in calories, fish of any sort should feature prominently on your dinner plate. If you're planning a tropical vacation, try some of the local varieties of fish while you travel.
Thai fish curries made with coconut milk and served with mango chutney, for example, would give you a taste of three superfoods in one meal.
Incorporatiing multiple superfoods enhances their beneficial effects. Thai fish curries made with coconut milk and served with mango chutney, for example, would give you a taste of three superfoods in one meal. Regional cuisines often feature food combinations that happen to be especially healthful as well as flavorful.
Eating healthy even on vacation is a good plan, but flavor counts for just as much as health; you'll enjoy both with fresh tropical superfoods.
Looking to update your wardrobe? Check out the vast selection and unique designs at fairwindssarongs.com.
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