Eight foods you didn't know were good for you

Raw coffee beans

Raw coffee beans (image © AP/PA)

The health merits of roasted coffee have been much debated, but few people give thought to the humble bean in its raw form. Research has in fact linked raw green coffee beans (or coffee made from raw beans) with increased metabolism, allowing the body to burn fat quicker and therefore aid weight loss.

  

Nettles

Nettles (Image © AP/PA)

** Nettles have been given a bad rep because of their nasty sting and the misconception that the plant is nothing more than a weed. Be Nice to Nettles Week (May 17-28) aims to change all that by making people aware of the many benefits of this abundant plant.

Don't be put off if you see nettle soup on the menu in a restaurant. The plant has long been linked with health benefits and is full of iron, calcium, vitamins C, A and E and is a well known anti-inflammatory. Nettles are also thought to be beneficial to sufferers of eczema, arthritis and gout.

  

Cocoa

Cocoa (image © Getty Images)

Chocolate with a cocoa content higher than 70% is often linked with health benefits, but research has shown that a nutrient removed from cocoa in the chocolate making process could be the real key to health. Epicatechin was found to lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Raw cocoa tastes bitter but a team of scientists found that among the Kuna people of Panama, who drink up to 40 cups of cocoa per week, rates of the above diseases are as low as 10%.

 

Tinned tomatoes

Tinned tomatoes (Image © Getty Images)

Fresh tomatoes are well known as a cancer-fighting fruit, but now research has found that tinned tomatoes may pack a superfood punch all of its own. The heat used in the canning process reportedly increases the antioxidant level by as much as 500%. And, of course, they still contain lots of lycopene, the nutrient thought to prevent us against various types of cancer.

Blue green algae

Spirulina (image © Getty Images)

No it is not a horrible type of worm, but a potent form of algae called spirulina which is outrageously good for you. Spirulina and other types of algae contain the highest known concentration of the antioxidant beta-carotene and is also high in B vitamins, protein, iron and immune-system boosting amino acids. You can buy it in tablet, powder or juice form.

Ale

Pint of ale (Image © AP/PA)

Rejoice! The (moderate) consumption of ale has been linked with various health benefits, most notably decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and mental illness. Ale is in fact a rich source of nutrients thanks to the yeast used in the beer making process and is thought to contain high levels of magnesium, selenium, potassium and B vitamins. Just don't overdo it, otherwise you could end up with cirrhosis, which is definitely not 'super'.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks (Image © Image Source)

Cinnamon is much more than just a spice used to add flavour to food. Research carried out at the US Department of Agriculture found that cinnamon increases metabolism and helps to enhance insulin activity and lower blood sugar levels.

Wasabi

Sushi chef (Image © AP/PA)

This bright green sushi condiment does more than just use its natural spiciness to clear your nasal passages. Research shows that wasabi may also inhibit the growth of cancer cells, prevent blood clots and could even prevent tooth decay.

 ** Good healthy...  Wellbeing..**

     

OK, less vegetables and more ale for me!!

useful tip about cocoa... i was not aware of it... good to know here around there hundreds of huge plantations I can go and steal some!

Good jurnal ! Thanks for sharing ja

thanx 4 d info.

I don't think I'll be drinking nettle soup or chewing on raw coffee beans any time soon.

hey i had coffe beans with my sambucha shots last night that greeeeat !

Nice and interesting journal ;o)

also i notice that your wrote the source of the picture this is nice from you

thx

Yes and a spoonful of wasabi can almost blow your head off, as two of my friends found out when they tried eating it for a bet LOL

hmmm interesting journal , I never know some of those before.. thanks

Cinnamon is much more than just a spice used to add flavour to food.

I bought half a kilogram from China Town 2 weeks ago. Now, I'm thinking of how to turn these hard sticks into some kind of healthy delicious food, tempted to have a bite like a chocolate stick as it smells so good but not sure what is more worth having, this 'one of eight food that are good for you' or my healthy teeth!

hey richar1... that was a very good choice indeed!

The UK is FULL of bloody nettles, especially at this time of year...I had heard of nettle soup, but never tired it...probably not too easy to get in Hong Kong...although they eat ANYTHING here....

Great to hear about cinnamon...very nice...I have it on my coffee (not made from raw beans though) every day!

I can't get anywhere near nettles . . . i break out in hives just thinking about it. We call it the 7 minute itch where I come from . . . and it's just about the worst seven minutes you ever want to spend. How do they cook it without getting to close to it??

grezzzy_greer..Did you know I been in UK. last years ago and I sew nettles field in the wood by my friend house.when i was go for walk and my friend told me.this is a nasty tree call nettles..and you should kept away from those thing.but I won't belive and i was feel it then it was sting and pained too much than ever and ever.but not too long. after that i been pained i was recognized we found in thailand also. it's call..TUM YARE..

WHISKERS..Take it easy..used a glove cover your hands.go and get it's.lol

funky_house..I like wasabi mixed mayonnaise.dip in tempura.let's you can try it's delicious..