From surprising amounts of nutrients to the origins of some of our favourite dishes, here are some interesting food facts that will boggle your mind.
1. Dark chocolate can be more than just a sweet treat
The dark chocolate we know and love is made from the roasted beans of the cacao tree and has a ton of interesting facts many being health benefits.
According to Harvard, dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. A study of an isolated tribe with high intakes of cocoa had lower rates of heart disease, cancer and diabetes compared to the same tribesmen who had migrated to cities.
Bonus fact: Dark chocolate that’s 70% cocoa or more actually contains more caffeine per ounce than coffee. Just don’t expect to stay up all night with the powdered hot chocolate you’d get at a supermarket. This stuff tends to be quite low in caffeine.
2. Literally Eat A Fruit That’s As Sweet As Nectar
Did you know that the word nectarine means sweet like nectar and this is most likely the origin of the name? It’s believed nectarines, like peaches, originated in China over 4,000 years ago.
Nutritionally, nectarines are a high source of Vitamin C and A and are abundant in antioxidants. They aid in weight loss, help regulate blood pressure levels and overall good health. They also help improve immunity and heart health.
3. Raspberries Are A Member Of The Rose Family
As are cherries, apricots, plums, pears, apples, quinces, peaches, strawberries, and blackberries. Unlike roses though, these types of fruits typically have flowers with five equal petals arranged around a central core.
And, just like roses, raspberries (and blackberries) have plenty of thorns too – ouch!
4. Chickpeas And Almonds Contains Almost As Much Protein As Steak
In a recent report about plant-based diets, Greg McFarlane, a director at Vegan Australia, mention that it’s a common myth that you’re not able to become strong on a vegan diet and this is a great example of busting that myth.
According to him, if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, as long as you eat a wide variety of foods, you can usually get the protein you need. While eating 100g of steak could contain up to 25g of protein, the same amount of chick peas contains 21g and almonds a whopping 28g! And if that’s an excuse to eat even more hummus, we’ll take it!
5. The World’s Most Hated Vegetable Is One Of The Best For You
Brussels sprouts may be the most hated vegetable, but it’s among the most nutritious veggies out there.
It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals, has virtually no calories, no fat, no cholesterol, and it fills you up. Better yet, it also has an anti-oxidant that has shown to be anti-inflammatory and could fight cancer.
6. Pistachios Are Actually Duping Us
These little crunchy, green snacks have been fooling us for years. Pistachios aren’t nuts at all, but rather a drupe – a family that also includes cherries, peaches and olives.
So, technically, it’s a fruit! Well, actually the seeds of a fruit (the outer fruit is removed during processing). Like other ‘nuts’, pistachios are a rich source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, which can help people with weight management, protect against diabetes and hypertension and improve digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids present in pistachios can help lower your blood pressure and may also reduce your risk of heart disease.
7. Caesar Salad Isn’t From Anywhere Near Italy
Bet you didn’t know this. We sure didn’t!
The Caesar salad was actually invented in Tijuana, Mexico back in 1927. Hotel Caesar owner Caesar Cardini wanted to make dinner for friends, but didn’t have much at hand. Lettuce was tossed into a bowl with a dressing made from whatever he had on hand and salad history was made.
There’s even an annual festival in Tijuana every June in honour of the infamous side dish. (To be fair, Cardini himself was actually born in Italy)
8. Avocados Are Fruit
Avocados are a perennial fruit, and according to Australian Avocado the first ones to arrive in Australia were planted in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens back in 1840.
They also must be picked when matured in order to ripen, which can take between 1-2 weeks. In Spain and Mexico, avocados are called alligator pears due to their shape and bumpy, green skin, while in India and China, they are referred to as butter pears.
This healthy food is good for you too! They’re a great source of vitamin C, E, K, and B-6.
9. Spam Is Actually Just Short For ‘Spiced Ham’
We’re not talking about the unsolicited emails you get, but that mysterious meat in a can. Ever wondered what it means? It’s short for Spiced Ham. Not so mysterious huh?
Also not so spiced either. A can of spam includes just six ingredients: pork, salt, water, potato starch, sugar and sodium nitrate (a preservative often used for cured meats).
10. Oreos Are Vegan
It seems milk’s favourite cookie can actually be dipped in oat, soy or almond milk for a delicious vegan snack.
These iconic sandwich cookies don’t actually contain any milk products or eggs so are vegan-friendly. You can even get an official vegan Oreo tote bag to carry your favourite plant-based biscuits in.
