The following foods are very nutritious, but many people don't like them:
1. Napa Cabbage
A cup of chopped napa cabbage contains only 22 calories but is rich in nutrients. Napa cabbage contains sulforaphane, which can increase the body's enzyme content. (Enzymes can prevent the production of free radicals that damage cells and can prevent cancer). Research has found that compared to any other phytochemical, sulforaphane has the highest ability to promote enzyme production.
Napa Cabbage and Jellyfish Salad
2. Beets
This red vegetable is high in folate and betaine. These two chemicals work together to lower homocysteine levels, an inflammatory compound that can damage arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the natural pigment in beets, betacyanin, has been proven in experiments to prevent cancer.
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain a high concentration of lycopene, which is more effective than tomatoes and watermelon in preventing prostate cancer. Additionally, a cup of pomegranate seeds contains 688 milligrams of potassium, 63% more than a banana. Pomegranates are also high in fiber, with 9 grams per cup.
4. Lettuce
Half a cup of cooked lettuce contains a large amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, with 10 milligrams per cup. These chemicals, called carotenoids, can prevent retinal aging because they absorb light that damages the eyes.
Cold-dressed Shredded Lettuce
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps control blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, research has found that type 2 diabetics who consume 1 gram of cinnamon daily for 6 weeks see significant reductions in blood sugar, blood lipids, and bad cholesterol.
6. Purslane
Purslane has the highest omega-3 content of any plant. Furthermore, research has found that the melatonin in purslane (an antioxidant that prevents cancer cell growth) is 10 times higher than in any other fruit or vegetable.
7. Pomegranate Juice
Research has shown that drinking 2 ounces (56 grams) of pomegranate juice daily for one year can lower systolic blood pressure by 21% and significantly improve blood flow to the heart.
Pomegranate Juice
8. Goji Berry
Of all fruits, goji berries have the highest antioxidant capacity. Moreover, research has found that the sugars in goji berries can reduce insulin resistance, thereby preventing diabetes.
9. Dried Plums
Dried plums contain large amounts of neochlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid, two chemicals that fight free radicals. These free radicals can cause structural damage to cells, leading to cancer.
10. Cucumber Seeds
Cucumber seeds are rich in magnesium. Research has found that people with high levels of magnesium in their blood have a 40% lower risk of premature death.