10 Superfoods To Buy On Taobao
Every January, we dig deep inside ourselves and aim to be better. If one of your resolutions is to eat better, you might want to add a few superfoods to your diet. Superfoods have been all the rage with promises of huge benefits for overall health and weight loss. While no food is a magic bullet for weight loss or disease prevention, we have selected ten nutrient rich foods to help you diversify your diet. Even better, they are all available on Taobao.
Black Garlic
You might know that garlic is good for you, but do you know about black garlic? The intense color is achieved by fermenting raw garlic. The resulting flavor is sweet and mellow compared to regular garlic. It’s full of probiotics, good for promoting healthy gut flora, and adds a unique taste to recipes.
Nutrition: high in protein and antioxidants (anthocyanin), low carb
Health claims: improved heart and digestive health, cancer prevention, strengthened immune system
Ways to consume: in sauces, dressings and dips
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/y9oe4tym
Black Soybean
The humble black soybean was touted big time by Dr. Oz on his TV show back in 2013 for its high number of nutritional benefits and relatively low cost. The legume is indigenous to China (convenient for us) and has been used as a tea in TCM to detoxify. It is also a Japanese folk remedy for sore throats.
Nutrition: high in protein and antioxidants (anthocyanin), low carb
Health claims: weight loss, heart disease and cancer prevention, alleviation of PMS and menopause symptoms
Ways to consume: eat cooked beans; drink roasted beans as a tea
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/ybjbz9ob
Chia Seeds
First famous for helping our Chia Pets sprout hair, the world has wised up to the health effects of consuming chia seeds. First a primary food crop for the Aztecs, this flexible seed can be thrown into anything and is high in both fiber and healthy omega-3 fats.
Nutrition: high in fiber, phosphorus, manganese, protein, calcium and omega 3s, low carb
Health claims: increased energy, lowered cholesterol, digestion aid, stabilized blood sugar
Ways to consume: add to beverages; make chia pudding
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/ybwrdzjf
Cocoa
We are always looking for a reason to eat more chocolate, so we are latching firmly onto the results of a joint study between the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public and Danish scientists that surveyed over 55,5000 people and found eating moderate amounts of chocolate to have a positive impact on health.
Nutrition: high in flavonoids; low sugar and fat (at least 70% cocoa powder or bars)
Health claims: lower chance of irregular heartbeats, decreased blood pressure, improved mood
Ways to consume: hot chocolate, sprinkled or melted on foods
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/y9whw4av
Coconut Oil
Well now, we have heard about the amazing health benefits of coconut oil for years, but some recent studies have disputed health claims. You will definitely want to make sure you are using virgin coconut oil, sparingly. If all else fails, slather it all over your body. People say it’s good for your skin.
Nutrition: saturated fat comes from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), antioxidants
Health claims: Boosts HDL (AKA good cholesterol), weight loss,
Ways to consume: as a vegan replacement in baking, for stir frying vegetables
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/ycys5yvp
Green Tea
Green tea has been popular for generations as a cure for cancer and heart disease. Aside from being a delicious and comforting warm beverage, it is full of antioxidants including the photochemical, epigallocatechin gallate said to slow irregular cell growth.
Nutrition: high in antioxidant and polyphenols
Health claims: memory improvement, reduced belly fat, stroke reduction, protection from neurological diseases, lowered blood pressure
Ways to consume: drink it
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/ydbra3of
Pistachios
Why can’t all snacks be good for us? These babies are full of plant-based protein and fiber while also being cholesterol-free. Eating an ounce of this yummy nutty treat will give you as much potassium as a small banana which much less sugar.
Nutrition: high protein and fiber, contains iron, lysine, magnesium, riboflavin and manganese
Health claims: constipation relief, heart disease prevention, weight loss, type 2 diabetes reduction
Ways to consume: drink it
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/yd5omdag
Quinoa
If you are looking to replace empty grains in your diet, then going for the super nutritious seed, quinoa, is a good switch. This multitasking little seed provides nine essential amino acids and is rich in plant-based protein.
Nutrition: high protein and fiber, assorted minerals and vitamins including iron, potatssium, phosphorus, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin K, low cholesterol and sugar
Health claims: improved cholesterol levels, lowered blood pressure, improved blood glucose levels
Ways to consume: toss in salads, make breakfast porridge, pasta or rice alternative
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/y6uqtn5g
Red Wine
When the news first hit that red wine is good for you, my mother showed up to my dorm room with a bottle, some glasses and directions to drink “one glass a day.” Since red wine is made with dark grape skins and seeds, it is rich in polyphenols. Maybe mother does know best? Remember, ONE GLASS.
Nutrition: rich in polyphenols including resveratrol
Health claims: lowered cholesterol, reduced blood clots and flexible blood vessels, lowered blood sugar, sharpened memory, cancer prevention
Ways to consume: drink it (duh), add to stews or sauces
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/y9mhows3
Tumeric
This spice has long been prized in ayurvedic medicine for its antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s basically anti all the bad stuff while being a flavorful, highly pigmented spice responsible for many of India’s gorgeous curries. While most of the benefits are reaped at very high doses, it can’t hurt to add a bit of turmeric to your diet.
Nutrition: contains curcumin
Health claims: cancer prevention, pain relief, reduces inflammation
Ways to consume: add to vegetables and/or meat for curries, turmeric lattes AKA “golden milk”
Taobao: https://tinyurl.com/yawoqjrt
All Photos from www.taobao.com
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