Humans have been around for so long that it’s not so impossible to think that we’ve discovered every food source the earth has to offer. We haven’t, as Yahoo points out (https://shine.yahoo.com/food/). There are foods out there – actual, edible substances – which you might never have known existed, or, even if you’ve heard of them, you might not have known they were a source of sustenance. Check out the list below.
Chia
Apparently this seed can do more than simply being a natural recreation of “hair” for your ceramic Chia Pet statue. When eaten, the seeds are a good source of iron, fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just one tablespoon of the nutty-flavored kernel in your cereal, soup, or salad yields major benefits. It’ll be easy to remember on your next trip to the natural food store, since you already know the jingle: cha-cha-cha-Chia!
Kefir
This is similar to yogurt in taste and texture, but the bacteria in kefir can enhance your immune system and possibly help protect your colon from cancer. If that wasn’t reason enough to try it, consider this: it has the same probiotics as yogurt, with more protein and less sugar. Pick it up in the dairy section, then try it in a smoothie.
Kelp
This nutrient might prevent breast cancer and it might block fat, but it also has other, definite benefits. With minimal calories, Kale is a good source of calcium and vitamin K, a vitamin which helps the blood clotting process and makes bone proteins. Kelp noodles can be found in specialty stores, and the powdered version of it blends well into soups or meatballs.
Black Garlic
This garlic can be used in baked goods like cakes and brownies (really!) in addition to the foods you might expect, like sauces and fondue. This type of garlic is sweet because of fermentation, and doesn’t leave you with bad breath after you eat it. Health-wise, it has a super-high concentration of antioxidants, it helps to lower cholesterol, and it might also assist with lowering cancer risk.
