Another Round of Fun Food Facts

I am busy winding down my swim season and haven’t had much time or energy to actually get in the kitchen and cook. But fun food facts are always entertaining, and we all learn something new.

1. Dark Chocolate is made from the roasted beans of the cacao tree and has many health benefits. From improving bad cholesterol to lowering blood pressure, helping to reduce stress and improving vision, it’s definitely worth eating a square or two a day. A study by Harvard also found that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day prevented memory decline. Drink up! We chocolate lovers have been trying to convince the world for ages about the benefits of chocolate, and especially dark chocolate. We chocolate lovers have been trying to convince people of this fact for years and now, we have the science to back it up.

2. Did you know that the word ‘nectarine’ means sweet like nectar and this is most likely the origin of the name. Studies have suggested that nectarines, like peaches, originated in China over 2,000 years ago and were introduced to England in the late 16th or early 17th centuries.

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. These types of fruits typically have flowers with five equal petals arranged around a central core. Unlike many other fruits, once picked, unripe raspberries do not ripen.

4. Broccoli has more protein than steak. Former President George W Bush may have once famously proclaimed: “I’m president of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli,” but don’t listen to him! Besides the usual nutrition one gets from eating their greens, broccoli has a great deal of protein. Calorie for calorie, there is more protein in broccoli than steak. And it doesn’t come with all those saturated and trans fats or cholesterol, so you can get all the protein you need with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease with this healthy food.

Don’t get me wrong, I love broccoli, but I am NOT ever going to choose broccoli over a nice medium-rare juicy steak. That’s just NEVER going to happen. 🙂

5. Apples give you more energy than coffee. The coffee snobs may not don’t want to believe it, but it’s true. If you’re ever a little low on energy during the afternoon, then consider munching into an apple instead of buying a cup of coffee. Thanks to its high carbohydrate, fiber, vitamin C and mineral content, eating apples are the perfect (and healthy) option to help you stay energized all day.

So just in case you were wondering, now you know.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.