When you’re sitting down to have lunch in Kelowna, you might be surprised at the nutrients you’re getting from the foods you’re eating. While “superfoods” have been debated whether they really provide the amount of nutritional value they claim to offer, the foods we’ll be discussing are known for the nutrients they provide.
Next Time Have Potatoes for Lunch in Kelowna
Yup, the classic tater is on this list, although it comes with a caveat. Obviously, if you’re deep-frying potatoes you’re not going to get the most nutritional value out of them.
Good news though, a medium-sized baked potato only contains 110 calories. In addition, they are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Plus, they also contain manganese, phosphorus, niacin, and pantothenic acid which are all good for you as well.
Even the skins of potatoes can be beneficial to eat. They contain potato a flavonoid called ‘quercetin,’ which has anti-inflammatory properties and can protect the cells from being damaged by free radicals (I.e. unstable molecules).
Dark Chocolate
Before you start drizzling dark chocolate on everything from salads to sandwiches, this particular type of chocolate needs to contain at least 70% cocoa to get the value out of it. Otherwise, you’re not getting the real benefits of this type of chocolate. What benefits does it have? Glad you asked, dark chocolate has been found to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes, and even helps prevent memory loss as you age.
Also, be mindful of how much you consume since it’s still loaded with plenty of calories.
Ginger
Used for ages in many traditional recipes and teas, ginger has often been used for relieving sea-sickness, stomach cramps, and even nasal congestion. Loaded with zest, this root plant has been found to help relieve colon inflammation, aches from exercising, and even nausea caused by chemotherapy as well.
Red Wine
As much as we’d love to say red wine in large quantities could solve all your nutritional needs that’s not the case. However, in smaller quantities, it does have some surprising benefits.
In fact, some studies have suggested that red wine helps you live longer, it protects you from specific types of cancers, keeps your mind sharp in old age, and even helps prevent heart disease.
To reap the rewards, limit your intake to one glass a day.
Garlic
This vegetable will keep away more than just vampires through its nutritional benefits. In fact, its ratio of size to health value is very high. Known for providing a boost to the immune system it contains high levels of manganese, vitamin C and selenium.
Despite its smell, other health conditions it relieves includes inflammation, cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and easing cold and flu symptoms.
Avocados
Ah yes, the millennial ‘vegetable of choice,’ but there’s more to it as to why this guacamole component is frequently chosen in many dishes nowadays. Firstly, avocados contain fats, but of the healthy variety (high-density lipoproteins). These fats can clear the bloodstream of low-density lipoproteins or ‘bad fats’ and lower cholesterol making them a perfect choice for people who have heart conditions to add to their diet.
Peanut Butter
Alright, alright it’s not a “food” per se, but this staple condiment of many people’s homes actually has several nutritional benefits. Peanut butter contains potassium, a major nutrient that decreases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains high levels of fibre, healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
That being said, not all peanut butter is created equal. Only the ones that contain just peanuts and nothing else are actually healthy. So as much as that oh-so-smooth Kraft peanut butter is delicious, you’re not getting the full value out of it.
Remember that a varied and healthy diet goes a long way in not only staying healthy but also helping you stay energized and alert. Incorporate these foods into your meals and your next lunch in Kelowna to start getting more out of the food you eat.