Pigeon peas, a popular vegetable in tropical countries, are healthy and versatile. Ripe pigeon peas are a common ingredient in dhal, an Indian split-pea soup. Immature pigeon pea seeds, also called green pigeon peas, are reputed as an old folk medicine remedy for liver and kidney ailments, according to Purdue University, but they offer real…
Richly colored vegetables are pleasing to the eye and appear fresh and nutritious in the store and on the table. Flavonoids, the natural pigments that give plants their color, have antioxidant, or cell-protecting, properties. So naturally brightly colored vegetables are richer in antioxidants than their dull-colored counterparts. Some food manufacturers use dyes to make their…
Spinach is virtually free of fat, sugar and cholesterol. Each cup of raw spinach contains only 7 calories, so it is a wise addition to your diet if you are trying to lose weight. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, and it is easy to pair with side dishes, making it a…
The Institute of Medicine recommends that women get 90 micrograms of vitamin K per day, while men should get 120 daily micrograms. Vitamin K takes its name from the German word “koagulation” for a good reason — its most important function in your body is to assist clotting factors that prevent excessive bleeding when you…
If you live in an area where dandelions are considered an invasive weed, take comfort in knowing that the leaves of that pesky plant, commonly called dandelion greens, offer a wide variety of health benefits. Adding dandelion greens to your salad, sandwich or smoothie can benefit your bones, vision and metabolism. Dandelion greens, which are…
If you’re sick of eating spinach, other leafy greens are just as rich in vitamins and minerals. Kale and collard greens contain nutrients that benefit your immune system, muscles, bones, nerve function and overall well-being. Both are highly nutritious, but kale, which is grown in cooler climates, provides more vitamins and fewer calories than collard…
Dry roasted soybeans are dense with vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats, and provide isoflavones that may protect you from cardiovascular disease over the long term. Their fiber content adds bulk and gives you a long-lasting feeling of fullness, and their carbohydrates and protein feed your brain and muscles, keeping you energized.
