Hello foodie Lions 🦁! Happy Thursday. Welcome to today's show. 🥗🍲🫕
This is the #threadcast for Day 128 of the #foodtalk on Leo 31/10/2024 for 30/10/2024. It's time for some meal inspirations and food conversation. Don't forget to use #foodtalk in your comments.
Discussion
- Be part of the Food Talk Show On Leo. Here is Day 127 that leads you to the previous threadcasts.
- Share your meals.
- What superfood are you incorporating into your meals?
- Healthier changes with easy superfood swaps.
- Share other food-related content and ask questions about food.
More about food with tips and tricks will be dropped in the threadcast. Upvote the comments you find interesting & connect with others. Let's have fun. #foodie
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps.
Simple superfoods
The word superfood might be a little overused, but some ingredients truly do deserve that distinction – and each is a health hero that can help you to incorporate more nutrients into your diet. That needn't mean spending a small fortune on food shopping, or working your way through complex recipes. In fact, it can be as easy as swapping out one or more ingredients for others that bring a little more to the plate. We've put together 26 easy, budget-friendly ways you can add a nutritious twist to your favorite dishes, with a few simple tweaks.
Check them out in the comments. 👇
#foodtalk #Superfoods #healthyfoods #nutritious #healthyeating
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
What are superfoods?
Ingredients classed as superfoods are typically natural foods that contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids and plant protein. It’s thought that the term originated as part of a marketing strategy during the First World War; America's United Fruit Company was promoting its imported bananas. While it's not an official food group, there's a consensus among nutritionists and dietitians as to which foods qualify as 'super,' including berries and dark leafy greens. Here are the best superfood recipes and swaps you can make as part of a balanced diet.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Blend bananas into ice cream
Store-bought ice cream can be high in sugar and saturated fats – so, if you’re craving a frozen dessert, try making your own at home. Packed with potassium, fiber, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, bananas make a brilliant ice cream, with no need to add anything else. You won’t need an ice cream machine either; just freeze peeled bananas, and blend up from frozen. Add a little milk, if you want a creamier treat, and stir in chopped nuts or dark chocolate chunks for an extra superfood boost.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #bananaicecream
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Bake black bean brownies
Black beans truly live up to their superfood title: they’re packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants, and are believed to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Plus, they make for a super-moist, indulgent brownie that comes with added health benefits. The rich purée can be used to replace some or all of the fat, including butter and eggs. Try using a can of black beans, blended with a little extra water or even brewed coffee, in place of any other add-ons with a boxed brownie mix. We promise you won't taste beans – only the fudgiest brownies you've ever baked.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #brownies
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Top pancakes with blueberries
Small but mighty, blueberries are nutritional powerhouses. They’re rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and manganese. Studies have shown they can help to protect against aging, and could help to manage blood pressure and blood sugar. Adding blueberries to your breakfast is a brilliant way to start the day. Scatter over your pancake stack or even drop into the batter when cooking. Want a double superfood boost? Blitz a handful of spinach and add to your batter, replacing some of the milk so it isn't too watery.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #pancakes #blueberries #pancakesblueberries
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Make butternut squash mac ‘n’ cheese
Mac 'n' cheese is the ultimate comfort dish. Want to add a nutritious boost to your favorite recipe? Try adding some butternut squash – it's low in calories, high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, potassium, folate, calcium and iron. So, while traditional mac ‘n’ cheese recipes can be high in fat and offer little in the way of health benefits, a little bit of squash will go a long way to elevate this warming classic. Just roast, chopped into chunks, before adding to your usual recipe.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #butternutsquash #macncheese
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Swap cocoa for cacao
There are few things cozier than a cup of hot chocolate. If you read the ingredients on a pack of ready-made hot chocolate mix, however, you might not feel so cozy. Many powders include sugar, artificial sweeteners and stabilizers. Instead, swap your usual mix for raw cacao powder – a good source of antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function. Combine it with a warm milk of your choice, then sweeten with date or carob syrup, to taste.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #cacao
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Make carrot fries
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a phytochemical that our body converts into vitamin A. Our bodies need vitamin A for healthy skin, a strong immune system, and good vision and eye health. To make skinny fries, cut carrots into strips, and toss them with cornflour, sea salt and ground black pepper. Spread the fries out on a lined baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, then bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes. For even more flavor, try experimenting with herbs and spices like parsley or paprika.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #carrotfries
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Whip up some cauliflower rice
Cauliflower is high in fiber, folate, vitamin C and vitamin B6, among other essential nutrients. Whether you’re trying to reduce your carb intake or just pack more goodness into your diet, cauliflower rice is an easy and affordable alternative to regular rice. Simply grate a head of cauliflower into small pieces (or blitz in a food processor), then press it between sheets of paper towel to remove any excess water. Sauté over a medium heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil, place a lid on the pan, then steam the cauliflower until tender. Season to taste, and enjoy with curries, chilies, and more.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #cauliflowerrice
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Make salt and vinegar chickpeas
Salt and vinegar is a classic combination – but, while potato chips may deliver on the flavor front, they don’t offer any health benefits. For a snack that will still hit the spot, empty a drained tin of chickpeas into a pan, add a pinch of salt and pour over enough white wine vinegar to cover, plus a little more. Bing to the boil for just 30 seconds, then remove them from the heat, cover and set aside. After half an hour, drain your chickpeas, lay them out on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and add a sprinkle of salt. Finally, roast for 20 minutes at 400°F, shake the tray, then roast for another 10-15 minutes until golden.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #chickpeas
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Stir cinnamon into porridge
Cinnamon has been used medicinally, around the world, for thousands of years. More recently, research has shed light on why: full of antioxidants, cinnamon may help to control blood sugar, prevent heart disease and reduce inflammation. It’s also packed with flavor, and lends a subtle sweetness and warmth to dishes. Next time you tuck into a bowl of porridge, try reducing the amount of sugar, and add in a sprinkling of ground cinnamon instead. Once your taste buds adjust, you may be able to eliminate the sugar entirely.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #porridge
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Make zucchini pasta
Zucchini are packed with nutrients – including vitamin C, which can boost immunity, and potassium, which can help to maintain blood pressure. They're wonderful roasted, of course, and are also a tasty stand-in for pasta. Simply grate, slice or spiralise them into your chosen shape (spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna 'sheets’... whatever you prefer). You can serve them raw or lightly sautéed, topped with your favorite pasta sauce or with a stir-fry.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #zucchinipasta
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Swap crackers for cucumber
This one might sound a bit out there, but trust us – cucumber has a great crunch that balances out sharp, smooth cheese perfectly. Not only that, but it has fewer calories and salt than conventional crackers, and is packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K. For a super (and oh-so-easy) snack, slice a cucumber into rounds, then top with hard or soft cheese. Looking for even more of a healthy boost? Try adding some hummus or salmon.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #cucumber
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Put dark chocolate in chili
Dark chocolate contains essential minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium. It’s also packed with flavonols, which are said to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate’s bitterness, try swirling a couple of squares into a savory chili; that way, you can reap all the health and flavor benefits without the harsh aftertaste. Remember, the higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the greater the health benefits will be.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #darkchocolatechili
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Add green tea to smoothies
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, is an anti-inflammatory, has a positive impact on digestive health and can help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. But it isn't everyone’s cup of, well, tea. If you’re not a fan of the taste, an easy way to reap its benefits is to add it to a superfood smoothie. Make a fresh brew, leave it to cool, then add it to your smoothie as the liquid part – or, add a scoop of matcha powder to your smoothie ingredients. Green tea pairs particularly well with spinach, mango and honey.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #greenteasmoothies #smoothies
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Spread hummus on your wrap
Looking for a light lunch that’s also light on calories? Here’s a simple swap that's sure to power up a wrap or sandwich: rather than spreading on a layer of high-fat mayonnaise, use hummus instead. Delicious and versatile, hummus is a great source of fiber, as well as vitamins like manganese, folate and iron. It’s easy to make at home, too; just blend a drained tin of chickpeas with 4 tbsps each of tahini, yogurt and lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves, and a generous sprinkling of salt.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #hummus #wrap
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Snack on oven-baked kale chips
Kale contains vitamins C and E for an immunity boost, calcium and vitamin K for supporting bone health, and numerous other nutrients that can help protect against heart disease. Versatile, light and crunchy, it crisps up beautifully in the oven. Be sure to wash and dry it well first, then toss in a little olive oil and your favorite spices (paprika, chili powder and ras el hanout all work well). Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until crisp. Even those who typically don't like kale should be won over with this one.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #ovenbakedkale #kale
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Try lentils instead of mince
Whether you’re trying to cut down on meat or simply want to experiment with plant-based protein, lentils are a worthy addition to your diet. These superfoods are rich in folate, potassium and fiber, as well as iron and vitamin B1. Ideal for maintaining a healthy heart, they can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol. Next time you’re making tacos, why not swap out minced meat for cooked brown or green lentils? It's easy to do: make your taco filling recipe as normal (aside from the meat), then add the lentils in towards the end.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #lentils
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Sprinkle on some nutritional yeast
Also known as 'nooch,' nutritional yeast is often used by vegans as a cheese substitute in recipes – and for good reason. Powdered yeast has a savory, umami flavor that adds a subtle twist to dishes. But it also contains nutrients (hence its name), including protein and B vitamins. Simply add a sprinkle on top of pasta, chili and other dishes in place of grated cheese.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #nooch
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Top your salad with toasted nuts
Rather than topping your salad with croutons, swap the traditional, carb-y cubes for nutrient-rich nuts. Simply toast whole or chopped almonds, hazelnuts, pecans or walnuts for a few minutes; you can do this in the oven, or in a small, dry frying pan on the hob. Each nut has its own unique health benefits, but they’re all packed with protein, and are a great source of fiber and healthy fats.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #salad #toastednuts
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Use oat flour to make pancakes
Oats contain beta-gluten, a type of soluble fiber that can slow digestion and make you feel fuller for longer. They also contain phytoestrogens, which act as antioxidants and help to reduce damage from chronic inflammation – so they’re a great way to start the day. Simply blend oats into a fine powder, then swap out the flour in your pancake recipe. You may need to adjust the milk content to obtain the right consistency, but you can otherwise follow your recipe as usual.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #oatpancakes #oat
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Add spinach to your BLT
Packing more veggies into your diet is always a good idea, especially when they’re as nutrient-rich as spinach. There’s a reason Popeye munches on this leafy green, which can boost energy thanks to its iron content, and improve bone health with its high levels of vitamin K, magnesium and calcium. Studies also suggest the polyphenols in spinach can protect against certain types of cancer. Spinach can easily be added to salads – or if you want something with a bit more bite, why not make a BST (a bacon, spinach and tomato sandwich)?
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #spinach
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Swap salt for seaweed
Seaweed is renowned for its great taste and versatility, and it’s also an absolute health hero. That stuff you see strewn on beaches and washed up on rocks is packed with vitamins A, B and C, as well as iron, zinc, potassium and iodine (which support the thyroid gland) and antioxidants (which delay cell damage). Sprinkling dried seaweed over dishes in place of salt is a great way to reduce your sodium intake, while also adding a punch of flavor. It also makes a brilliant popcorn seasoning.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #seaweed
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Top pies with sweet potato mash
Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes count as one of your five a day. These super spuds are high in fiber, which may assist digestive health, and can help manage type-2 diabetes. Like other orange vegetables, they’re also rich in beta-carotene, which can help maintain eye health and support immunity. Sweet potato mash can easily be swapped for regular mash – both as a side dish, and as a tasty topping for pies.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #sweetpotato
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Swap cream cheese for tofu
Not everyone is a fan of tofu – but when it's combined with other ingredients, even the staunchest of soy bean haters won’t be able to detect the difference. Silken tofu makes for a beautifully smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, plus it’s a much healthier alternative to traditional high-fat cream cheese. Like other soy-based products, tofu is high in protein, boasts a range of vitamins like selenium, calcium and manganese, and contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #tofu
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Add turmeric to curries
With its golden orange hue and delicate flavor, turmeric has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries. It also comes super-charged with curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While the root can be added to tea and other drinks, ground turmeric makes a great addition to savory dishes like curries. Simply add a teaspoon to your favorite recipe at the beginning of the cooking process; gently frying the spice will really bring out its flavor.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #turmeric
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Dollop yogurt onto fajitas
Fajita Friday, anyone? Veggie-packed fajitas make for a delicious dinner, but those extra spoonfuls of high-fat sour cream could be sabotaging an otherwise healthy meal – so try swapping them out for cooling, creamy yogurt. It will significantly boost the protein, calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins packed into your dish. Ideally, choose a low-fat yogurt, with no added flavors or sugar, or a plant-based coconut yogurt.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #yogurt #fajitas
Make Healthier Changes With These 26 Easy Superfood Swaps. 👈 Begin here.
Swap mayonnaise for yoghurt
Just a single tablespoon of mayonnaise contains nearly 100 calories and around 1/3 ounce of fat – and, while, it may taste great, it doesn’t have any nutritional benefits to speak of. Yogurt is an alternative that’s equally creamy, but significantly healthier. Depending on what you’re cooking or serving, you can do a simple like-for-like swap. To add extra flavor, use yogurt as a base for garlic aioli: stir a little crushed garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice into yogurt, to taste.
#foodtalk #Superfood #healthyfoods #nutritiousfoods #healthyeating #yoghurt #mayonnaise
I am not able to leave this abandoned... it has to be eaten! #foodtalk
Oh no, this is temptation, lol. 😁😋
Now I am thinking of having cake and ice cream just like I did on my birthday in August.
That looks yummy. 😋
#foodtalk
It needs a nice hot cup of coffee to go with it
Tengo hambre y ya digerí el almuerzo, me estas matando con esa torta.
How tasty it looks, 😋 impossible to leave it abandoned, you have to enjoy it.
What superfood are you incorporating into your meals? #foodtalk #superfoods #food
Currently
Nice. I remember the sea moss you shared some days ago.
I like to slightly toast some chia seeds and add to my fruity nutty yoghurt parfait.
Indeed…yea chia seeds are very nutrient dense and a quick add to any snack
Welcome friends to another episode of the #foodtalk show on Leo, Day 128. You can join the threadcast, share some #food content and join the conversation on superfoods. Let's learn together.
🍱
Welcome to the #foodtalk threadcast @hivexperiment
You can share your favorite food with us if you have one and your local foods.
Salami and cheese stromboli
Like the calzone, it's a sort of portable pizza - fillings are enclosed in dough and baked - but more often than not, stromboli is cylindrical.
Stromboli is an Italian-American invention said to have been created in Philadelphia in the 1950s, but the dish takes its name from an island off the coast of Sicily.
Like the calzone, it’s a sort of portable pizza - fillings are enclosed in dough and baked - but more often than not, stromboli is cylindrical.
#food #italian #salami #cheese #calzone #stromboli
In this recipe from our cookbook “Milk Street Bakes,” a sheet of yeasted dough is topped with ingredients, then rolled up and slid into the oven.
We use two melty cheeses and sliced salami, all of it layered on a bed of chopped vegetables and herbs. Capers provide brininess; roasted peppers, onion and parsley balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
Salami and cheese stromboli
Start to finish: 3½ hours (40 minutes active), plus cooling
Servings: Makes one 16-inch stromboli, serving 6 to 8
Ingredients:
3¼ cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon white sugar
1¼ teaspoons table salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1¼ cups warm water (100°F to 110°F)
¾ cup drained roasted red peppers, patted dry and chopped
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons drained capers, patted dry and chopped
½ cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 ounces thinly sliced salami
4 ounces sliced provolone cheese, each slice cut into a half circle
4 ounces whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 large egg, beaten
½ ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (¼ cup)
Spicy tomato-basil sauce (recipe follows), to serve (optional)
Directions:
In a stand mixer with the dough hook, mix the flour, sugar, salt and yeast on medium until well combined, about 15 seconds.
With the mixer on low, drizzle in the oil followed by the water. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
Mix on medium, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl as well as the hook, until the mixture forms a cohesive, slightly sticky dough that clears the sides of the bowl, 4 to 6 minutes; the dough will not be completely smooth.
Using a silicone spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the dough in the center. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until doubled, 1½ to 2 hours.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the roasted peppers, onion, capers, parsley, pepper flakes and vinegar; set aside.
About 30 minutes before you are ready to shape and fill the dough, heat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the middle position.
Mist a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray, then line it with kitchen parchment. Mist the parchment, then dust with flour.
When the dough has doubled, turn it onto the prepared baking sheet. With the long edge of the baking sheet nearest you, use lightly oiled hands to press and stretch it into an even layer that covers the surface of the baking sheet; it’s fine if the dough doesn’t completely fill the corners.
Using a large slotted spoon, spread the roasted pepper mixture in an even layer over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border at the top and a 1-inch border on each short side; discard any liquid remaining in the bowl.
Lay the salami slices over the pepper mixture, overlapping them to fit.
Layer on the provolone slices, then sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella.
Lift up the edge of the parchment closest to you and use it to help fold about 1 inch of the dough over the filling.
Continue to roll the dough, without the parchment, until you reach the far edge. Pinch the seam to seal, then pinch the open ends (do not fold them under).
Roll the stromboli seam side down and carefully reposition it diagonally on the baking sheet, making sure the seam remains on the bottom.
Brush the top and sides with beaten egg and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan.
Using a sharp paring knife, cut 5 or 6 shallow diagonal slashes, evenly spaced, into the top so the filling is visible.
Bake until well browned and some of the cheese is bubbling through the slashes, 25 to 30 minutes.
Using a wide metal spatula, transfer the stromboli to a cutting board and cool for 15 minutes.
Use a serrated knife to cut into slices.
Spicy tomato-basil sauce
Start to finish: 20 minutes
Makes about 1⅓ cups
In a medium saucepan over medium, combine 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and 1 medium garlic clove (minced). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic just begins to brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, followed by one 14½-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand) with juices, ¼ teaspoon white sugar and ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the sauce is lightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Off heat, stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
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A look back at what people once believed
How often have you seen someone in a movie make a necklace of garlic to protect themselves from a vampire?
How often have you seen someone in a movie make a necklace of garlic to protect themselves from a vampire? Of course, vampires aren’t real but people once thought garlic and other foods did have magical powers. In time for Halloween, read on to learn more about this culinary sorcery.
#food #halloween #sorcery #vampires
The magical powers people once believed food had
You might be surprised to learn how many foods, now common in our kitchens, were once imbued with mystical and magical significance. Even today, some are still aligned with certain medicinal properties. Take, for example, so-called Jewish penicillin - the common nickname for chicken soup. Of course, the broth doesn’t contain antibiotics but having soup when you’re feeling unwell helps to keep you hydrated.
If you didn’t grow up with a grandmother feeding you chicken soup, maybe you had a “nonna” instead - Italian for grandmother. Chances are she insisted on feeding you pastina, one of the smallest pasta shapes, to help you feel better when you were sick. For some reason, Italian families passed down through generations the magic that is pastina.
This food-as-medicine approach is true in other cultures, too. Take Shilpa Kerur’s experience of growing up in an Indian family. “Food is deeply intertwined with medicine and well-being, and I was raised to believe that the kitchen doubled as a pharmacy,” explained Kerur of the Lentil Loving Family blog. “We drank ‘haldi doodh,’ which is turmeric milk, at the first sign of a cough, and my mother would serve ‘khichdi’ - a dish of rice and lentils - when anyone was under the weather. Its gentle nourishment is considered a way to heal the digestive system and encourage overall recovery.”
These food anecdotes make sense in their cultural context in our modern times. However, years ago, many cultures believed that certain food items were more than just healing - they were downright magical. Here are a few of those examples.
An apple a day might just keep the doctor away
You’ve probably heard the saying about how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, it isn’t just about eating fruit daily. A long time ago people believed that apples granted immortality. So, never mind avoiding getting sick - when you ate apples, you’d live forever.
It turns out there is some science behind the apple-a-day approach, and it just might make you live a little longer. According to The Washington Post, “In 2012, an Ohio State University study found that eating an apple a day helped significantly lower levels of bad cholesterol in middle-aged adults, and in 2011 a Dutch study found that eating apples and pears might help prevent strokes.”
Garlic is good for more than just repelling vampires
Every horror movie with a vampire likely mentions garlic as a way to repel this demon. But back in the real world, garlic can do much more than ward off bloodsuckers. According to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, garlic contains a chemical compound called allicin. It is a naturally occurring antibiotic that some modern-day cultures use to help wounds heal, including those practicing Eastern medicine.
Mainstream healthcare practitioners have also embraced garlic’s seeming magic, specifically allicin. One study included on the National Institutes of Health website looked at whether allicin could help prevent infections from drug-resistant bacteria. The results showed that it “inhibited the growth of a broad range of bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains.”
Potatoes as a cure for arthritis
If you ever read the “Little House on the Prairie” book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, then you may recall that one of the ways pioneers kept warm in winter was by slipping hot potatoes under the covers with them. Understandably, the heat from the potato would quickly warm their extremities.
However, this tactic may have originated in the United Kingdom and for different reasons - as a cure for rheumatism, known today as arthritis. During Victorian times, people believed that keeping a potato in their pocket would help to cure joint pain. It’s not clear, though, if the potato had to be a hot potato or just a regular one.
Regardless, heat can help with arthritis symptoms. According to the Arthritis Foundation, research has shown that heat treatments can loosen stiff joints and relieve achy muscles. So maybe a hot potato as an arthritis treatment is still relevant in today’s world.
Cucumbers could stop you from overheating
You know that old adage cool as a cucumber? Well, it may have originated in ancient India. There, people believed that cucumbers could stop you from overheating and becoming ill. They used cucumbers in their practice of Ayurveda, a kind of alternative medicine popular in South Asia.
Given cucumbers’ high water content and therefore its hydrating abilities, that mystical property doesn’t seem so far fetched in modern times. Also, how often have you seen people at a spa with cucumbers on their eyes to reduce swelling and puffiness? Maybe those practicing Ayurvedic medicine were onto something after all.
Dill, chives and onions keep you healthy against evil spirits
Long ago, people believed that dill could defend against any illness that evil spirits might bring upon your household. People often used it in charms and spells as added protection. These days, dill might have magical healing powers but in a different way. It is one of the main ingredients in Jewish chicken soup.
People thought similarly about chives and onions and how they might protect you from evil spirits. For instance, during medieval times, Europeans would hang chives in their homes to protect themselves from evil spirits. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, mourners would place onions around a loved one’s tomb to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
In modern times, we think of onions and chives - which are really green onions - as ingredients that give recipes great flavor. They still have some medicinal properties worth noting. According to the Cleveland Clinic, onions and chives are full of antioxidants, which, when consumed, can lower some people’s chances of developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
No magic pill but delicious
Clearly, no food or herb has magical or curative powers but many of them are delicious to eat and are likely good for you in one way or another. So, the next time you enjoy dill, cucumbers or even onions with a meal, you can share some of these fun facts with your fellow diners.
When Leah Ingram was little and came down with a cold, her grandmother would feed her Jewish penicillin aka chicken soup. Now Leah covers authentic Jewish and Italian recipes along with other cuisine on her blog Bagels and Lasagna.
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