Perhaps you were craving Mediterranean flavors for lunch on Monday and stopped for a steaming hot gyro smothered in tzatziki sauce, pita and homemade hummus or some fresh falafel. Of course, Tuesday calls for a plate of savory tacos, maybe with a side of cool guacamole, tortilla chips or refried beans and rice. After such a starchy start to the week, you decide to go a little healthier on Wednesday and grab some kimchi from the Korean restaurant across town or some miso soup from the Japanese takeout place down the road. Thursday, you make a quick stop for some Greek yogurt, perhaps a sliver of baklava. Friday, your family goes out for a saucy and hearty Italian dinner, or you may opt to just pick up some pizza on the way home.
The abundance of culinary cultures beloved across America is certainly reflective of the nation's immigrant background. In fact, the average American's diet seems to alternate between an eclectic assortment of foreign foods. Not to say America has been entirely unoriginal — the Southeast states, in particular, have a far-reaching reputation for comforting soul food and succulent barbecue. New England boasts flavorful seafood year round, and the mere scent of Cajun food wafting down a Louisiana street is enough to make your mouth water.
However, generally speaking, the flavors of America are as much a melting pot as its people. On top of this, many dishes that you may hold near and dear to your heart — and stomach — yield some interesting health benefits you might not expect. Here's a closer look at some foreign foods that are great for your health.
The national food of South Korea, kimchi is a spicy pickled vegetable dish traditionally made by fermenting cabbage, cucumbers, bean sprouts and radishes in a brine that consists of garlic, ginger, chili pepper and fish sauce. Originally a method of preserving vegetables year-round, kimchi quickly became one of America's most beloved (and most requested) dishes. But did you know that kimchi provides a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that are fantastic for building a stronger immune system and improving digestive health?
One of the natural compounds found in kimchi is choline, which is vital for improving the health of your blood cells, muscles, nervous system, mood, and memory. Additionally, kimchi is rich in vitamin K, which can help blood clot properly and keep bones from growing too brittle.
Because kimchi is fermented, it also makes for a delicious probiotic that can alleviate the negative effects of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics such as kimchi have also been shown to protect your health by reducing cholesterol and inflammation.
A singular cup of kimchi contains:
This Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dip has exploded in popularity across the States in recent years, with brands like Sabra offering a variety of delicious flavors as close as your local grocery store. Of course, nothing beats a fresh, homemade cup of hummus and warm, flaky pita slices from a family-owned restaurant that prepares and serves authentic cuisine.
Made from garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas), hummus is rich in plant-based protein, fiber and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium. To top it off, it's one of the most versatile dips you can enjoy; veggies and pretzels taste just as good with a dollop of hummus as pita does, Thinning it with a little olive oil can make for a tasty and healthy alternative to store-bought salad dressing.
Similar to kimchi, hummus is an excellent source of folate, as well as vitamins B and E, calcium and zinc, making this delectable dip highly beneficial for nerve transmission, bone health, epithelial tissue maintenance and immune and metabolism functions. Hummus's good balance of protein, fiber and fat also helps your body digest sugar by lowering your glycemic index, lowering your risk of diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance.
Originated in Japan, miso soup is often a companion of sushi and rice dishes. The Japanese miso quite literally translates to "fermented beans," as the soup's major ingredient miso is a condiment made from soybeans. Salt, green onions, dried kelp or seaweed and tofu are added to the condiment to make a flavorful broth that benefits the body and warms the soul simultaneously.
Miso soup has been shown to improve digestive health, alleviate severe symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. A singular serving of miso soup contains only 40 calories, only 3 grams of carbs and 0.86 grams of sodium and no saturated or trans fat, cholesterol or sugar. It's also loaded with vitamin B and K, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium. Much like kimchi, miso soup contains probiotics that aid digestion and gastrointestinal health.
Keeping your body healthy and nourished is one of our top priorities, and one of the most important things to consider in doing so is the kind of food you're consuming. At Park Regency in Thornton, we strive to keep our residents informed of superfoods such as these that they can add to their diet if they see fit, as well as share fun and easy recipes they may enjoy making.
