Black foods are often rich in anthocyanins, vitamins, and trace elements that are excellent for preventing degenerative diseases and maintaining youthful vitality.
Top Black Foods That Are Good for Health
Black Sesame
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, black sesame nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriching essence and blood. In Western medicine, black sesame is rich in antioxidants, helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, regulates hormone secretion, strengthens bones, provides protein, and improves skin health.
In cold seasons, consuming black sesame can help regulate blood pressure and improve digestion. The decoction made from black sesame leaves and roots is often used as a hair growth remedy and helps maintain black hair for longer.
Black sesame nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriching essence and blood.
Seaweed
Seaweed contains many vitamins and essential nutrients for the human body. It has 12 types of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, and B12.
Seaweed is also very rich in fiber, which can improve gut health, reduce constipation, and lower blood cholesterol levels. The fiber in seaweed differs from that in regular vegetables; it is soft and does not harm the stomach lining, making it suitable for all types of eaters. Additionally, seaweed is a good choice for supplementing iron, calcium, and iodine for those who are deficient in these nutrients.
However, if you want to maintain your health by eating seaweed, remember to choose minimally processed and lightly seasoned types to avoid weight gain.
Black Beans
Black beans and soybeans are both high-quality protein sources. However, black beans contain more anthocyanins than soybeans. Ancient wisdom states that of all the beans, only black beans are used as medicine, emphasizing their high nutritional value. Studies show that the protein content in black beans is twice that of meat, three times that of eggs, and twelve times that of milk.
Black beans help promote blood circulation, detoxify the body, whiten skin, combat aging, reduce swelling, and aid in weight loss. Boiling black beans to drink is also very beneficial for health.
Black Rice
Many believe that brown rice is the best type of rice for weight loss, but black or purple rice is even better. Compared to brown rice, black rice has higher fiber and protein content. Both of these rice types have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. According to ancient Chinese tradition, black rice is referred to as “the emperor’s rice” due to its rarity, nutritional value, and deliciousness, which was reserved for royalty.
Wood Ear Mushrooms
Wood ear mushrooms are affordable yet highly nutritious.
Not all beneficial ingredients are expensive. Wood ear mushrooms are budget-friendly but extremely nutritious. They are rich in calcium, iron, vitamin D, and three times the fiber compared to burdock. They help care for cardiovascular health, prevent tumors, and support gut nourishment.
Wood ear mushrooms are also likened to “natural antibiotics” and are recommended by doctors.
Shiitake Mushrooms
While not entirely black like the other foods, dried shiitake mushrooms are a good choice if you want to combat aging and improve your complexion. Sun-drying shiitake mushrooms can increase vitamin D levels by 2-3 times. Vitamin D plays an essential role in calcium absorption and maintaining calcium-phosphorus balance in the body, helping to strengthen bones.
Black Raspberries
Red raspberries are more commonly known than black raspberries. However, black raspberries are a highly valued health food. They help protect your eyes and brain and reduce damage caused by blue light. If you want beautiful skin and a great figure, you should eat black raspberries.
Black Olives
Fresh olives are often added to dishes like salads, pasta, stir-fries, and even beverages. This fruit contains monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, polyphenols, and oleocanthal, which are powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds.
Additionally, olives can help prevent arterial blockage, protect the eyes, prevent DNA damage, cleanse internal organs, and promote smooth skin and healthy hair.
Black Grapes
Black grapes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent retinal damage.
Grapes are a delicious fruit loved by many. Compared to green grapes, black grapes have superior nutritional components.
Black grapes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, preventing retinal damage and macular degeneration. Resveratrol found in grapes is known for its anti-cancer properties and cardiovascular health benefits by lowering LDL levels.
Proanthocyanidins present in this fruit also provide excellent benefits for skin health.
Black Garlic
Through a special fermentation process, white garlic turns black. It has a rich, salty flavor and aroma, making it suitable for adding to stir-fries, bread, and more.
Black garlic has better nutrients than white garlic, helping to prevent cell damage and cancer. It contains antioxidants that are twice as high as those in white garlic.
