What are black foods? Foods with pigments called anthocyanins are known as black foods. Anthocyanins are found in black, blue and purple coloured foods and have hidden nutrients and benefits galore. These pigments have rich antioxidant properties which promote health and have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. They play a huge role in immunity. They are fun, healthy, offbeat and make for a nice visual treat too.
Abhilasha V, HOD and Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine group of hospitals, Bengaluru, few interesting ones and their benefits:
Black Rice
Cultivated in the South East Asian belt, this rice has a nutty flavour and can be used in many recipes. In China, this was known as the Forbidden rice in ancient times as it was reserved for only royalty. Now, some parts of North East India grow black rice too. They are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin and promote good eye health. They have cancer-fighting properties due to their high antioxidant and fibre content. They can be used in puddings, stir-fries, risotto, porridge, noodles, bread and even makes a great idea for a good kheer!
Black Dal
Closer to home surprise! Indians have used black dal for ages. They are used as gravies and in mixed dal preparations. They are rich in fibre, iron, folate and protein and can be quite delicious too.
Black Olives
With the western influence on our eating habits, it has brought along a long list of good foods. Olives are one of them and they are versatile in their flavour. They can be added to salads, pasta, stir-fries and some pickles and drinks too. Olives contain monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E, Polyphenols and oleocanthal, which is a strong anti-inflammatory and pain-killer compound found in olives. This little power-packed food can protect your arteries from clogging, maintain eye health, prevent DNA damage, promote good skin health and also hair health.