Skip the Greens: 6 Healthy and Trendy Black Foods

1. Black Garlic Greens are healthy, but so are these striking black-colored foods, packed with anthocyanins, which are pigments that

1. Black Garlic

Greens are healthy, but so are these striking black-colored foods, packed with anthocyanins, which are pigments that may help lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Sure you could have black beans, black raspberries, and black tea, but these unique and trendy foods will also give you a culinary edge.

Black garlic may look frightening but this aged version of garlic actually has twice the antioxidants of regular garlic. Described as being sweet and reminiscent of molasses, black garlic can be used as traditional garlic with delicious results. Try this Black Garlic With Scallops recipe.

2. Black Pasta

Squid ink gives this pasta its striking color. Squid ink has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels which is believed to slow the growth of cancer, as seen on a recent Dr. Oz show.

3. Black Sesame Seeds

These sesame seeds are surprisingly high in calcium. For a show-stopping chic appetizer try these Black-Sesame Salmon Balls.

4. Black Rice

Black rice has been found to contain more anthocyanin antioxidants than a spoonful of blueberries, says blackrice.com. We think its deep color highlights vibrant vegetables. Use as you would traditional rice but with many more “oohs” and “ahhs” from your guests. Tell them it also used to be consumed only by royalty.

5. Black Mushrooms

Bypass traditional button and Portobello mushrooms for shiitake, black trumpet, and other types of black forest mushrooms. A compound in these mushrooms stimulates the immune system and they contain an antioxidant that can help prevent premature aging and cancer. Start spouting off names like hen-of-the-woods, wild morels, and lion’s mane to impress people further.

6. Black Mission Figs

Figs are a delicious summer fruit that can be perfectly paired with cheeses and tossed in salads. They are also very high in fiber, potassium, manganese, and a rare fruit source of calcium. Try these Prosciutto Wrapped Figs With Blue Cheese.

Sources: steamykitchen.com, blackrice.com, doctoroz.com, whfood.com, health.com

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest