The foods below might not be ones that you have heard of, but that’s ok. Many of them are only beginning to become more well-known and are mostly available still at health food and specialty stores rather than mainstream supermarkets. However strange they may sound though, you might want to consider giving them a try, as they all bring with them some pretty substantial health benefits.
Arame
Unless you are really into Japanese cuisine, you might not have heard of this incredibly healthy edible kelp. It contains a wealth of minerals as well as Vitamins A and K and can easily be added to soups to increase their nutritional value.
Rambutan
Although it looks more like a sea urchin than fruit, rambutan is soft and delicious beneath its spiny exterior. It is high in Vitamin C and can provide a wealth of minerals like iron, manganese, phosphorous and copper.
Romanesco
This cruciferous vegetables looks like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower and not only has a wealth of minerals, potassium, and Vitamins B and C, it is also a great source of vegetable-based protein.
Bitter Melon
This cucumber-looking vegetable has long been used to soothe the digestive system and is able to kill off parasites of the digestive tract; it is therefore great to add to your diet if you have gastric troubles.
Sea Buckthorn
This berry is in many dietary supplements, but can also be enjoyed fresh and is a good source of amino acids, Vitamins C and E, and is beneficial for cardiac health.
Yacon
This tuber, which looks something like a Jerusalem artichoke, is tasty and has been shown to support healthy liver function and also to ward off certain forms of cancer.
Chia Seeds
These seeds are getting more attention in the media now and it is well-deserved, as they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, are high in fiber and are also a great source of plant-based protein that can be easily added to a number of dishes.
Amaranth
This grain is also getting more attention nowadays because it can be used safely if you are on a gluten-free diet and is high in fiber, fatty acids, protein and various minerals, making it one of the next great superfoods.
Mungbean
Mungbeans are in the legume family like most other beans are, but they bring special benefits with them, like being able to help lower cholesterol levels and providing a great source of plant-based nutrition.
Purple Potatoes
These potatoes can be fixed like their white or red cousins, though their color can make them look like they are not related at all! They are rich in the kind of antioxidants typically found in brightly-colored fruits and vegetables and can help support cardiac health.
So now that you are aware of some of these healthy but unusual foods, you can be on the lookout for them the next time you are in the store. If you give them a try, you might find something you really fall in love with and there are many recipes on the Internet to show you how they can be prepared.
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