Originally used in the 1980’s in Californian fine dining, these greens are gaining popularity, and are now seen in cafes and restaurants across the country. So what are microgreens? Not to be confused with sprouts or baby greens, microgreens are growing vegetables or herbs that have been harvested between 10-14 days since being planted. This makes them younger than baby greens, but older than sprouts. With a short time to grow, they usually get to be about 1-3 inches tall. Microgreens can be grown from the seeds of broccoli, arugula, onions, radish greens, chard, cilantro, basil, parsley, chives and MANY more herbs and vegetables!
Written by Brianna Sinn, Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
Recently, bee pollen has gained popularity as the new superfood. It is often marketed as an effective dietary supplement that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. You may have also heard that it prevents cancer, balances hormones, improves athletic performance, promotes weight loss, and reduces allergies among many other health claims. So what is bee pollen and is it really the new superfood?
What is Bee Pollen?
Bees collect pollen from plants and pack it in little “baskets” on their back legs. The bees then fill their hive with the pollen to feed their young. It is harvested from bees by pollen traps that are attached to the hive opening so that when bees enter the hive a small amount of pollen is knocked off and collected in a drawer underneath the hive. The collected pollen is then dried and can be found in stores as granules, powder, or in pill form. It is recommended to le
Elderberries
Written by Denae Sink, Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
In the recent health crisis, you may have seen advertisements about the immune-boosting properties of a small, dark purple fruit known as the elderberry. They have been marketed to treat colds and flu, and some have even claimed they are useful against Covid-19! You may have also heard that elderberries can help with other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. So what’s the deal with elderberries? Are they really a miracle fruit that can give you super immunity?
What are Elderberries?
Elderberries are small, purple berries that are used in jams, jellies, sauces, wines, and desserts. However, they have been more traditionally used as a medicine and are popular today as a dietary supplement for colds and flu. Elderberry supplements are typically sold as pills, syrup, gummies, and teas.
A New Spin on Vegetables
Written by Hannah Dungan, Dietetic Intern, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
Turning pasta into veggie noodles saves about 200 calories per cup and can increase fiber by 1 gram per cup. Vegetables are so important for our health because they are packed with nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy and strong. A unique way you can add vegetables to your plate is by turning them into pasta. You can use a tool to turn your ordinary vegetables into spirals!
What Vegetables Can I Spiralize?
You can turn almost all of your favorite vegetables into spirals. Some of the most popular spiralized vegetables are zucchini, carrots, beets, sweet potato, squash, and cabbage.
Have Fun Trying New Foods!
Don’t be afraid to try a new fruit or vegetable. There are many resources out there to help you use these fruits and vegetables. For example, try searching for recipes and preparation tips on the internet. Cooking with others in your household can be a great activity on those chilly days.
References:
Chapeta, D. (2015).
Nutrition through the seasons: Fall and winter edition. The Illinois Farm to Table School Network. Retrieved from http://illinoisfarmtoschool.org/2015/11/19/fall-winter-vegetables-fruits/.
Hyvee. (2020).
Winter produce. Retrieved from https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/advice-how-tos/cooking-guides/winter-produce-guide.
Northwestern Medicine (2020). In season: Winter produce. Retrieved from https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/in-season-winter-produce.