An A to Z of Healthy Eating - N
I'm sure you've eaten nuts and you've probably had nectarines, but I wonder whether you've tried nettle tea? Like many wild plants, nettles have extensive root systems that are good at sucking minerals out of the ground. In particular, nettles contain calcium (important for our muscles, nerves and bones), iron (for our blood) and potassium (for muscles and nerves). Just brew fresh nettle leaves in hot water for a few minutes, then decant the juice into a tea cup. Try to avoid boiling the leaves as this will damage vitamin C and other heat-sensitive vitamins in your tea.
Nectarines are native to China and are quite similar to peaches. They're a good source of minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin A (needed for healthy eyes) and vitamin C (necessary for a healthy heart and for fighting disease). They are a great snack in their own right, chopped up in a fruit salad or diced into a Thai stir-fry.
Nuts are a superb source of nutrients. They provide us with protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Being a good source of energy, nuts can be eaten alone or sprinkled (ground or whole) onto salads or cereals.
Why not try my delicious recipe for Fruit Salad in Nettle Tea Syrup...
(Serves 2-4)
nettle tea bag (1 cup, brewed very strong and cooled)
30ml maple syrup
4 nectarines
1 pear
150g red grapes
2 bananas
50g cherries
50g mixed nuts (crushed or finely chopped) ie, almond, brazil, walnuts
a handful of desiccated coconut (optional)
Dice all of the fruit and place equally into bowls. Pour over the tea and maple syrup and then top with the chopped nuts (and coconut if desired) then it's ready to eat!
I'm sure you've eaten nuts and you've probably had nectarines, but I wonder whether you've tried nettle tea?Read also:
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Swelling
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An A to Z of Healthy Eating - T
Today we're on foods beginning with 'T'. There are some common ones like tomatoes, tuna and turkey, as well as the less often eaten turnip and tofu.
