Bet You Didn't Know That: 5 Secret Super Foods

Did you know that ice cream originated in China? Or that slightly cooked tomatoes are better for you than raw? How about South American cultures that use human spit to make beer? Did you know that one?  

I didn't think so.

Fun facts are, well, fun! Especially when they have to do with the foods you eat, or maybe aren't eating and should. I'm going to share the secrets of five superfoods you need to add to your shopping list now!

#1 CINNAMON:

What you know: It tastes great on French toast.

What you didn't know:

• Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Regulates blood sugar in Type 2 diabetics.
• Significantly relieves arthritis pain.
• Has high amounts of magnesium, fiber, iron and calcium.
• Researchers are linking cinnamon to increased brain function in Alzheimer patients.
• Cinnamon is the world's oldest and most popular spice. 

What to do: Sprinkle one teaspoon on your peanut butter toast, your oatmeal or in your coffee or tea.

#2 GINGER

What you know: They serve it with your sushi.

What you didn't know:

• Proven more effective on nausea and motion sickness than some over-the-counter drugs.
• Can stop inflammation that causes migraines.
• Has properties that make it a natural blood thinner like aspirin.
• Prevents and relieves arthritis.
• Great for your skin.
• Barkeeps of the 19th century served beer with a side of ginger powder. Thus, the "ginger ale" was born.

What to do: Buy organic ginger at small whole food stores. Chop it up or use a garlic press and put in your tea with honey and lemon. 

#3 COCONUT

What you know: It's super high in fat and tastes great with rum!

What you didn't know: 

•  It is high in fat, but the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil are smaller than other fats and, therefore, digest very quickly—so quickly, in fact, that the body uses them as an immediate source of fuel rather than packing them away in storage inside our fat cells.
• The world's only natural, low-calorie fat.
• Kills viruses that are linked to influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, and other illnesses.
• Super high in fiber and a natural energy booster.
• Falling coconuts kill about 150 people each year!

What to do: Buy unsweetened, shredded coconut with no additives (just coconut).  Sprinkle it on your yogurt, oatmeal or fruit. 

#4 APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

What you know: It's good for cleaning the carpet.

What you don't know: 

• Helps aid in weight loss and acts as an appetite suppressant.
• It's a natural antiseptic.
• Helps with eczema and acne breakouts.
• Drop a pearl in white distilled vinegar and it will melt. Hmm, better yet, take my word for it.

What to do: For the health benefits, you must buy "organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar." It should have sediments sitting at the bottom. Mix a few teaspoons in with your tea with honey and lemon. It also makes an awesome salad dressing with olive oil, salt and pepper.

#5 BEER

What you know: It tastes good!

What you don't know:

• Beer is one of the best nutritional suppliers of silicon, which is essential for bone strength.
• High levels of B6, B12 and folic acid.
• There are 35 breweries in the San Diego area alone! 

What to do: Craft brews are best because they generally use better ingredients and processes. Studies suggest that just 10 ounces a few times per week can increase bone strength and fight off osteoporosis. Cheers! 

So today, sit back and enjoy an "Apple Cinn-o-Ginger Coconut Beer."

Cheers to your health!