X is for Xnipek, Xoconostle and more!

Finding something helpful in our Alphabet of Healthy Foods for the letter X has been fun but more importantly I hope this series of the Alphabet of Healthy Foods has encouraged you to think about food differently.

Food nourishes the body and provides it with energy but also with the right nutrition to build a healthy body and protect it from disease. Variety in our diets is essential to ensure we get adequate amounts of all the vitamins, minerals, and trace elements we need but sadly this is not always possible.

I was fascinated with the number of foods beginning with the letter X, I hope you enjoy reading about them and finding ways to include them in your diet. Here are just a few:

🌶 Xnipeck is a hot pepper that is nicknamed dog nose because when you eat some your nose will run like a wet dog’s nose. I bet you cannot wait to try them! They are also known as habanero peppers. These peppers are high in Vitamin C and Potassium. They also contain capsaicin which is known to be anti-inflammatory. Found in Mexican dishes you could try making your own salsa.

🌵 Xoconostle is a Mexican fruit from the prickly pear cactus, known as Opuntia Matudae. It can be eaten raw roasted or in salads. Certainly, an exotic fruit that resembles a small pear with waxy skin, pale green to dark pink in colour. Xoconostle is rich in antioxidants which protect us from disease and is high in fibre, Vitamin C, and calcium.

🐠 Xouba is a small blue-green pilchard or sardine found in Galicia Spain. This small fish is packed with health benefits including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, Vitamin D, calcium phosphorus, and iodine.

🌿 Xia Ku Cao, Prunella vulgaris is a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. The leaves and stems are used to make teas but can also be eaten in salads. Xia Ku Cao is known as a Heal-all and contains anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known for eliminating excess heat and may soothe headaches and irritated eyes. Xia Ku Cao is also said to detoxify and support good liver function.

The diversity of foods that are available today is amazing!

Live with joy and health
Elizabeth Beetham