Sexy Salads

Cucumbers are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.

Chickpeas contain vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, and selenium. Besides being an excellent vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, chickpeas also contain exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.

Quinoa is a good source of protein, fiber, iron, copper, thiamin and vitamin B6. It's also an excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and folate.

The antioxidant nutrients in olives impede this oxidation of cholesterol, thereby helping to prevent heart disease. Olives do contain fat, but it's the healthy monounsaturated kind, which has been found to shrink the risk of atherosclerosis and increase good cholesterol.

Fresh coconut is high in antioxidants. Also, the fat in coconuts is medium-chain fatty acids that are better absorbed than animal saturated fat and is said to have anti-inflammatory effects. Fresh coconut meat is definitely a great superfood to add to your diet.

Raw nuts contain a number of nutrients along with a healthy amount of monounsaturated fat.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and vitamin C. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, protein and choline.

Microgreens Pack Nutritional Punch. Researchers evaluated levels of four groups of vital nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and beta-carotene.

Seeds provide all three of these nutrients and are plant-based sources of essential amino acids and minerals, including calcium, zinc, copper and magnesium— especially important in vegetarian and vegan diets. Other benefits include dietary fiber, vitamins and phytochemicals.

Feta cheese, as all kinds of cheese, contains small amounts of lactose and can therefore be safely consumed by individuals suffering from lactose intolerance. Feta cheese is a rich source of proteins of high biological value that include all the essential amino acids. As a result of the cheese ripening or cheese maturation process, proteins present in feta cheese are easily disintegrated and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, a fact that makes feta cheese an easily digested and well tolerated food by most individuals. In addition, its high content in proteins promotes muscle tissue synthesis and contributes to the repair of the body’s damaged tissues.

Pecorino cheese, made from sheep's milk, is high in healthy fats essential to a nutritious diet. This cheese presents 3-5 times higher CLA compared to cow's cheeses. Additionally, it contains a good amount of calcium, potassium, and magnesium and is a good source of protein.

Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids),vitamin C and vitamin B6. They are a very good source of folate, molybdenum,vitamin E, dietary fiber, vitamin B2, pantothenic acid, niacin and potassium.

Beetroot is a good source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid). It also contains nitrates, betaine, magnesium and other antioxidants (notably betacyanin). More recent health claims suggest beetroot can help lower blood pressure, boost exercise performance and prevent dementia.