Bananas
Bananas are the largest member of the herb
family. Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a
woody stem. They are thought to have originated in Malaysia but the
word "banana" is African. They are rich in dietary fibre and
potassium. Ripe bananas soothe the stomach. They have a high starch
content which means they give us energy and they also work well as
laxatives. They are the world's most popular fruit. Australia
neither imports or exports bananas.
Barley
Barley is a basic food item in the Middle East, in Eastern Europe
and in parts of Asia. Barley's primary uses are also for animal
feed and to make malt. It is believed to be one of the oldest
cultivated grains and is grown in over 100 countries. Barley
belongs to the grass family. Because it is a grain food it is high
in soluble fibre. It is a good source of calcium, selenium,
phosphorous, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B. Barley is sold in
various forms depending on how processed it is. Pearled barley is
the most common type consumed. It has been processed by being
husked, steamed and polished. It is commonly consumed in soups and
stews and is used to make lemon barley water. Barley is also sold
in its flaked form, to be used as a porridge-like cereal. Barley
flour is also available.
Basil
The name Basil comes from the Greek word for King - Basilius. It
is thought to have originated in Iran and in India but has spread
throughout Asia and also to the Mediterranean, where it is
particularly popular in Italian cuisine. It is also a prominent
ingredient in Thai cooking. This herb has leaves that can be green,
purple or variegated, depending on its variety. Basil is said to
have a calming affect on the body, particularly on the digestive
system. It is also said to be good for the heart. It improves
inflammation and is anti bacterial. Basil is still considered, by
prominent chefs and cookery authors, to be the King of Herbs.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves come from several species of the Laurel family. The
leaves are used in cooking in both their fresh and dried form. They
have a distinctive flavour and fragrance. In culinary usage the
fragrance is generally more noticeable than the flavour. Bay leaves
are a popular ingredient in European and North American cuisines.
They are used in pantries as a moth deterrent. The bay leaves' main
medicinal use is to aid digestion.
Beans
A good source of protein and fibre. They also
contain vitamin C, iron, thiamine, folate, phosphorus and
potassium. They have been shown to aid in reducing cholesterol.
Most beans contain only 2-3%fat. Beans were among the first
cultivated crops in the world. Evidence has shown that beans were
cultivated as far back as 7000 BC in Peru and Mexico. When they are
combined with nuts, seeds or grains, they form a complete high-fiber
vegetable protein. Dried beans are a staple food in many countries
of the world.
Beetroot
Beetroot is regarded as a general tonic. It can
help with blood disorders, particularly anaemia. It has a high
fibre content so is good for those suffering constipation. Beetroot
contains calcium, iron and vitamins A and C.
Blackberries
There is evidence that blackberries were eaten
in Britain in Neolithic times and were surrounded by superstitions.
blackberry leaf was once used as a hair dye to "maketh the hair
black". They are one of the best low fat sources of vitamin E.
They are used to ease stomach complaints and treat menstrual cramps.
Blackcurrants
Black, red and white currants were cultivated in
the sixteenth century in Holland, Denmark and around the Baltic
Sea. They contain three times as much vitamin C as oranges. A tea
made from dried blackcurrant leaves is used to treat arthritis,
urinary problems, diarrhoea, stomach upsets, bleeding gums and
coughs.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a dark purple fruit that can be eaten raw or
cooked in pies, muffins and fruit crumbles. When purchasing
blueberries look for plump, firm berries that still retain a whitish
"bloom". This "bloom' coating is its natural protection against the
sun. Blueberries are very good for the eyes with studies showing
they improve night blindness and protect against glaucoma and
cataracts. They have a very high
anti oxident count, containing 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin
E per 1 cup of blueberries. Hence they are thought to protect the
body against harmful free radicals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family.
Studies have shown that this family of foods is effective in
fighting cancers, most particularly lung colon and breast. Studies
have shown there are sulphur compounds in broccoli that stimulate
the production of anti-cancer enzymes. Raw broccoli contains as much
calcium as milk.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts look like tiny cabbages. They grow like buds
along a long thick stalk. Being a member of the cruciferous family
they help prevent certain cancers, most particularly colon cancer.
Their name originates from the fact they were known to be growing
over eight centuries ago in Belgium. they are best eaten when small
as they are then sweeter. Brussels sprouts can easily be over cooked
giving them an unpleasant sulphur smell.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is not wheat at all. It is related to the rhubarb
family. It is a staple food in Eastern European countries and has a
nutty flavour. It was cultivated in south east Asia as far back as
6000 years BC. It is capable of being cultivated in very cold areas
and is grown on the edges of the Tibetan plateau. It is used to
make flour which is cooked into noodles and pasta. It is also used
to make porridge, pancakes and puddings. It is gluten free so it is
a handy food for people who suffer coeliac disease. Buckwheat is a
complete protein and it contains all eight essential amino acids.
It is good for the bladder, the kidneys and the lungs.
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