KitchenTakeovers : April's Ingredients Bag

Howdy fellow travelers, explorers of taste sensations and delectable delights. It comes again that I am here with another post, this time sharing with you some of the nutritional benefits for the The Ready Steady Cooking Club ingredients bag for April.

If you have never heard of us then I suggest you head over and check us out, we are a group of foodies scattered across continents and countries; some food bloggers, others non-bloggers. But what we all share is a passion for food and the desire for adventure in the kitchen. Once a month a bag of ingredients get chosen and we try our hands at creating something new. Honestly, check it out, whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a fully fledged chef come share your kitchen story and join in the fun at The Ready Steady Cook Club.

Here is the ingredients bag, chosen by Deanne from Deesinthekitchen.

Shrimp / Prawn: A rich protein source and packed full of carotenoids, such as astaxanthin (an antioxidant, which can protect cells from cell damage). Astaxanthin might also improve the way the immune system functions. low in calories and fat. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals e.g. B12, zinc,iodine, potassium, amongst others. Many of these nutrients are essential for healthy skin, teeth and bones.

Pineapple: Exotic, fruity and just down right good for yah! this fruit is a prime example of food as medicine, treating anything from colitis to dehydration.

Did you know pineapple can help boosts men fertility? oh yes, thanks to its rich source of manganese. Though its more widely known for its bromelain content (highest concentrations found in the core of the fruit), an enzyme responsible for breaking down protein, used in marinades to tenderize meats or eaten to help digestion. Pineapple enzyme is also great for reducing inflammation, promising results have been shown for preventing and treating inflammatory conditions.

Polenta: A source of energy in the form of carbohydrate, especially if you are avoiding gluten. Rich in B vitamins, iron, zinc and fiber, it is a great alternative to grains if you fancy a change. Great for all your corn cakes, cornbread recipes or polenta chips.

Edamame: Where do you even start with the humble soybean? this is a powerhouse of goodness and I know the jury is still out regarding planting and harvesting methods not to mention potential risk to health. But, the goodness in my view out weighs the negatives which are still being argued about and I think it's better to buy organic soya beans where possible. High levels of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, protein, complex carbohydrates, fibre, iron, selenium etc etc the list goes on. Use it as it is, or in it's many available forms - from dairy milk substitute to potato mash alternative full of protein.

Kale: This leafy vegetable popularity reached a peak in 2015, when every one went nuts about kale, all hail the mighty kale! powerhouse of goodness.

Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and K, and folate. The iron and calcium in this vegetable is highly bio-available (it's easily absorbed). But the goodness doesn't stop there, kale has omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants making it a great anti-inflammatory food. Did you know kale can help balance hormones? yes it can - due to indoles, these are naturally occurring substances that boost DNA repair and have anti-oestrogen effects. The bitter compounds aid digestion and sulfur compounds can help heal stomach and duodenal ulcers. Due to its fiber rich leaves it is also great for binding cholesterol and removing it from the body, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Jalapeno Peppers: Part of the nightshade family of plants, low carb food that packs a punch! Nachos, corn breads and pizza just wouldn't be the same without them. Rich in vitamin C (~18% - 23% of RDA for men and women). They are also rich in vitamin A, supporting eye and skin health. Use in dips, baked dish or roast them for a smokey depth of flavor.