Black is in

Jody-Anne Lawrence,  Lifestyle Reporter

For some things, they say, 'Once you go black, you never go back', and we don't want you to be when it comes to your health.

We have all heard of the benefits of green tea, but black tea should not be ruled out. The difference between the two teas comes down to processing, as nutritionist from Jamaica Association of Professionals in Nutrition and Dietetics, Camile Slater, explains.

"In order to produce green tea, the leaves are harvested, withered, and then heated through steaming (Japanese style) or pan-firing (Chinese style). This process halts oxidation so the leaves retain their colour and delicate, fresh flavour. However, black tea leaves are harvested and withered and then crushed, torn, curled, or rolled and allowed to oxidise before being dried. As a result, the leaves darken and develop a stronger flavour and aroma."

So if you miss the strong aroma and taste of your favourite black tea because you are 'going green', you are putting yourself through an unnecessary state of withdrawal - the benefits are the same.

Black beans and Black soy beans

These are nutritious alternatives to the red and gungo peas that we are used to. These are healthy options since the two have zero cholesterol. "Both black beans and soy beans contain no cholesterol because they are plant fat," explains Slater. Adding a few black beans to your salad or using it to substitute your regular kidney beans is a great way to go black. If you are vegetarian and you are looking for a great protein source, then black soy beans is a must-have. Black beans are also high in fibre which assists in lowering blood sugar and great bowel movement.

Due to the low fat content in these beans, they are also low energy. Persons who are hypertensive should avoid black soy beans since they are high in sodium.

Blackberries

When it comes to blackberries, it is a great addition to your diet, especially for persons who are diabetic. "The high potassium content of blackberries helps reduce insulin. Therefore, the daily consumption of blackberries with one teaspoon of honey helps control diabetes. An excess or insufficient consumption of simple sugar intake are two extremes that can upset blood sugar balance. The quantity of fibre in blackberries helps avoid both extremes," said Slater.

The antioxidants in blackberries also help reduce inflammation by helping combat free radicals in the body that destroy cells and lead to heart disease. One cup of blackberries contains over 30 per cent of the daily recommended amount of fibre, promoting healthy digestion.

Ellagic acid, which is an antioxidant in blackberries, is proven to protect the skin from damage from ultraviolet light. Studies have also shown that this component may also repair skin damaged by the sun, and aid in the prevention of skin cancer.

The plant estrogens that are found in blackberries help relieve the common symptoms of bloating, food cravings, and even menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.

So if you want to be on trends, maybe you should try going black.