by Kourtney A. Moses

Here is a “Golden Niblet.” Food can seem boring, and overly complicated to understand. Your parents tell you to eat your vegetables. Doctors tell you to drink less soda, and consume less beef. Nutritionists insist you include a rainbow of produce in your daily diet, and avoid sweets and processed foods.

None of those dictates will be found below. Here are a few fun and/or interesting fun facts that might give your brain a break, and a quick knowledge boost.

1. Red Bell Peppers have 3 times as much Vitamin C as an orange.

2. A cucumber is the most hydrating of al fruits and vegetables. It is 96% water. A watermelon is only 92% water. 

3. Although they once utilized carcinogenic dyes, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is now dyed, but not seasoned with turmeric, paprika and annatto spices. 

4. Dark chocolate can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. 

5. A regular russet potato has twice as much potassium as a banana. 

6. Walnuts are the mightiest, heart healthy, nut you can pick out of the trail mix bowl. 

7. Dark orange sweet potatoes have more than 2 1/2 times the amount of beta-carotene as a carrot, and beta-carotene has the word “carrot” built into it. Go figure… 

8. In an emergency, coconut water can be used as a substitute for blood plasma. 

9. If stored in an airtight container, ground coffee can be stored for 3 to 5 months past its expiration date, and still have the same taste. Instant coffee can be stored for an additional 20 years! 

10. An apple a day keeps the doctor away” aphorism originally went, “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” 

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