Photo: Facebook/Eight Gems Caviar
Cover Photo: Facebook/Eight Gems Caviar

Ever wonder why the richest of the rich always look so healthy and radiant? It might have to do with the food they are eating

Caviar, truffle, lobster, uni and more. These are luxury staples of an affluent diner’s diet and they are known to be rich, filling and simply delicious. However, have you ever stopped to consider that these decadent ingredients might be more than just lavish additions to a meal?

Surprisingly, when you look closely at some of the most expensive ingredients in the world, you will find that they are all incredibly nutrient-dense and have minerals and properties that can aid in healing some of the most complex and common illnesses.

It’s really no wonder why that high society loves to eat these foods. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about these opulent ingredients.

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1. Bird’s Nest

Bird’s nest is an incredibly luxurious ingredient that can be found in soups and desserts. It is essentially solidified saliva from a special bird called the Indian swiftlets. This solidified saliva is used to make the bird’s nest and adds a savoury note to any dish.

As a key ingredient in many types of Chinese medicine, bird’s nest has a lot of health benefits. For one, it contains six hormones including testosterone and estradiol.

Testosterone is known to build muscle, decrease body fat and relieve depression, among many other benefits. Estradiol on the other hand is a type of estrogen that can prevent osteoporosis and relieve menopause symptoms, according to bird’s nest supplier Golden Nest.

2. Wagyu Beef

Red meat is typically known to be bad for health but did you know that the properties contained in the marbling of Wagyu beef have been linked to increased longevity and the reduction of disease?

Wagyu beef contains more monounsaturated fatty acids per gram than any other food and actually has 30 per cent more of these fatty acids than other beef breeds. Monounsaturated fatty acids have potent anti-carcinogenic properties and are also anti-inflammatory, according to Futari Wagyu, a family farm that raises Japanese Black Wagyu cattle.

Wagyu genetics also create beef that is higher in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than other beef breeds. It is also known to potentially be able to reduce heart disease, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, body fat gain and increase the immune response in humans, according to Futari Wagyu.

3. Lobster

Luxurious and decadent, lobsters are rich, satisfying and a must-have at any dinner table. They are also incredibly nutritious. 

Lobsters are a crustacean rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is known to be beneficial for weight loss, can boost mental health and can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

4. Caviar

We love it on pasta, on potatoes or even on its own by the spoonful (preferably one made out of mother-of-pearl to preserve its flavour). Caviar is one of those decadent luxuries that we love to sprinkle on just about everything. 

But did you know that it boasts anti-ageing properties as well as its potential slimming qualities? Despite being 18 per cent fat, the omega-3 fats it contains are anti-inflammatory. It is also very high in vitamin B12 which helps with fatigue and weakness as well as to develop protein, red blood cells and nerve cells.

A 25-gram serving also can provide up to half your body’s daily protein requirements and tends to be quite low on carbs.

5. Uni

Creamy, rich and briny, uni is arguably one of our favourites things to add to rice bowls, pasta, sauces and even toast. However, did you know that it also has some incredible health benefits?

For one, it is very low in fat and calories with about 1.1 grams of fat and 34 calories per ounce, according to Livestrong. It is also rich in protein with about 3.2 grams of protein per ounce. This is about half of what an egg contains. 

6. Oysters

Salty and briny, you either adore oysters or completely detest them.

These nutrition powerhouses offer a host of health benefits and are filled with vitamins, minerals and organic compounds. They have a high level of protein, vitamin D, zinc, iron and copper, and also have high levels of Vitamin C, phosphorus, niacin and riboflavin, according to Gourmet Food Store, a store specialising in international speciality foods.

Oysters are also great for weight loss (it has one of the lowest calories-to-serving-size ratios of any food out there), and is great for heart health and blood circulation, as well as bone strength and immunity.

7. Ginseng

Ginseng is a very popular root found in Asian dishes and is well known for its concentration of active compounds and effects on the body. 

For one, it is a potent antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, can help improve brain functions like memory, behaviour and mood and can boost the immune system.

Ginseng is also well-known for possibly being able to reduce the risk of certain cancers such as lip, mouth, colon, liver and stomach by preventing abnormal cell production and growth.

8. White Truffle

We don’t know about you but there’s nothing we love more than watching a chef grate freshly shaved truffle into a dish in front of us. With its garlicky flavour and deep aroma, white truffles are the epitome of luxury. 

White truffle is also rich in amino acids and minerals including copper, manganese, zinc, vitamins A, B, C, D and K and many more. It is also brimming with natural compounds that protect your body from free radicals, which are toxins that can damage your cells.

9. Abalone

With its salty and buttery taste, it’s no wonder why we love to add abalone to our rice bowls, soups and just about everything.

Besides being high in protein, abalone also has a combination of essential vitamins and minerals. These include calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and beta carotene.

Plus, abalone has a low fat content and contains barely any cholesterol. 

10. Matsutake Mushrooms

Matsutake mushrooms are very special because they are high in nutrients and also boast a very strong and unique flavour profile. They have a spicy pine and cinnamon taste that makes them incredibly delicate when added to other dishes. It’s no wonder only the best of the best chefs attempt to utilise them in their menus.

Other than its incredible taste, Matsutake mushrooms are great sources of vitamin B, protein, copper, potassium, zinc and selenium. They are also rich in dietary fibre and low in both saturated and unsaturated fat.

 

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