Apr. 8--We live in a place where we can learn a lot from our neighbors.
Within the mix of South Florida cultures, we often celebrate the same holidays, but with different traditions. And speak the same languages, but with different accents.
Every culture seems to believe in the power of chicken soup -- but an Argentine might also point to the restorative qualities of yerba mate, while someone from India might live by curry powder.
We asked two South Florida-based registered dietitians, Claudia Gonzalez and Ximena Jimenez, about five "multicultural" edibles you may have heard about. While both were glad to play along, they cautioned that there's not one single good or bad food.
Everything, they say, should be enjoyed in moderation.
Malta
This carbonated malt beverage has been described as tasting like Guinness beer without the alcohol. Many Cubans and people with roots in the Caribbean call it the original energy drink.
Dietitian's take: While many brands of malta are fortified with Vitamin B, Gonzalez says, the beverage contains too much sugar to be a good source of energy.
Quinoa
Peruvians and Bolivians in particular believe quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) to be a near-perfect food because it's an inexpensive source of protein that is prepared like rice. A staple of the ancient Incas, the bead-like grains are actually the fruit of an herb.
Dietitian's take: It is better than many other grains because ounce-for-ounce it contains more protein, Gonzalez says. Twice as much as white rice, for example, with none of the fat found in animal protein. It's also gluten-free and contains potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.
Yerba mate
This brew (pronounced mah-tay) is thought to help ward off fatigue, boost immunity and help with digestion. People with roots in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and other countries serve the dried leaves, steeped in hot water, in a special gourd with a metal straw.
Dietitian's take: There's caffeine in the plant, so it will help with fatigue. But no single study has found it to contain enough of any nutrient to make it a true immunity booster, Gonzalez says. She added that herbs in general are good for gastrointestinal functions.
Nopal cactus
This fruit of the prickly pear cactus is not only plentiful and inexpensive, but many people from Mexico say it can control diabetes and cholesterol. Similar in taste to green beans, it's used in salads, soups and stews.
Dietitian's take: Not enough research has been done to prove its safety and effectiveness, but the fruit does contain fiber, which can help control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, Jimenez says. It also contains calcium, potassium and vitamins.
Curry powder
Anyone who's eaten Indian food knows that curry powder is a staple of this cuisine. But some also consider it an antioxidant that can ward off Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Dietitian's take: Turmeric is the ingredient in curry powder that's thought to protect the brain from Alzheimer's, Jimenez says. While more studies need to be done, turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation and therefore could be helpful.
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