Nutrition Trivia – 33 Fun Facts

When it comes to eating, there’s much more to it than just satisfying our hunger.

While you may already know some tips to eating healthy, how about learning some fun nutrition trivia facts about food that can actually help you make healthier choices?

Here are 33 Nutrition Trivia facts that just might blow your mind!

1. Honey is one of the few foods that never spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3000 years old and still perfectly edible.
2. Did you know that the color of your plate can affect how much you eat? According to a study, people tend to eat less when the color of their plate contrasts with the color of their food.
3. You’ve probably heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But did you know that eating an apple before a meal can help you consume fewer calories during that meal? Apples are high in fiber and water, which can make you feel full faster.
4. Speaking of fiber, did you know that adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to your diet can significantly increase your fiber intake? In fact, chia seeds contain about 11 grams of fiber per ounce (about two tablespoons), making them one of the most fiber-rich foods you can eat.
5. When it comes to cooking oils, olive oil is often considered the healthiest option. But did you know that avocado oil is also a great choice? Avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower your cholesterol.
6. Many people believe that drinking milk can lead to mucus production and congestion. However, there’s actually no evidence to support this claim. In fact, some studies suggest that consuming dairy products may actually reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
7. If you’re looking to cut carbs, swapping out regular pasta for zucchini noodles (aka “zoodles”) is a great option. Zucchini noodles contain significantly fewer carbs and calories than traditional pasta, making them a healthy substitute.
8. Adding some herbs and spices to your meals can provide more than just flavor. Many herbs and spices, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your health.
9. Did you know that eating nuts may help reduce your risk of heart disease? Nuts are high in unsaturated fats, which can help lower your cholesterol levels.
10. If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, swapping out soda for sparkling water can be a great alternative. Many brands of sparkling water are available in a variety of flavors, making it easier to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added calories of sugary drinks.
11. Many people believe that drinking a glass of warm lemon water in the morning can help detoxify the body. While there’s no evidence to support this claim, drinking lemon water can help increase your water intake and provide a good source of vitamin C.
12. Did you know that eating dark chocolate may have some health benefits? Dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. However, it’s important to choose high-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (70% or higher) to get the most benefits.
13. Have you ever been told eating carrots helps improve your eyesight? While this may seem like an old wives’ tale, there’s some truth to this nutrition trivia! Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, especially in low light conditions.
14. Coffee lovers rejoice! Drinking coffee can actually be beneficial for your health, in moderation of course. A moderate amount of coffee, around 3-4 cups a day, has been linked to lower risks of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
15. Mushrooms are the only plant source of vitamin D, a nutrient many people are deficient in. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is essential for bone health. (See more about functional mushrooms!)
16. Eating bananas can help fight depression. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter.
17. Consuming fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can benefit your gut health. These foods are rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
18. Drinking green tea can aid in weight loss and improve brain function. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, including a type of catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to have powerful effects on metabolism and brain function.
19. Did you know that watermelons are 92% water? This juicy fruit is not only refreshing and hydrating, but it’s also packed with vitamins A and C.
20. Packed with antioxidants, blueberries have been dubbed as a superfood. Eating blueberries can help reduce DNA damage, which may help protect against ageing and cancer.
21. If you’re an avocado lover, here’s a fun fact for you: Avocados contain more potassium than bananas. This essential mineral helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
22. Love spicy food? Good news! Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, is known to boost metabolism and can help in weight loss.
23. While often considered as a vegetable, tomatoes are actually a fruit. Moreover, they are a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
24. Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It’s a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
25. Despite its bad reputation, eating egg yolks won’t raise your cholesterol levels much. In fact, eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, as they’re loaded with high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and good fats.
26. Contrary to popular belief, the white string-like parts of a peeled orange, known as pith, are packed with as much Vitamin C as the orange flesh itself.
27. Did you know that apples float in water because they’re 25% air? This can be a fun fact to know for your next bobbing for apples game.
28. The humble peanut is not a nut, but a legume. This puts it in the same family as lentils, beans, and peas.
29. Despite the common belief, fresh spinach and cooked spinach offer similar nutritional value. While the cooking process can decrease the vitamin C content, it increases the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients such as iron and calcium.
30. While often overlooked, turnips are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins C and K, and also contain potassium, fiber, and calcium.
31. Did you know that strawberries are the only fruit that has seeds on the outside? There are about 200 seeds on an average strawberry.
32. The world’s most expensive spice, saffron, comes from the stigma of a type of crocus flower. It takes about 75,000 flowers to produce a single pound of saffron, hence its steep price.
33. Despite its name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat. It’s actually a pseudo-cereal, similar to quinoa, and is gluten-free.

There you are! 33 Fun Nutrition Trivia facts!

With these 33 fun bits of nutrition trivia, you’re sure to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. These little nuggets of information might come in handy when you’re stuck in a sluggish conversation at a party, or when you’re looking to impress someone with your impressive brainpower.

After all, our everyday foods are not just sources of energy. They’re also packed with surprising health benefits and fascinating facts. As we continue to explore the world of food, we learn that there’s always more than meets the eye – or the palate.

Whether it’s eating off a colorful plate, adding some herbs and spices to your meals, or enjoying a piece of dark chocolate, small changes can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

Cheers to healthy eating and good times!