Published September 6, 2011
There are various reasons why a person might consider a particular type of food gross. Maybe it's the way it looks, the way it smells, the way it tastes, what it's made out of or where it comes from, or simply its name. Whatever the case may be, there are certain foods out there that the majority of people find very disgusting. However, one shouldn't be so quick to rule these foods out of his or her diet. Many of these gross foods come with numerous health benefits that may entice you to try them out.
1. Wheatgrass
The name "wheatgrass" in itself sounds like something completely unappetizing, harvested directly from a grass laden field where you would expect to see cows grazing. Most people don't really know what wheatgrass is, and when they actually see it, they really do think they are eating or drinking grass similar to the stuff that makes up their front lawn. Unfortunately, it tastes exactly how it looks and sounds.Wheatgrass is made from wheat plants, and contains various nutrients like magnesium, calcium and various vitamins. While it has yet to be proven as an effective tool for curing or preventing diseases, it is still good for you. You can run wheatgrass through a juicer for juicing and drink it straight, or you can mix it with another type of juice.
2. Cod Liver Oil
Whether you are taking a spoonful of the actual oil, or swallowing it as a pill for a nutrition supplement, cod liver oil is disgusting. Just like the name suggests, it is the oil extracted from the liver of codfish. Imagine the strong flavor and aroma of a fish by itself, without the mask of the actual fish's texture and cooking method. Not very appetizing, is it?So who would anyone want to ingest any of this stuff? The fact is, cod liver oil is a direct source of the omega 3 that makes fatty, oily fish so good for you. Cod liver oil has also been said to help with various health conditions:
Cod liver oil is a great supplement for those who might suffer an allergic reaction to certain fish, but still want the benefits of omega 3. It is also a great supplement for those who just don't like eating fish, although some may think it's a more disgusting option between the two.
3. Nattō
For those unfamiliar with Nattō, it is a type of Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. At first sight, it may look a bit unappetizing, but should hardly be considered gross. That is, until you get your first whiff of this pungent delicacy that can be likened to a block of stinking cheese.This strong smelling super-food is a great source of protein and contains probiotics, similar to yogurt. Like its dairy counterpart, the probiotics, also known as "good bacteria," from Nattō are effective at maintaining a healthy digestive tract. If you can stomach its gooey like consistency and pungent aroma, then you should give Nattō a try for its potential health benefits.
4. Blood Sausage
Blood sausage, also known by its more subtle name of "black pudding," is made from the dried blood of various animals. If you can get over the fact that it is made from animal blood, and the fact that it looks like a burned sausage, blood sausage has some great health benefits. For one thing, it is very rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a great food for those who are trying a low-carb diet. It is also a great source for iron and zinc, and is a great alternative to most normal sausages because it tends to have fewer calories. Many even consider blood sausage to be fairly tasty, as long as you can get over its other gross aspects.5. Durian
Durian is a type of fruit that the western world is not very familiar with, but is very prominent in Southeast Asia. At first glance, durian looks like an oversized, yellow or green pine cone. Once cracked, the flesh itself doesn't look all that bad either, but it's not the appearance that makes this food gross, it's the smell.Durian lovers have argued that the strong aroma is the best characteristic of the fruit. However, if it's your first time eating this pungent fruit, the smell might have you gasping for air. Many have likened its distinctive fragrance to a mixture of rotting food and manure. However, this is one food that doesn't exactly taste the way it smells. Durian has been described as being light, creamy and sweet. As far as health benefits are concerned, Durian is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C.
6. Calf's Liver
Liver is just one of those types of food that make people cringe. If not for its odd odor and texture, the fact that it is the part of the animal used to breakdown toxins is enough reason to consider liver a gross type of food. Among the different types of animal liver, calf's liver is one of the most offensive. For one thing, it is coming from a young cow, which tends to make people feel a bit queasy. Secondly, the odor and bitterness of calf's liver puts it in a league of its own. However, the health benefits of calf's liver are truly amazing:- It is packed with vitamin B12, riboflavin and folate.
- It is a significant source of protein.
- It contains selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus and other vital nutrients.
Calf's liver is such a nutrient dense food, people tend to overlook the amount of cholesterol and fat it contains, not to mention it's overpowering taste, smell and odd texture.
7. Corn Smut
If you haven't heard the term before, you might mistake "corn smut" for a dirty word. The truth is, it's a type of fungus that grows on corn. As far as appearance goes, it looks like something that came straight out of a sci-fi flick, as for taste, it is actually considered savory and delicious. People who are able to get over the fact that corn smut looks like something from another planet can enjoy the amino acid and lysine, which regular corn does not contain.Sources:
http://www.symptomfind.com/nutrition-supplements/gross-foods-that-are-actually-good-for-you/
