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She drinks seawood milkshake Ex Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, is said to drink Seaweed Smoothies to lose weight. | That weird looking green bouquet at the veggie market can actually help reduce the risk of cancer, even if you are a smoker. italk introduces you to 7 exotic vegetables that you should include in your diet
A recent study reveals how smokers and former smokers who eat lots of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, may be less likely than other smokers to develop lung cancer. Corresponding research has shown that compounds called isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables may have cancer-fighting properties.
Although the Roswell Park Cancer Institute study cautions that "nothing is the magic bullet" guaranteed to prevent lung cancer, there's no downside to eating more vegetables. Yogita Goradia, consultant dietician and fitness expert, tells you why these exotic foods can help you fight cancer, and even slow down the advent of HIV.
Acai
Prevents arthritis and heart-related problems
A recent import from Brazil, the fruit from a special palm tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest and tastes like a cross between blackberries and chocolate, is quickly becoming the new superfood.
It's packed with antioxidants and is believed to be able to cure anything and everything from arthritis to heart disease. Scientists are also touting the fruit's high level of proteins, fibre, Vitamin E, and important essential fatty acids. Acai also builds the immune system and fights infection.
Wheatgrass
Improves digestion, prevents cancer, diabetes
Wheatgrass is a baby wheat plant and is rich in chlorophyll, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients. People usually take about a shot-glass size dose of wheatgrass, either "straight-up" or mixed in with a smoothie.
It improves digestion, increases energy, prevents conditions like diabetes, and detoxifies the body.
Spirulina
Fights cancer
Spirulina is a blue-green algae associated with a wide range of nutritional and health benefits. It contains high amounts of protein, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.
It pulls in a wide variety of nutrients from the sun (they are plants) and from the water it grows in. There are claims that spirulina can fight cancer and slow down HIV progression.
Seaweed
Prevents ulcers and ups sexual desire
It is a fairly simple food, making it easy for the body to break it down and release healthy substances it contains, essentially minerals from the sea. Seaweed has no fat, and is usually prepared without any oil or other additives.
It's said to up sexual desire, prevent ulcers, treat cancer, lower cholesterol levels and help weight loss.
Goji Berry
Increases sperm production, reduces inflammation
The Goji Berry is a Chinese berry that is seen as an anti-ageing wonder. Also called wolfberries, they have high levels of antioxidants and contain vitamins and minerals.
They are said to improve the immune system, sperm production, circulation, reduce inflammation
and improve vision.
Zucchini
Cures asthma
Zucchini, a small summer squash, is a fruit, but on the gastronomic circuit, it is treated as a vegetable. One medium-sized zucchini has just 25 calories, making it an ideal stomach-filler. It helps cure asthma since it contains Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
It also helps prevent diseases like scurvy, which is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin C. Since it has a high water content (over 95%), it is perfect for those on a diet.
Iceberg lettuce
Helps in weight loss
Iceberg lettuce is the main constituent of a salad and is known for its crunchy texture. It is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.
Iceberg lettuce has high water content and is low in calories, and therefore, aids weight loss.
Available where?
Most exotic vegetables are available at supermarkets like Food Bazaar, and Godrej Nature's Basket outlets. Some local veggie markets like those at Colaba and Pali Market at Bandra, are also a treasure trove of exotic veggies. | 
