Discover the World’s Most Healthiest Breakfast: The Ancient Nicoyan Breakfast!
For the last two decades, I’ve been delving into what makes centenarians live past their 100s, and the peculiar foods that make their longevity possible. And tucked away in a quaint corner of Nicoya, Costa Rica, is what I believe is the world’s most invigorating breakfast.
Under a traditional red-tiled roof, a group of morning risers at the Cooperativa Nicoya begins their day at 4:00 a.m. By firing up wood ovens, preparing spicy beans, and creating dough with wood ash, they take part in an age-old tradition that has sustained them for generations.
From rolling out tortillas to cooking savory beans mingled with local herbs, these dedicated individuals are responsible for creating a morning meal rooted in tradition and health. The hearty, nutty corn tortillas, for instance, are one of the top ways they get whole-grain, low-glycemic complex carbohydrates.
The wood ash used in the preparation process liberates niacin and amino acids in the corn, which the body can readily absorb. The black beans cook slowly to tender perfection, providing a delicious source of anthocyanins, just like blueberries, alongside colon-cleansing, blood pressure-lowering, and insulin-regulating folates. All combined, the bean-and-rice mix creates a whole protein, delivering the essential amino acids vital for human sustenance.
The coffee bean variety grown locally yields a rich drink brimming with antioxidants and metabolism-boosting caffeine. Even the chilero, a hot pepper, carrot, and vinegar blend, adds a probiotic zing to this breakfast.
With a mere cost of $4.23, you can partake of Nicoya’s secrets of longevity. Embrace the Nicoyans’ wisdom and make a large batch of bean soup to enjoy all week long.
What’s more, the ancient technique called nixtamal, used in the prepping of the corn dough, brings about the release of the essential amino acid niacin, providing various health benefits. It’s simple to obtain nixtamal corn flour from grocery stores and cook it to make sumptuous homemade tortillas!
Faces of tradition: The Nicoyans have eaten this dish to fuel their days since the beginning of time!
For an additional taste of local flavor, try the quintessential Costa Rican dish of rice and beans, known as gallo pinto, a recipe based on the tradition of sharing longevity and flavor.
In sum, the black beans native to Costa Rica that are often matched with delicious rice are high in antioxidants and provide numerous health benefits to regulate insulin and lower blood pressure. This meal is a staple in the diet of many Nicoyans and has been enjoyed through generations.
Finally, the one-pot meal of Coop Nicoya Black Beans is delicious and high in nutrients, and a great way to make the taste of Nicoya available in your own home!
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