Foods That Start with B

Food is the first amongst the three basic and important needs of life. Humans need food to grow, develop, have a lot more strength, and ultimately stay alive. We must be educationally conscious about what we eat. This is why this article on foods that start with B is aimed primarily at that education.

Knowing what you eat is crucial if you have a disease or health condition. It’s also just as relevant if you possess a clean bill of health. Information and knowledge expansion about the foods you eat can keep you alert and on your toes if you have certain allergies. 

Furthermore, they can broaden your horizon and introduce you to tastier, flavorful, and more nutritious meals that you didn’t know existed.

This article expands upon the side effects and benefits of b- spelled foods from all four corners of the world through scientific research. 

1. Bananas

Bananas are unarguably one of the most famous fruits in the whole world. They are also incredibly delicious, healthy, super affordable, and an excellent choice for those who have decided to eat healthily. Although they are primary natives of Southeast Asia, they grow rapidly in many warm climates and are available virtually all over the globe.

• Benefits

Bananas improve blood sugar levels and aid digestion. Their enrichment in soluble fiber and antioxidants ensures they take good care of your heart. Being low in calories, they are helpful with weight loss as well. They also contain loads of carbs which is great for energy, and their sweet taste can even cater to a sweet tooth.

• Side Effects

Side effects are a rarity. But in rare cases, they usually include bloating, gas, nausea, cramping, softer stools, and vomiting. Sometimes they can be the cause of high blood levels of potassium. Some people have allergies to a banana.

2. Breadfruit

Breadfruits are medicinal trees. For hundreds of years, the seeds and fruit have been eaten as food, while the leaves and latex have always been used to produce medicines.

• Benefits

Breadfruit lowers blood pressure by reducing heart rate and decreasing the strength of heart muscle contractions. And although there isn’t enough scientific evidence, there are claims that it is used to ease the pain of arthritis, asthma, back pain, wound healing, and ear infections. The application of breadfruit latex to the skin is used to treat broken bones, sprains, and sciatica.

• Side Effects

There are scientific concerns that breadfruit increases the risk of bleeding disorders. They also cause reactions in people who are allergic to bananas. It is also not advisable for people to eat if they already have low blood pressure, as breadfruit could make it drop even lower.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is a first-class cruciferous vegetable and a powerhouse of invaluable nutrients. 

• Benefits

The benefits of broccoli are too numerous to mention. Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist at the University of Austin, Texas’s fitness institute, is high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, B6, and Vitamin A. They also possess many phytochemicals that immensely benefit the immune system and antioxidants. Since it is a cruciferous vegetable, it has also been found to prevent cancer. It also helps with cholesterol reduction, good eye health, digestion, and detoxification.

• Side Effects

The most common side effect of broccoli is bowel irritation, caused by its high fiber content. It can make anyone gassy. Compared to the benefits, however, it’s pretty worth it. Those on blood-thinning medication are advised to avoid it because of its vitamin K content. Also, people diagnosed with hypothyroidism should limit broccoli intake.

4. Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a famous German sausage made mostly from pork and often from veal or, less commonly, beef. Its unique name is a fusion of brat(nicely chopped meat) and wurst (sausage).

• Benefits

Bratwurst is rich in protein and low in carbs, which makes it advantageous for those pursuing low-carb diets. It has lots of vitamin B and sodium. Sodium is an excellent stabilizing blood volume that supports blood contractions. Bratwurst is also rich in selenium, an excellent immune system enhancement, and supports thyroid function. 

• Side Effects

The high amount of sodium in bratwurst can trigger high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. It also has saturated fats which aren’t too good for those in need of a low-calorie plus low-fat diet.

5. Borscht

Borscht is a European soup made with beetroot and usually served with sour cream. It’s mostly eaten in Russia, Poland, and Ukraine.

• Benefits

It can be eaten with a range of vegetables which add to its nutritional value. It has antioxidants, Vitamins B and C, and helps treat high blood pressure. Also, it can increases blood flow and initiates the relaxation of blood vessels. Borscht also protects the heart and liver, cleanses the blood, improves digestion, and reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes.

• Side Effects

Beetroot, a chief part of Borscht, can be harmful to sufferers of low blood pressure. People prone to kidney stones from oxalates are advised to avoid eating Borscht.

6. Brisket

Brisket is popular meat made from cows and typical street food. It can be fried or grilled and made with sauces.

• Benefits

Brisket is filled with oleic acid, which has two main benefits. It contains LDLs which lower harmful cholesterol levels, and HDLs, which decrease the chances of heart diseases.

• Side Effects

Brisket is still red meat with saturated fats and cholesterol. As such, you should be eaten in moderation to prevent the risk of heart disease.

7. Bacon

Bacon is made from pork and, in other cases, turkey. It goes through what is known as a curing process, where the meat is soaked in salt, nitrates, and sugar. Sometimes it is smoked afterward. Curing and smoking are preservation methods contributing to bacon’s distinctive taste and color.

• Benefits

Bacon has a much longer shelf life. Adding salt and nitrates ensures that bacteria don’t grow on it. Due to the presence of vitamin B1, bacon increases the body’s metabolism. The metabolism boost can, in turn, be a preventive mechanism for strokes and heart disease. The salt content promotes faster healing of health capabilities and contains calcium to strengthen your bones.

• Side Effects

Fried bacon tends to be high in carcinogenic nitrosamines. The high salt content can increase the blood pressure in salt-sensitive people, and it is associated with a risk increase of stomach cancer.

8. Beans

A bonafide member of the legumes family, beans are a convenient staple food that adds texture, flavor, and nutrients to your carb meals or salads. They are also great for a vegetarian-friendly diet and can be used as alternative proteins instead of meat. They are also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them in different varieties, such as Lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, soybeans, and chickpeas.

• Benefits

Bean is a truckload of First-class protein. They are also immensely rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamins B and E.

• Side Effects

Beans cause a lot of flatulence, bloating, and frequent gas.

9. Brownies

Brownies are a popular form of dessert. They are delicious when just fresh from the oven and eaten with a glass of warm milk.

• Benefits

Brownies contain iron, zinc, folate, and vitamin A.

• Side Effects

The high sugar content promotes tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain. It also contains sodium which can accelerate cardiovascular diseases, and saturated fats, responsible for high cholesterol levels.

10. Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is also a popular dessert staple in many countries. It is a delicious combination of stale bread, milk, eggs, oil, butter, or suet. It is usually made in sweet or savory ways.

• Benefits

Bread pudding is a good source of potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. It lacks saturated fats and protein.

• Side Effects

A serving is high in carbs, fat, and sugars. It also possesses a lot of calories, and it isn’t advisable for those trying to lose weight or eat healthily.

11. Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie is a classic British dessert. It is a delicious sweet combo of rich, crumbly biscuits, sticky caramel, banana slices, and thick whipped cream. It has, in recent times, become a national favorite.

• Benefits

Banoffee Pie doesn’t have many benefits apart from having the same nourishment that bananas give since bananas are a part of it.

• Side Effects

It has too many processed ingredients, which truncate the little banana nutrients. It is also filled with lots of sugars and saturated fats, promoting bad heart health.

12. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are tremendously popular in Western Cuisines. They can be used for a range of meals, and they are known for adding flavor, texture, taste, and bursts of color.

• Benefits

Bell peppers maintain eye health and improve heart rate and hypertension. They are rich in vitamin c, and they possess antioxidants that can fight off cancer. They strengthen the immune system and improve the condition of the digestive system.

• Side Effects

The presence of capsicum can cause skin, nose, and throat irritation. Excessive intake of capsicum leads to diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach upset.

13. Butter

Butter is produced by separation from cream and milk. It is used in cooking and is also used directly for meals or snacks.

• Benefits

Butter is an excellent source of several vitamins, especially fat-soluble vitamins. It has bountiful content of Vitamin A, vitamins D, E, B12, and vitamin K. It is good for those who are lactose intolerant.

• Side Effects

Butter has fat which isn’t too good for heart health. It also contains whey protein which causes allergies in people allergic to milk. It is high in calories and contributes to weight gain.

14. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a nutritious fermented dairy drink everyone loves for its taste and benefits. It can be taken with salt or sugar and is used to make pancakes, biscuits, and many other recipes.

• Benefits

Buttermilk is one of the most refreshing and cool summer drinks out there. It is fortified with calcium, potassium, vitamins, and minerals. People with lactose intolerant can take it without necessarily having any unfavorable side effects. It also prevents acidity, fights constipation and dehydration, and eliminates burning issues within the stomach. Also, it reduces blood pressure and is a good source of riboflavin that helps in liver function. It is also suitable for balancing vitamin deficiencies.

• Side Effects

Buttermilk has sodium, which makes it unsuitable for those who have kidney diseases. Drinking buttermilk if you have a cold, fever, or pollen allergies is not advisable. Buttermilk is a byproduct of cream extraction from butter. Since the cream is given time to build up, it can amass bacteria which can cause harmful throat infections in toddlers and kids.

15. Boston Cream Pie

Boston cream pie is a hot milk buttery yellow cake that is a classic American favorite dessert. It is usually served layered with coffee custard, chocolate, or berries.

• Benefits

Since it is made with eggs, it can be a source of protein. It also contains Vitamins C, A, iron, and calcium.

• Side Effects

High cholesterol and sodium levels. It also contains too many fats, which is unsuitable for those trying to lose weight.

16. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a popular staple food eaten as an alternative to white rice. It is famous around the world for its nutritional value. 

• Benefits

Brown rice controls cholesterol levels and possesses anti-depressant properties. It boosts heart health and the nervous system and lowers stress in lactating women. It is enriched with antioxidants and helps in diabetic and obesity control. Also, it improves digestive health and prevents Alzheimer’s. Brown rice is a rich source of high-level magnesium and dietary fiber, which decreases the risk of death from heart disease.

• Side Effects

Brown rice comes with contain arsenic which is a dangerous cancer-causing substance. However, as long as brown rice is eaten in moderation, there are no worries about arsenic. It can also cause lethargy, cramps, gas, bloating, nasal congestion, diarrhea, and constipation.

17. Barley

Barley is a world-famous cereal grain. It is eaten as food and also used for medicinal purposes. In the world of production, barley is used as a natural sweetener, food grain, beer brewing, and the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages.

• Benefits

Barley effectively prevents heart disease due to its high amount of soluble fiber, making it an excellent addition to a low cholesterol diet. Barley is also efficient at lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of colon cancer. Also, Barley can decrease blood sugar and insulin levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes. It slows stomach emptying by creating the illusion of being filled up.

• Side Effects

Barley can trigger allergic reactions on the skin and cause rash and breathing problems. It also causes gas and bloating.

18. Brie Cheese

Brie is a unique pale yellow soft cow milk cheese that originated in France but has now risen worldwide. It has a lovely creamy texture and distinctively mild taste and aroma. It comes in various varieties – Brie de Meaux, Brie noir, double and triple creme brie, herbed brie, and Brie de Melun. They all range in flavor, aroma, and taste.

• Benefits

Besides its versatility, Brie cheese houses protein, fat, and calcium nutrients along with vitamins B12 and riboflavin which help in liver functioning and energy production. Fats and proteins help promote feelings of fullness which help with weight loss and appetite control. 

Additionally, brie cheese is whole fat dairy which gives a healthy body weight and doesn’t increase the risk of heart disease. It has vitamin A which promotes healthy skin and good vision. Its ripening process help to strengthen its anti-cancer properties. However, research is needed the more to ascertain if it can truly fight cancer cells.

• Side Effects

Brie cheese contains natural milk sugar, meaning those lactose intolerant can only consume small amounts. People with milk-fat protein allergies cannot eat brie cheese. Brie cheese contains high sodium, which is bad for people with high blood pressure. 

19. Blueberries

Blueberries are tasty, convenient, wildly popular, nutritious, and often labeled superfoods. They grow from a flowering shrub and rotate from green to blue and purple colors. They can be frozen, juiced, eaten fresh, preserved in jam or jelly, added to muffins, and infused with water. Blueberries can be blended into smoothies, tossed into salads and pancake batter, baked into desserts, and added to soups and side dishes.

• Benefits

Blueberries are tasty and excellent sources of a lot of nutrients. They contain lots of fiber, vitamin C &K, and manganese.  Also, they are regarded as high antioxidant level berries. They are, in essence, the king of antioxidants that protect our bodies from free radicals that can damage the body, accelerate the aging process, and cause diseases like cancer.

    Blueberries are instrumental in the reduction of DNA damage. It is a natural occurrence and occurs tens of thousands of times a day in our body cells. Blueberries reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol. It reduces blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease.

• Side Effects

Blueberries contain a high amount of salicylates. Blueberries can cause rashes, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, reflux, and bloating for those allergic to them. If you are taking blood-thinning medications should be careful with blueberry intake or, better still, consult their healthcare providers. 

   Blueberry leaves have also been found to increase hyperglycemia; their high-level pigmentation stains the teeth and can cause teeth discoloration. To remove stains, it is recommended to drink water immediately, follow up with milk or have a serving of hard cheese.

20. Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce comprises hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. 

• Benefits

Through hot sauce, buffalo sauce is infused with capsaicin which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can fight cancer. It is fortified with bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and vitamins C, E, and A.

• Side Effects

Consistent serving of hot sauce supersedes the recommended milligrams of daily sodium intake. While research on Capsaicin side effects is still fairly new, science-backed evidence has revealed that it causes blood clotting, skin blistering, diarrhea, and stomach burn. Adverse effects stemming from long-term intake are liver and kidney damage.

21. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is distinguished by its pungent smell and tangy flavor. It originally came from France and is made from Penicillium Roqueforti bacterium. It is where it gets its distinctive blue veins and blue spots.

• Benefits

Adding blue cheese to your diet reduces the risk of heart disease. It lowers blood cholesterol levels and prevents artery inflammation and blood clotting in veins. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce joint inflammation and relieve pain from arthritis. Blue cheese is also a good source of calcium. 

It strengthens the bones and prevents osteoporosis. It also enhances brain functioning and fights off memory problems, which is good for kids and oldies with memory issues. Lastly, blue cheese contains a lot of phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.

• Side Effects

Although blue cheese contains 150 milligrams of calcium, it is still quite inadequate as a cup of reduced-fat milk contains about 350-450 milligrams. It is high in sodium which means it can effortlessly increase blood pressure. It raises cholesterol levels with its 21 milligrams of dietary cholesterol. Blue cheese doesn’t give a filling up feeling, and with its high calories, it can quickly contribute to weight gain.

22. Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts belong to the cruciferous vegetable family like cabbage and broccoli. They are nutrient-dense Vegetables that go particularly well with roast and bacon. 

• Benefits

Brussel sprouts boost the immune system. Just a cup of Brussel sprouts carries 120% of the daily recommendation of vitamin c, which is responsible for white blood cell production. It also reduces oxidative stress and lowers the chances of chronic ailments. Brussel sprouts contain lots of dietary fiber that gives better digestion and makes food pass around your system more efficiently. 

This cruciferous vegetable contains pantothenic acid, folate, riboflavin, and vitamin B12, which helps digest food faster and easier, burn calories effectively, and better use the nutrients. It also contains abundant vitamin K, which is suitable for osteoporosis. Expectant mothers are also advised to consume Brussel sprouts because of their high amount of folic acid. Folic acid is important in preventing neural defects in children. 

Brussel sprouts are also well known for their iron and mineral copper enrichment which is good for anemic people. The veggies contain manganese which is very important for brain health and the nervous system. They are also instrumental in maintaining good skin health because they help maintain structural collagen, limit the negative effects of UV rays, and slow down the aging process.

• Side Effects

Over consumption of Brussel sprouts causes bloating and frequent farting. Goitrogens in Brussel sprouts cause thyroid swelling and infection. Therefore it is deemed unsafe for people with thyroid issues.

23. Basil

Basil is a flavorful food seasoning that originally came from Asia and Africa. It is an aromatic leafy green herb used for cooking, supplements, and teas. Basil isn’t just popular for its tasty addition to food but also for its nutritional benefits. It comes in varying forms – Thai basil, sweet basil, cinnamon basil, bush/greek basil, and holy basil.

• Benefits

Basil is a popular remedy for nausea and bug bites. It is also prominent in ayurvedic medicine and other holistic medicine. Beginner scientific studies on basil have found that it reduces depression from chronic stress and aging, aids in healing from stroke, and reduces memory loss induced by aging. Basil reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients and relaxes blood vessels. 

  When inhaled as aromatherapy, it induces mental alertness. It protects against gut aspirin damage, and it promotes cancer prevention. Most especially the breast, colon, and pancreas. The leafy green herb inhibits the bacteria that cause tooth decay and is combative against strains of bacteria that are particularly resistant to antibiotics. 

It also repels mosquitoes, insects, and ticks. Another benefit of basil is that it is versatile enough to be used in many dishes. It gives a unique flavor to sauces, soups, salads, tomato dishes, zucchini, eggplants, and meat-riddled meals. It works well with other spices like oregano, thyme, paprika, rosemary, sage, garlic, and peppers. 

• Side Effects

People with blood pressure issues or diabetics should take basil supplements or flavored food cautiously since it reduces blood pressure and blood sugar. Those on blood-thinning medications might want to avoid eating basil meals like pesto. Couples trying to get pregnant should avoid holy basil as it has been found to affect sperm and cause contractions in pregnant women. Generally, basil poses no risks when it is consumed in moderation.

24. Breadsticks

A fourteenth-century Italian invention, breadsticks are made using flour, salt, and water to be twisted into distinctive shapes or hand rolled. Most chefs now use yeast or pizza dough to cut, bake, and fry it into a crispy brown. They can be baked plain or with sesame seeds, caramelized onions, garlic, paprika flakes, rosemary, and thyme.

• Benefits

Breadsticks neutralize high blood pressure. They are great in the prevention of Alzheimer’s, and they prevent osteoporosis and refine bone density. Breadsticks are also good for minimizing the cognitive decline induced by the natural human aging process. The use of wheat flour adds calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It can boost and refine body metabolism and aids in healthy weight development.

• Side Effects

Sesame seeds, widely used in making breadsticks, can irritate the colon. It is also not advisable to consume breadsticks immoderately. 

25. Basmati Rice

Originating from India, where it was cultivated for thousands of years in the Himalayas hills, Basmati rice has spread its tentacles worldwide. India is responsible for ⅔ of its global supply. Basmati has unique long grains and a distinct smell that has earned it the title of “the queen of perfumed rice.”  

• Benefits

Basmati rice has a low moderate portions are safe for people with diabetes. It possesses lots of soluble fiber, aids digestion, and dietary fiber, and prevents type 2 diabetes. Basmati is good for the heart; its B vitamins improve brain health in the long run.

• Side Effects

Basmati contains arsenic because most rice crops absorb it from the soil. It comes from the polluted atmosphere. White basmati rice is highly processed and stripped of its ingredients and minerals. It doesn’t contain enough amino acids to be called a complete protein. Generally, brown basmati rice is healthier, and both should be consumed equally.

26. Black Eyed Peas

Contrary to their name, they are beans with a strong savory taste and scent that have become extremely popular in traditional southern cuisines.

• Benefits

Black-eyed peas are mighty in protein and are encompassed with essential vitamins and minerals. They promote heart health and do a lot to curb weight loss. Also, they can combat anemia, regulate blood pressure and decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer.

• Side Effects

They can cause a build-up of intestinal issues like bloating and gas.

27. Black Pepper

Black Pepper is usually referred to as the king of spices. For thousands of years, its used as a flavor enhancer for food and is also known for its benefits. 

• Benefits

Black Pepper contains piperine which protects against cell damage, promotes nutrient absorption, and aids digestive issues. It is a powerful antioxidant that will protects the body from being ravaged by free radicals. It increases the absorption of beta carotene and curcumin(a top ingredient in turmeric. Black pepper is tremendously helpful for proper stomach function in the pancreas and intestines. More research is needed to ascertain the beneficial roles it can play for us. 

  Black Pepper is a very versatile seasoning. It adds great flavor and spice to meats, fish, vegetables, salads, stir-fries, and pasta. It can also be used for fruits, scrambled eggs, and dipping sauces.

• Side Effects

Immoderate or high consumption leads to burning sensations in the throat and stomach. Black pepper can also cause a dangerous and high level of drug absorption. 

Conclusion

Having reviewed foods that start with B, it is safe to say that moderation is vital as we go through daily meal consumption. Harmful or adverse side effects are only a result of high consumption. We all are a true reflection of what we eat.