'A' being the starting letter of the alphabet has always grabbed our attention. Foodies can easily name at least 5 foods that start with A. However, it may be challenging if asked for more names of food that starts with A.
Don’t worry, we searched high and low, and the result is our list of 26 food items that start with the letter A. Check out if you remember, know, or are aware of these food items.
Each food item has its own importance and is used in different ways. Please note that the food items in this article could be food, fluid, vegetable, or fruit. In short, we can say this list includes any edible food that starts with A.
Now let’s have a glance at these food items.
Jump to:
- 1. Acorn squash
- 2. Apples
- 3. Amala
- 4. All-purpose flour
- 5. Almonds
- 6. Allspice
- 7. Amaranth
- 8. Ajvar
- 9. Apricots
- 10. Anchovies
- 11. Applesauce
- 12. Amchoor
- 13. Artichokes
- 14. Aniseed
- 15. Alfredo sauce
- 16. Arugula
- 17. Avocados
- 18. Artichoke hearts
- 19. Artificial sweeteners
- 20. Asparagus
- 21. Abacha
- 22. Afang
- 23. Arborio rice
- 24. Asian noodles
- 25. Arame
- 26. Ashura
- Conclusion
- Comments
1. Acorn squash
Let us start with an uncommon food item that starts with A and is a sweet one.
Acorn squash is a kind of squash that is starchy in nature. It has a dark-green color and orange-yellow flesh.
Acorn squash is rich in contents like beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. Both the antioxidants are excellent boons for hair, eye, and skin health. Additionally, these antioxidants can prevent diseases like arthritis.
This potassium-rich 'A' food helps in regulating blood pressure and bone health of the body. Moreover, Vitamin B6 present in acorn squash can promote gorgeous, thick hair as well as hair regrowth.
2. Apples
When we talk about food that starts with A, you can hardly skip the name of apple. It is correctly said, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'
Some studies suggest that if you eat an apple daily, then you would eliminate cancer from your life.
These delicious apples contain extraordinary amounts of soluble fibers and water in it.
Apples come in different varieties like red apples, yellow apples, and green apples.
If someone wants to eat a healthy diet and wishes to stay healthy, then apples can serve as an excellent choice for that.
However, one should know that apples can increase migraine headaches' intensity, so avoid eating apples during that time.
3. Amala
Amala, also known as 'Yam flour', has its origin in Nigeria. It first became popular among the people of the Yoruba Clan, Nigeria, and then spread all across the globe. Amala can be extracted from yam peels, and then it is dried and ground into a thin powder form to make smooth flour.
Amala has earned its popularity because of the large number of health benefits it offers. It is an excellent natural remedy for people with diabetes to lower the value of the glycemic index. The antioxidants present in amala are responsible for keeping the blood sugar level within normal limits.
Moreover, amala contains dietary fibers that act as an effective measure to combat cardiovascular disease. If you are one of those unlucky people who smoke a dozen cigarettes a day, amala can become your rescuer as it lowers cancer risk as well as aids lung cancer.
4. All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is the most popular flour, useful in many recipes of cookies, bread, tortillas, and crackers.
However, all-purpose flour is a bit unhealthy when compared to other varieties of flour.
Whole-wheat flour loses its nutritional content and fibers from it when converted into all-purpose flour via the refining method.
Many people refer to this all-purpose flour by the name of enriched wheat flour.
5. Almonds
Almonds are something you must have recalled when thinking of a food that starts with A. It is a nutritious food containing extraordinary amounts of magnesium, fiber, calcium, protein, and Vitamin E. Just as the list of nutrients in almonds is lengthy, so is the list of health benefits of almonds.
The monounsaturated fats present in almonds serve as the best nutrient for heart health (cardiovascular health). Moreover, almonds are rich in fibers that can have excellent effects on diabetics in controlling their blood sugar levels.
Wouldn’t you mind snacking on some almonds every day for better health?
6. Allspice
Don’t get carried away by the name; Allspice does not mean a mixture of all the spices.
It is a variety of spices with the flavor of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon in it.
Allspice is generally used in Latin American cooking recipes. It plays a key role in many dishes and sauces like mole sauces.
7. Amaranth
Amaranth is a plant seed always being praised as a super grain. This food that starts with A may not be so popular, but it does offer many health benefits.
Amaranth is an excellent boon for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, or diabetes (type 2). A large number of minerals like magnesium, magnesium makes this food a high-standard carb food.
Additionally, amaranth is a variety of gluten-free grain. Therefore, it is an effective measure to prevent celiac diseases.
8. Ajvar
Ajvar is a condiment that starts with A. It is prepared from roga peppers. It is first roasted and turned into a thick paste and then flavored with suitable spices, salt to taste, and lemon or vinegar spray.
Ajvar is attributed regionally with several names: 'pindjur', 'ljutenicabut', and 'zacuscaed.' Traditionally, it was stored in the Balkan pantry for the nourishment of families during the winter.
Ajvar is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and micronutrients like folate, all offering a number of health benefits.
If you are willing to burn some calories, you must try ajvar in your regular diet.
9. Apricots
If you want a diet ideal for weight loss, including apricots in your diet can be a good choice.
Apricots are rich in soluble fiber and water and thus aid in weight loss. Since apricots are rich in fibers, they are excellent choices for diabetic patients.
Additionally, apricots can act as antioxidants in the body and thus induce antioxidant effects and help to prevent diseases like arthritis.
However, always try to add fresh apricots to your diets, as the dried ones contain sulfites that can harm your health.
10. Anchovies
Anchovies are another popular food that starts with A. These are saltwater fish often eaten by those on healthy diets.
Anchovies are a source of sodium that can instantly raise the blood pressure of the body. So, it is highly recommended to eat anchovies in limited amounts if you are a blood pressure patient.
The fish oils prepared from anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are very beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels in the body, as well as reducing migraine pain to some extent.
11. Applesauce
For healthy diets, you can easily add applesauce in your diets. Applesauce is generally unsweetened in nature. However, commercially marketed applesauce may contain added high-fructose corn syrup and sugars in it. These sugars can increase the caloric intake of the applesauce.
If someone is suffering from diarrhea, applesauce is a good food to eat as it is bland and will not cause additional stomach upsets.
12. Amchoor
This food starting with A is commonly known as raw mango powder. The name derives from 'aam', a Hindu term for 'mango', and 'chur' means powder. It is commonly prepared by crushing the mangoes. Most people add this amchur as a flavor in vegetables or curry.
Amchoor is used as a spice mixture for marinades. You may also use it in fruit juices to spice them up.
The most effective use of amchur is during pregnancy because its tangy flavor helps with morning sickness and reduces nausea as well. It possesses several health benefits, such as decreasing acidity, improving the digestive system, and encouraging bowel movements. It serves as a rich source of vitamins A, C, D, B6, and Beta-carotene.
Therefore, amchoor can be a great choice if you are looking to do detoxification.
13. Artichokes
The flower artichoke belongs to the family line of daisies, marigolds, and sunflowers.
If you want a diet ideally for weight loss, artichokes could be a good choice for you.
Artichokes are rich in soluble fiber and water, and thus they can aid in weight loss. Artichokes are perfect for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, or diabetes (type 2), due to the high content of minerals like folate and potassium.
14. Aniseed
These seeds have a brownish-gray color, are small in shape, and a little bit curvy, with an aroma of licorice. You can find it as a spice either in powder form or as a whole.
Its origin is from the Pimpinella anisum plant, grown in the Middle East and Europe.
The licorice flavor of anise seeds has a sweet, and a slightly spicy taste. Many people add anise seeds in the dough for baking or fruit fillings to make a pie with a nice aroma. Moreover, you can add these seeds to flavor your coffee, shakes, or hot chocolate.
Aniseed offers health benefits such as assisting in digestion and reducing constipation. It produces antifungal, anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory effects in the body. This serves as a boon to heal stomach ulcers, manage the blood sugar levels, and can contribute to mental health by aiding depression.
15. Alfredo sauce
Be forewarned! This beloved luxuriously creamy sauce has a high content of fat.
To make Alfredo sauce, we require olive oil, a roux mix, skim milk, and chicken broth. Chefs often use mozzarella and parmesan in this sauce for a great dimensional flavor. It can be served along with pasta dishes for a rich taste.
Alfredo sauce has several health benefits as being rich in minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamin A.
Do not forget to spread some alfredo sauce on your spaghetti noodles and pasta dishes.
16. Arugula
Arugula, also referred to as rocket or rucola, is a kind of green vegetable commonly added to salads.
Arugula is rich in minerals like potassium. It has several health benefits including maintaining the blood pressure levels of the body and preventing diseases like osteoporosis.
Arugula is often included in diets that aim for weight loss, as they are low in calories.
17. Avocados
Avocados are also referred to by the names avocado pear and alligator pear.
Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, particularly in contents like beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. Both of these are types of antioxidants that maintain hair, eye, and skin health. Additionally, these antioxidants can prevent diseases like arthritis.
Avocados are the best for healthy skin health, as they are rich in Vitamin E. Additionally, they help to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure in our body.
18. Artichoke hearts
Artichoke hearts are the delicious meaty part from the center of the artichoke. Some are present on the leafy parts as well. Artichoke hearts are similar to other low or non-starchy veggies, with a low value of calories, and the need for high water and dietary fiber content.
It has become an excellent choice for people who are health conscious or need or regulate cardiovascular disease or non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Artichoke hearts are rich in folate and potassium, nutrients that help fight against the risk factors of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and other health complications.
19. Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes that can be formed synthetically. Some sweeteners commonly available are aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. These sugar substitutes are sweeter than usual table sugar. They are mostly used in a sugar-free diet to add a sweet taste.
You may also add it to your soda, mocktail drinks, sugar-free candy, yogurt, and other food items. Artificial sweeteners can help you lose weight because they replace table sugar, which increases the blood sugar levels and leads to obesity.
20. Asparagus
This spring vegetable is a low-calorie food similar to other non-starch containing vegetables. Moreover, it retains a high amount of water.
The high fiber content in asparagus can be helpful for people trying to reduce weight or to prevent other health complications like diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular diseases.
It contains several nutrients like vitamin E, K, and beta-carotene. The antioxidants in asparagus reduce the risk of dermatitis, arthritis, degeneration of muscles, and cataracts.
21. Abacha
Originating in southeastern Nigeria, this exotic dish is also called African salad in common English. It is full of nutrition. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus in different compositions. Abacha contains many vitamins such as Vitamin A and vitamin C.
The other ingredients in the salad that offer healthy supplements like protein and fiber are crayfish, garden eggs, chili peppers, and other meats.
22. Afang
The Afang leaf is also called Okazi leaf, which is commonly known as wild spinach. The afang leaves are rich in several amino acids like leucine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Glutamic acid helps in the proper and effective functioning of the brain. They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other vitamins and nutrients. It is rich in iodine, which helps with the effective functioning of the thyroid gland, and in preventing other complications like goiter.
After including afang leaves in the diet, you can observe a quick hike in your metabolism rate.
23. Arborio rice
Arborio rice is a variety of rice; usually, the traditional use of arborio rice is in the preparation of risotto. It is native to Italy and now is grown in the United States, as well. The outside features of arborio rice include being white and pearl-like in size, with a bit of an oval shape.
There are many variations of the sizes in the United States, but super fino is the most common size of the grain, and people use this category in general. Arborio rice has starch content because it usually undergoes less milling than other rice grains, a process known as amylopectin. Therefore, they contain more starch.
24. Asian noodles
Asian noodles have variations of ingredients for a different flavor and a delicious taste. It uses different flours for distinct recipes to make a new dish every time. Asian noodles have broad categories such as wheat noodles, rice noodles, cellophane or glass noodles, soba noodles, and udon noodles.
They are rich in micronutrients such as iron, folate, manganese, and vitamin B complex. Moreover, it is high in fat and carbohydrate content. Adding vegetables to the noodles will reduce the risk of high blood pressure and a rapid rise in blood glucose levels.
25. Arame
Arame is a mild-flavored sea vegetable. Arame is rich in calcium, which plays a significant role in strengthening bones and improving muscle activity. Moreover, its iron content maintains hemoglobin and myoglobin, while the fiber content promotes digestive health. Arame serves as a source of iodine that ensures the proper functioning of metabolic cells. In addition, it prevents the thyroid gland from severe complications.
The potassium and magnesium in arame relax nerve roots and muscles.
26. Ashura
Noah's ark pudding is a Turkish dish called asure, which is related to ashura. It is common in the entire region of the Middle East and eaten by many cultures and religions on traditional day celebrations.
It is basically a pudding of healthy nutrients that come from the source of these ingredients such as dry fruits, whole grains, and legumes. The sweetness comes from sugar and natural fruit juices, and together they all form a delicious pudding. Ashura traditionally contains many dry fruit and nuts like apricots, walnuts, figs, hazelnuts, pine nuts, chickpeas, currants, and navy beans.
Conclusion
This compelling list of foods starting with A must have taken you aback with the inclusion of some lesser-known food items, taken from different cultures and cuisines around the world.
So how many matched your checklist of foods that start with A?
Comments
No Comments