The salad the Friends star is said to eat doesn’t include lettuce, but another key Mediterranean diet staple
Friends star Jennifer Aniston recently revealed that collagen powder had helped maintain her evergreen glow, youthful skin, and glossy hair(Image: Getty Images)
A food item favoured by A-list celebrities could be the secret to better skin and weight management. Jennifer Aniston, star of Friends, once made headlines for a salad she was rumoured to eat daily during breaks from filming the hit sitcom.
The salad, bursting with flavourful ingredients and health benefits, became a sensation. However, the 55-year-old actress debunked the recipe in an interview, stating it bore no resemblance to her typical lunch in the 90s.
Despite this, the salad continues to be recreated worldwide, often playfully attributed to the star. Other reports suggest that Jennifer does include salads in her wellness routine to maintain her enviable figure.
One key ingredient in the dish isn’t the usual lettuce – it’s quinoa. Quinoa, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is an excellent source of plant-based protein.
It’s considered a complete protein as it contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is also gluten-free, fibre-rich, packed with various vitamins and minerals, reports the Mirror.
Jennifer Aniston’s healthy salad ingredient that aids weight loss and better skin. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)
BBC Good Food highlights the numerous health benefits of this gluten-free grain, particularly for those following vegetarian and vegan diets. Its high protein content is one reason why quinoa is praised by those aiming to lose weight and maintain their physique.
The satiating nature of protein means that the body stops the production of hormones signalling hunger, helping you to feel fuller for longer and resist snacking temptations. Evidence suggests that quinoa’s high fibre content (around 2.8g per 100g when cooked) aids weight management, digestion, and gut health.
Another major plus of incorporating quinoa into your diet is its abundance of vitamins A and B2, which maintain the health of the skin, eyes, and nervous system. It can reduce fine lines for a youthful appearance, while the riboflavin in quinoa improves skin elasticity and can help acne-prone skin.
Quinoa is an edible seed packed with protein, dietary fibre, vitamins and dietary minerals(Image: Tomasz Skoczen/Getty Images)
With a low glycemic index, quinoa doesn’t cause a sharp rise in blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for diabetics. It’s also rich in iron, helping to ward off iron-deficiency anaemia.
Quinoa is packed with antioxidants that protect your heart and other organs, and contains small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. Additionally, quinoa is a good source of folate, manganese, thiamine, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
The grain is a slightly more expensive ingredient than most. You’ll find it in the supermarket aisle alongside other grains and rices.
Dining and Cooking