As hard as it is to believe, it is possible to take care of your health and well-being while enjoying delicious foods. All you need is this list of 20 foods with potent health benefits!
Almonds
Consuming a handful of almonds every day has been proven to help to maintain a healthy heart. As a bonus, they’re also packed with proteins, fiber, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and riboflavin.
Apples
Antioxidants in apples are an effective defense against free radicals, undesirable substances that are often related to causing some diseases such as respiratory problems.
Avocados
The prevention of prostate and breast cancer is related to the phytonutrients found in avocados. Among the many vitamins avocados have, you’ll find that it contains plenty of vitamin A, C, E, and B6.
Beans
Beans are a rich source of fiber, and fiber makes you feel full for a longer period of time than most food. Beans also help to build a good preventive ‘shield’ against diabetes and some types of cancer.
Beets
By having a regular consumption of this vegetable, you can minimize the risks of suffering degenerative diseases and gain anti-inflammation benefits. Beets are rich in vitamin A, B, and C to improve your immune system.
Blueberries
The antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals found in blueberries can help to keep your body in good function and prevent certain heart diseases, reduce the aging process, and vulnerability to carcinogenic ailments.
Broccoli
Broccoli is jam-packed with calcium, potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamins K, E, B, and minerals! Broccoli is a potent ‘weapon’ when it comes to fighting the growth of cancer cells, fortifying your bones, keeping your heart and eyes in good shape.
Chia Seeds
Some scientific studies suggest that chia seeds can help keep the body hydrated for a longer period of time. If you need to lower your body’s inflammation or want to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, then regular consumption of chia seeds could be handy.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is only considered healthy when it’s dark chocolate. Flavanols in cocoa can generate a boost of blood flow to your brain, which helps you to be more awake and alert!
Edamame
Packed with proteins, folate, magnesium, potassium, and choline, Edamame may help to decrease the risks of cardiovascular diseases, assist in lowering symptoms of depression, and reducing chronic inflammation.
Eggs
Eating eggs (yolks included) from time to time can be good for your memory as they contain a lot of choline. Eggs have the perfect combination to nourish your body: lots of proteins, low calorie, and low fat.
Garlic
Garlic is composed by Allicin, an antioxidant that has proved to be helpful in maintaining blood pressure in low levels. Along with antioxidants, garlic is rich in vitamin C and B6, manganese, and selenium, a rich mix that is linked to the combat of bacteria’s growth
Lemons
We already know that lemons can provide benefits to our health thanks to vitamin C but scientific studies show that it also increases collagen production in our bodies, meaning that the blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bones are kept in good shape.
Oatmeal
All the soluble fiber in the oatmeal will help you to have better digestion, meaning that your metabolism will process fat in a better way.
Potatoes
Eating potatoes without all the extra ingredients is a good way to obtain folate, just as if you were eating spinach or broccoli. Don’t waste the peel of purple potatoes as they may lower blood pressure.
Quinoa
In addition to protein, quinoa is a very useful source of magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. Quinoa is a seed that provides nine essential amino acids to your body and is a perfect choice to make a gluten free flour.
Spinach
Spinach has two antioxidants that will improve and keep your eyesight in good health: lutein and zeaxanthin. Every time you include spinach to your meal, you’ll receive a high dose of vitamin A and calcium.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have an enormous amount of beta-carotene, an excellent element to increase the skin’s cell production. Along with the vitamin A found in sweet potatoes, beta carotene will make your immune system stronger.
Tomatoes
It has been shown that depression can be minimized with folic acid, which is found in tomatoes. Additionally, constipation problems could be reduced with all the fiber and water contained in tomatoes.
Walnuts
Walnuts will help you maintain your body’s health! Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, helping you to boost moods, and last but not least, fight cancer.
We hope we have succeeded on motivating you to ditch highly processed, fast food and junk food and opt to prepare and eat healthier & nutritious foods!
Bio:
Iliana is a food blogger at BookCulinaryVacations.com. She is convinced that every dish in the world has a story to tell and has the power to connect people. She is a natural born foodie who always finds the perfect excuse to ‘spoil’ her taste buds in a healthy way!