Being healthy can be fun. There are so many foods to choose from to get those essential nutrients. Read on for a list of healthy foods that can keep your body and mind feeling invigorated.
1. Blueberries
Add a splash of sweetness to your next breakfast by throwing in a scoop of these vitamin C powerhouses. Blueberries are also rich in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals to help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
2. Kale
This famous curly vegetable is loaded with essential nutrients. A single cup of kale gives you an impressive 684% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin K. It also has more than 100% of the recommended intake of vitamins A and C.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Rich in magnesium, these seeds make for a snack as crunchy as it is nutritious. The zinc in pumpkin seeds boosts the immune system and promotes prostate health in men.
4. Spinach
Known for its high iron content, this leafy green works wonders for the body. Among its benefits are asthma prevention, the reduction of carcinogenic effects of grilled foods, and lowering blood sugar.
5. Teff
This juicy grain is packed with nutrients. Just 100 grams of it contains 13 grams of protein, 8 grams of fibre, and all the amino acids. Perfect for salads, veggie burgers and just about any other meal you can think of, teff has a place on every kitchen table.
6. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a practically perfect food. They’re overflowing with protein, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Foods made from the hemp plant are not known to be allergenic, so hemp seeds are a delicious alternative to nuts or soy for those who want to add a source of non-dairy protein to their diet.
7. Broccoli
This cruciferous vegetable is hailed by experts as a superfood. The dinner plate staple contains a vitamin called folate, adequate intake of which has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers. One cup of broccoli also provides more than your daily requirement of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and protects the skin.
8. Celery
Top your next salad with a few chopped up stalks of this fibre-rich vegetable and you’ll be good to go. Other than being rich in fibre and vitamin K, celery protects against inflammation in the digestive tract and features dozens of antioxidant nutrients.
9. Coconut Oil
Interested in reducing abdominal fat and feeling smarter? No matter how you answered that, it’s worth your time to check out coconut oil. The Tokelauan population of the South Pacific derives 60% of their caloric intake from coconuts—and they are in great health.
10. Chia Seeds
Whether eaten plain or soaked overnight to form a pudding, chia is both nutritious and delicious. Just one ounce of these tiny black seeds contains 11 grams of fibre and a sizable chunk of manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.
11. Pomegranates
With their striking reddish-pink hue and their even more memorable taste, pomegranate seeds are quite the exciting snack. These fruits contain a unique compound called puniglacin, which lowers cholesterol and blood pressure while helping to eradicate heart blockages.
12. Bok Choy
This leafy spice contains glucosinolates, which become isothiocynates in the body and then help it fight cancer. Bok choy is also rich in selenium, which can inhibit tumour growth rate.
13. Kelp
From sea to plate, a pile of these greens will help you maximize your health. Kelp helps to regulate thyroid hormone levels, which keeps our metabolism in top shape. As an alkaline food, it can help maintain a balanced acid-alkaline diet.
14. Avocado
Loaded to the brim with healthy fats, one serving of avocado contains more than 20 different minerals and vitamins, many of which are easily absorbed by the body. Eating this creamy food will help protect your heart.
15. Apple Cider Vinegar
This pungent but powerful vinegar helps soothe the pain of many physical ailments, including a sore throat and hiccups. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is extremely helpful for weight loss.
16. Leeks
These funny little vegetables are incredible for the digestive system. Leeks contain a beneficial kind of bacteria called prebiotics, which detoxify the body and help secrete digestive fluids. They’re also rich in yummy minerals like iron and calcium.
17. Cacao Nibs
A good source of protein, cacao nibs are healthy for both body and mind. Cacao nibs has a positive effect on your neurotransmitters after you eat them, which can instantly improve your mood.
The bottom line is: get in those nutrients! There are so many different sources of healthy foods to explore. Spice up your kitchen with a rainbow of health foods and allow yourself to be nourished by a new diet.