14. Dark Chocolate
Any chocolate that is at least 70% cacao is considered dark chocolate. While not as sweet as its mainstream milk chocolate counterpart, the flavor and health benefits of dark chocolate are truly impressive. Studies show that the regular consumption of dark chocolate can help improve your life in a number of ways: reduced snacking, reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improved mental health, and more (23). Dark chocolate contains a respectable amount of polyphenols, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Use dark chocolate in place of sugar-filled desserts when possible. Eat a piece or two of dark chocolate regularly for both mental and physical benefits. Better yet, make your own superfood chocolate.
15. Oregano
Oregano oil is one of the most powerful antimicrobial agents known to man – especially in the form of oregano essential oil (24). Incredibly high in antioxidants, oregano is one of the most popular cooking herbs. Whether you use the whole-leaf version or essential oils in your dishes, oregano will stimulate and aid your liver in detoxifying your body. The plant itself is actually very rich in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and improve digestion. For fighting off illness, very little can match oregano in ease of use and effectiveness. In addition to stimulating your liver, oregano also encourages the production of white blood cells to boost your immunity and help you recover from illness, fight cancer, and heal injury (25). Add oregano to any savory dish to boost both the flavors of your dish and the effectiveness of your immune system.
16. Ginger
We all know ginger as the spicy ingredient most of us turn to when our stomachs are upset. It works very well for nausea, no doubt. Ginger is also proven to have significant anti-cancer properties, especially for gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers (26,27). You can make your own ginger tea by steeping pieces of the root in hot water, or add ginger pieces or ginger essential oil to stews, soups, salad dressings, marinades, etc… Since ginger also has antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties, you’ll be protecting yourself against more immediate threats as well.
17. Cauliflower
If you haven’t used cauliflower pizza crust or cauliflower rice in lieu of their high-carb counterparts, you need to try it! Cauliflower is a wonderful low-calorie substitute for rice and gluten-rich breads, since you can prepare it in a way that the texture is similar to the original dish. Best of all: it’s so good for you (28)! Cauliflower contains folate, a key vitamin necessary for cell growth (especially during pregnancy) and to prevent DNA changes that can lead to cancer. Healthy folate levels are associated with decreased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and degenerative brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s (29).