Revealed: Six Foods That Are Absolutely Good for Your Health
What do eggs, coffee, and chocolate have in common? Are they good or bad for you? You might be confused because a lot of the opinions about them are conflicting. However, there are some foods that experts unanimously agree are very beneficial to your health. These six foods are absolutely good for your body:
1. Berries
"Whether it's blackcurrants, blueberries, mulberries, or strawberries, they are all outstanding," says Barbara Faan, a registered dietitian at the Comprehensive Hospital in Rutherford, New Jersey.
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which are compounds mainly found in plant foods that help prevent cancer and heart disease. It's worth mentioning that frozen fruits are not much less nutritious than fresh fruits because they are flash-frozen at their peak of freshness.
2. Legumes
Legumes are low in fat and contain a large amount of dietary fiber, protein, iron, and potassium. In addition, legumes are more filling than other vegetables, so you generally eat less. To get more fiber, you can pair canned legumes with brown rice or tortillas.
3. Leafy Green Vegetables
Most nutrients can be found in spinach and other leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and kale. "You can't deny that as a disease-preventing food, they are truly superstars," says Dawn Blatt, a registered dietitian, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, and author of the book "The Flexitarian." For example, a cup of spinach can provide twice the daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin K, which helps strengthen bones, as well as iron, calcium, beta-carotene, and antioxidants vitamins C and E.
4. Nuts
In terms of whole nuts, they contain a lot of unsaturated fats that can lower cholesterol and are rich in dietary fiber. Especially walnuts, almonds, and flaxseeds, they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Blatt recommends consuming one ounce (about 28 grams) of nuts per day. For example, a serving of walnuts contains about 190 kilocalories.
5. Low-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt is very nutritious. It contains calcium, protein, and "good" microorganisms such as probiotics, which can help with digestion and absorption and enhance the body's immunity. It is important to note that you should avoid yogurt with added sugar. "It's easy to pick the wrong one when buying yogurt at the supermarket," Blatt says. "Make sure the yogurt you choose is low-fat or plain, of course, you can add your own fresh fruit or honey."
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is not only a nutritious whole grain but also contains a special type of dietary fiber that helps lower cholesterol. If you don't like oatmeal, popcorn is also a good choice, but be sure not to add any butter or salt.