50 Foods That Are Super Healthy
50 Foods That Are Super Healthy
50 Foods That Are Super Healthy
Super Healthy
Eating healthy does NOT have to be boring.
There is a massive amount of foods out there that are both healthy
and tasty.
This is not surprising, given that they taste incredible. Fruits are also
very easy to incorporate into the diet, because they require little to no
preparation.
1. Apples
2. Avocados
Avocados are different than most fruits, because they are loaded with
healthy fats instead of carbs. They are creamy, tasty and high in fiber,
potassium and vitamin C.
3. Bananas
Bananas are among the world's best sources of potassium. They are
also high in vitamin B6 and fiber. Bananas are ridiculously convenient
and portable.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are not only delicious, but also among the most powerful
sources of antioxidants in the world.
5. Oranges
Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. They are also
high in fiber, antioxidants and taste incredible.
6. Strawberries
They are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and manganese, and are
arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.
There are many other healthy fruits and berries that aren't listed here.
7. Eggs
Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.
8-10: Meats
It is a myth that all meat is harmful. Unprocessed, gently cooked meat
is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat.
8. Lean Beef
9. Chicken Breasts
Chicken breast is low in fat and calories, but extremely high in protein.
It is a great source of many nutrients. Again, feel free to eat fattier
cuts of chicken if you're not eating that many carbs.
10. Lamb
11. Almonds
Chia seeds are among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. A
single ounce (28 grams) contains 11 grams of fiber, and a large part
of the recommended intake for magnesium, manganese, calcium and
various other nutrients.
13. Coconuts
Coconuts are loaded with fiber and powerful fatty acids called
medium-chain triglycerides.
15. Walnuts
Walnuts are highly nutritious and loaded with fiber and all sorts of
vitamins and minerals.
16. Peanuts
Peanuts (technically legumes, not nuts) are incredibly tasty and high
in nutrients and antioxidants. Several studies show that peanuts can
help you lose weight (6, 7).
17-26: Vegetables
Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the world's most
concentrated sources of nutrients.
17. Asparagus
Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow and green.
They are crunchy and taste very sweet, and are a great source of
antioxidants and vitamin C.
19. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that tastes great both raw and
cooked. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C, and
contains a decent amount of protein compared to other vegetables.
20. Carrots
21. Cauliflower
22. Cucumber
23. Garlic
24. Kale
Kale has been very popular in recent years, for good reason. It is
incredibly high in vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber and a number of other
nutrients. It is perfect to add a satisfying crunch to salads and recipes.
25. Onions
Onions have a very strong flavor, and are very popular for use in
recipes. They contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to
have health benefits.
26. Tomatoes
These weren't listed, but are also very healthy: Artichokes, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, celery, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms,
radishes, squash, swiss chard, turnips, zucchini.
They are especially rich in in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, two
nutrients that most people don't get enough of.
Studies show that people who eat the most foods from the sea
(especially fish) tend to live longer and have a lower risk of many
diseases, including heart disease, dementia and depression
( 9, 10, 11).
27. Salmon
28. Sardines
Sardines are small, oily fish that are among the most nutritious foods
you can eat. They contain hefty amounts of the majority of nutrients
required by the human body.
29. Shellfish
30. Shrimp
31. Trout
33-35: Grains
Grains have gotten a bad rap in recent years, mainly due to them
being a forbidden food on the wildly popular paleo diet.
Just keep in mind that they are still pretty high in carbs, so they are
not recommended on a low carb diet.
Rice is one of the oldest cereal grains, and is currently a staple food
for more than half of people in the world. Brown (whole grain) rice is
fairly nutritious, with a decent amount of fiber, vitamin B1 and
magnesium.
34. Oats
Oats are incredibly healthy. They are loaded with nutrients, and also
contain powerful fibers called beta-glucans, shown to have numerous
benefits.
35. Quinoa
Quinoa has become incredibly popular among health conscious
individuals in recent years. It is a tasty grain that is high in nutrients
like fiber and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of plant-based
protein.
Breads
Most people eat a lot of bread.
For those who are trying to adopt a healthier diet for the first time, it
can be extremely challenging to find something to eat instead of
bread.
Fortunately, there are several healthy (or at least "less bad") options
available.
Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel bread may be the healthiest bread you can buy at the store. It
is made from organic, sprouted whole grains, and also contains
several types of legumes.
The safest choice for healthy bread is something that you make
yourself. Here is a list of 15 recipes for healthy breads that are
gluten-free and low in carbs.
38-40: Legumes
Legumes are another food group that has been unfairly demonized in
recent years.
Green Beans
Green beans, also called string beans, are unripe varieties of the
common bean. They are very popular in Western countries.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are loaded with various vitamins and minerals, and are
very high in fiber. Just make sure to cook them properly, because
they are toxic when raw.
Lentils
Lentils are another popular legume. They are high in fiber and are
among the best sources of plant-based protein. Lentils also taste
delicious, and have a very satisfying texture.
Dairy
Many people can't tolerate dairy products.
However, for people who do tolerate them, they are a healthy source
of various important nutrients.
Full-fat dairy products seem to be the best, and studies show that
people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity
and type 2 diabetes (13, 14).
If the dairy comes from grass-fed cows, then that may be even better,
as it is higher in some bioactive fatty acids like CLA.
Cheese
Whole milk
Whole milk is very high in vitamins, minerals, quality animal protein
and healthy fats. It is one of the best sources of calcium.
Yogurt
Butter from cows that were fed on grass is high in many important
nutrients, including the very important vitamin K2.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is loaded with powerful fatty acids called medium chain
triglycerides. Coconut oil may have benefits for Alzheimer's disease,
and has been shown to help you lose belly fat (15, 16).
Tubers
Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. They tend to contain a
number of beneficial nutrients.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a very popular food around the world. They are loaded
with potassium, and contain a little bit of almost every nutrient we
need, including vitamin C.
They are also incredibly fulfilling. One study found that boiled
potatoes were by far the most filling of 38 foods that were tested
(17).
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are among the most delicious starchy foods you can
eat. They are loaded with antioxidants and all sorts of healthy
nutrients.
Dark Chocolate
Not only is dark chocolate the most delicious food on this list, but it
may also be the healthiest.
Dark chocolate is loaded with fiber and magnesium, and is one of the
most powerful sources of antioxidants in existence (20).