Find out what foods can help you feel better and live healthier.
There have been numerous studies which suggest that while supplements can prove to be very helpful, it is the foods providing those supplements that prove most beneficial. By eating whole foods and avoiding processed junk, you can improve your life expectancy, appearance, and mood. Here are some of the best health foods that you aren’t eating.
Algae
It’s safe to say that most people probably aren’t eating algae. There are many studies which suggest that you should, however. Spirulina is an algae that can be found in health food stores. The algae has been discovered to provide antioxidant benefits, and it also serves as an anti-inflammatory supplement. It has also proven good for the immune system.
Cloves
Cloves originate from Indonesia, and in all likelihood they were the first breath fresheners. A study conducted by the University of Oslo found that they contain more antioxidants than any of the thousand other foods in the study. They can be used as a spice, and are also known to reduce bloating or gas. They taste good when stewed with fruit.
Kiwi
The kiwi fruit is very high in vitamin C, which is well known to be very beneficial for your immune system. In addition to this, it is high in vitamin E, which improves the T-cell count of your body, another factor that is helpful for your immune system.
Cinnamon
This spice helps people with diabetes get their blood sugar back on track. It also works as an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and it reduces your risk of blood clots. A quarter teaspoon is enough to cut cholesterol and triglycerides by as much as thirty percent.
Chocolate Milk
Okay, maybe this one is in your diet already. The good news is that it provides all the same nutrients as normal milk. At the same time, the amount of sugar is comparable to a glass of apple juice. There are sixteen nutrients in milk, and only two in apple juice.
Swiss Chard
This is great for making a healthy salad. It is high in cancer fighting phytonutrients and chlorophyll. A very large amount of the antioxidant lutein is present in the leaf as well, which fights blindness.
Flaxseeds
Just a tablespoon of flaxseeds provides 2.3 grams of fiber. Sprinkling it over cereal could provide you with more fiber than the entire bowl. Flaxseeds also contain lingans, which reduce the risk of hormone related cancers. It also works as an anti-inflammatory.
Red Cabbage
The color of red cabbage comes from high strength antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These natural chemicals may fight off cancer, diabetes, and hardening of the arteries, and improve brain function and neurological functioning.
Passion Fruit
This fruit is filled with edible seeds and a tart pulp. It contains a great deal of fiber and antioxidants. The plant sterols are also good at reducing cholesterol. Large amounts of vitamins C and E are present in the fruit as well, making it excellent for your immune system.
Oats
A soluble fiber that is found in oats has properties which lower cholesterol and blood pressure. A cup and a half of oatmeal a day has been shown to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood by five percent. Your risk of a heart attack drops by ten percent.