Processed food has risen into popularity. Life is fast paced and more people opt for restaurants rather than cooking and eating at home. Unrealized, this trend has caused our health to slowly deteriorate. If you want to get the best out of life, being mindful of what goes into your body will surely pay off in the end.
Eating healthy is beneficial, not only in to your body, but to your whole being as well. That is why whole foods are always better than processed ones. They are readily available and can be equivalent in price to processed foods. High in phytonutrients and antioxidants, this group of food is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Their calorie content is also low, thus helping you keep the pounds off.
Read on below for 10 whole foods and their amazing benefits:
1.) Mushrooms – Mushrooms are classified as fungi but are regarded as vegetable for dietary purposes. Their nutritional benefits are just like the ones found in meat. Thus, they can replace your main meaty dish and cut 400 calories from you meal while you get an extra healthy serving of vegetables. Though low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free, mushrooms are a great source of potassium, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, and Vitamin D.
2.) Apples – Unfortunately, apples are underappreciated, as they have become a common fruit. Not everyone knows that apples are a good protection against increased symptoms of heart diseases and diabetes. They are rich in soluble fiber. They are also an excellent source of immune boosting Vitamin C that helps the body form connective tissues and keep the blood vessels healthy. As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
3.) Blueberries – Its true that the more people age, our memory capacity decrease. But there’s one great reason to rejoice and be thankful about the benefits of blueberries. They have been proven to reverse age-related deficits in memory. Second, like apples, they are a good source of soluble fiber and Vitamin C.
4.) Salmon – It’s a largely reputable source of unusual omega-3 fatty acid content that is great for the heart. Other than that, it has been noted that a daily serving of salmon decreases risk of other cardiovascular diseases, eye problems and improve cognition and mood.
5.) Sweet Potatoes – Whether steamed or baked, sweet potatoes are a tasty treat for your health! They are loaded with beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and E – antioxidants that prevent heart disease and cancer and build your immune system. Believe it or not, sweet potatoes can slow aging by promoting good vision and healthy skin. Sweet potatoes have been also recently regarded as an antidiuretic food. They are anti-inflammatory and can protect against emphysema.
6.) Broccoli – A generous amount of broccoli everyday gives you a good combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification nutrients that are helpful in preventing cancer. For people with vitamin D deficiency, broccoli is also an ideal food to include in the diet.
7.) Cashews – Crazy about your heart? Go cashew nuts! Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. A handful of it at least 4 times a week can lower your risk of coronary heart disease. They are a good source of magnesium, an essential element that is vital for healthy bones and flexible joints.
8.) Lemons – Apart from their unique phytonutrient content, lemons are a rich and natural source of Vitamin C. They also contain flavonoid compounds that act as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory. In building a strong immune system, a daily glass of lemonade can do the trick!
9.) Spinach – Ever envied Popeye’s unbelievable strength? He ate spinach! Your muscles may not grow and become super strong right after you eat spinach like Popeye did, but the health benefits are absolutely surprising. They’re indispensable in guarding your body against inflammatory problems, bone problems and prostate cancer.
10.) Red Beans – Here’s to loving your red bean soup even more! Red beans are an excellent source of protein. Therefore, they are a healthy and cheap substitute to red meat. If you are pregnant or just suffer from iron deficiency, red beans are a fantastic source too. Some other great reasons to loving red beans – they eliminate insomnia, fight fatigue and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
So these are just 10 of healthy whole foods with great benefits. Start incorporating them in your meals today and start loving your body more as no one else can do better than you do.
