Everyone knows the benefits of eating healthy, they range from reducing your risks for diseases to helping you extend and improve your quality of life. Every day it seems like a new study comes out that contradicts an old study. Here's a look at the 10 healthiest foods that have stood the test of time.
1. Avocados - 8 grams of fat in a slice of avocado may sound like a lot, but it's an unsaturated fat that helps increase your good cholesterol while lowering the bad.
2. Broccoli - Full of beta-carotene and vitamin C, broccoli also includes three grams of fiber per cup. To preserve the nutritional value, be careful not to overcook the vegetable.
3. One of the most popular Thanksgiving toppings is cranberries, which by itself protects you from harmful bacteria that causes bladder infections. Supplements from the health food store are highly recommended since regular cranberry juices and sauces are packed full of sugar.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids must be attained from food namely fish, rated as one of the top 10 healthiest foods. Salmon, Tuna, Halibut and fresh water fish help with optimizing brain function including normal growth and development.
5. Lentils - Lentils contain a great combination of 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber in half a cup. Along with being good for digestion and the heart, they also reduce the risk of breast cancer.
6. Skim milk is low in fat and has many healthy nutrients including vitamin A, B2, D and calcium. Soya milk is a healthy replacement if you are lactose intolerant but get the organic version without sweeteners.
7. Oats - How many commercials about oatmeal reducing cholesterol have you seen lately? Oats also contain a significant amount of fiber, protein and selenium.
8. Adding spinach to your nutrition list will add fiber and it also has cartenoids to protect your eyesight. Spinach is also under research by scientists for reducing the aging process. In any case it makes a great salad with sliced boiled eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and almonds topped with balsamic vinegar & extra virgin olive oil.
9. The tomato is by far the most popular vegetable and most abundant natural source of lycopene in the world. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is intrumental in reducing the risk of various cancers.
10. Almonds have been considered a fat filled snack, but research has shown that they actually lower blood cholesterol levels. Ninety percent of the fats in almonds are unsaturated, and the nuts are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. Almonds regulate blood pressure and help prevent osteoporosis.
As you can see, these 10 healthiest foods cover a wide variety. Anyone ought to be able to find at least a few of them appetizing enough to include in their diets. Your body will thank you for it by giving you a boost in energy and overall wellness.