What are the healthiest foods? In the modern day and age of fast food restaurants and corporate life, people often find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet in addition to balancing their lives. Whether soccer practice, late-night meetings, or simple laziness gets in the way, more and more people nowadays forget that a solid diet is an important part of maintaining health. America is the most obese country in the world, with over 30% of the population suffering from obesity, defined as being roughly 30 or more pounds overweight. Roughly 65% fall into the overweight to obese category, or 10-30 pounds over a healthy weight. So what can you do to try and reverse this trend? Simple, go ahead and give these five foods a try next time a meal rolls around:
Seaweed- Sea vegetables are perhaps the single greatest food you can ingest. Seaweed, in particular, contains over 90 minerals necessary for maintaining good health, and no other food gives you as good nutrition quality ounce per ounce. Boasting high levels of Vitamin C, D, K, B, and A, seaweed is also incredibly rich in protein, calms hyperactivity when eaten regularly, reduces stress, and promotes excellent thyroid gland health. Though the taste might not be quite to your liking, eating Dulse, Kelp, and Nori (three of the most beneficial kinds of seaweed) is perhaps one of the greatest things you can do for your body.
Cacao- Most people will immediately think that bolting down a bar of chocolate is the way to go when thinking about cacao; however they will be sorely regretting that decision once their waistbands begin expanding. Cacao beans are one of the highest anti-oxidant foods on the planet, and contain ten times more magnesium and chromium than any food in the world. Chocolate, when unadulterated by the sugar and cream used to make the various varieties of candy bars on store shelves, is incredibly healthy. Just make sure to buy raw and organic chocolate from health food stores. Cadburry and Hershey’s may be delicious, but the caloric catastrophe waiting for you isn’t worth it in the end.
Quinoa- Quinoa, pronounced Keen-Wa, is the most nutritional of all grains. It contains heaping levels of dietary fiber and Vitamin B, as well as all eight necessary amino acids. Rather than provide short term energy like most carbohydrates, eating quinoa provides long-lasting energy, and the grain is known to strengthen both your kidney and your heart.
Kale- The old axiom that leafy green vegetables are healthy is absolutely true, and is showcased magnificently in kale, the king of green. Kale contains Vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, lutein, and phytochemicals, as well as being an incredible source of calcium, folic acid, Vitamin B6, and manganese. Eating kale is known to help prevent certain diseases, and studies show kale can possibly be ingested as a preventative treatment to some disorders.
Berries - Lastly, we meet nature’s cleanser: berries of all kinds. As well as providing Vitamins C, E, calcium, dietary fiber, and folic acid, berries are sweet, delicious, and help rid your body of chemicals and toxins naturally, allowing you to maintain your healthiest body. Some berries, such as the goji berry, have even shown anti-cancer properties when tested in laboratories.
Are any of these items listed absolutely necessary? No, but they do go a long way towards a healthier you. These five foods aren't to be used as main courses, but more as supplements to healthy meals. Next time you throw a breakfast together, add some raspberries or blueberries to your cereal or yogurt. Steam some kale to serve with your next dinner entree. Wrap protein-rich foods in seaweed, rather than bread or tortillas. Not only will you notice the health differences, your body will thank you for years to come.
