Eating Well: 13 Everyday Foods With Surprising Health Benefits

health benefits of food


Healthy living is a key goal for many Americans. It is important to eat a balanced diet, ensuring you get all the major food groups into your daily meals. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is critical, along with whole foods like grains, nuts, and pulses. It is also essential to avoid overindulging in foods that can be harmful, such as meals high in processed fats and sugar.  

 health benefits of food

Almost all foods have some kind of nutritional or health benefits, and it is crucial to understand how the food you eat can benefit your body and health. There are some foods that you might think are unhealthy but actually have some great benefits if eaten in moderation.  


Cauliflower
 

Cauliflower is packed with nutrients and fiber and can be an excellent food to eat if you’re attempting to lose weight due to its low carb, low-calorie nature. People often think cauliflower is tasteless, but with the right preparation and seasoning, cauliflower can make an excellent and delicious addition to any meal. Consider roasting or grilling cauliflower as a side dish, or make a healthier rice alternative with cauliflower rice.  

 

cauliflower rice

 

 

Onion 

Onions can be incorporated into a huge range of meals, sauces, and gravies, and they are known for their delicious flavor. Onions are more than just flavoring for a meal, as they contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and even reduce cholesterol. Consider using raw or baked onion rather than sauteed to ensure the healthiest results.  

 

Garlic 

Garlic is packed with nutrients while low calorie, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle. In addition, garlic can boost the immune system, and there have been successful studies that show that garlic supplements can help people get over the common cold quicker.  

garlic

 

Chia Seeds 

Chia seeds are one of the most nutrient-rich foods available, containing plenty of fiber, magnesium, and calcium. They can be used in a wide range of foods and meals, from a filling breakfast when soaked in milk to hot chai tea. They can be pretty calorific, but the health benefits cannot be overstated.  

Magnesium, for example, is often something most people don’t get enough in their diet but it’s vital to over 300 processes in the body. Along with chia seeds and many other foods that contain it, taking a magnesium supplement could help you boost this important nutrient. Many of the following foods also contain small amounts of magnesium as well.

chia seeds

 

Maple Syrup 

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that contains fewer calories than honey while offering the best taste. The darker the maple syrup, the better, which means it contains more antioxidants. The syrup has plenty of zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, making it a nutrient-rich, delicious addition to foods like pancakes. It is important to remember that maple syrup does contain a lot of sugar, so it is important to enjoy it in moderation.  

 

Chocolate 

Cocoa contains plenty of flavonoids that can help cells avoid damage. The healthiest chocolate is dark chocolate, which contains the most cocoa and is less fatty than milk or white chocolate. One of the main benefits of dark chocolate is that it has been shown to help improve heart health. Again, it is important to remember that even with the health benefits of chocolate, it is best to enjoy it in moderation.  

dark chocolate

 

Coffee 

A massive number of Americans start their day with a hot cup of coffee. Not only is the coffee great for a pick-me-up in the morning, but it also has a range of health benefits you can take advantage of. The benefits you’ll get from your morning coffee will depend on the type of beans and how you prepare them, so it is a good idea to read up on coffee and how to get the most out of it. Take a look at these coffee bean nutrition facts from the experts at Cup & Bean for more information.  

coffee

 

Popcorn 

Popcorn is a tasty, fiber-rich, and filling snack choice. The popcorn you would get at the movie theatre is usually covered in butter, sugar or salt, which will often overpower the health benefits of popcorn. It is best to make your own popcorn at home, using plain kernels you can buy at any supermarket. You can add a little salt or sugar as a flavoring but ensure you go easy to avoid canceling out the health benefits.  

popcorn

 

Peanut Butter 

While peanut butter is known for being fatty, these fats are the unsaturated type which is much better for you than saturated. Peanut butter is also a great source of potassium and vitamin B. you should eat a little peanut butter every day, either mixed into breakfast porridge or spread on brown bread. It is best to choose natural, low salt peanut butter to ensure it is the healthiest option.  

peanut butter

 

 

Creamy Cashew Chicken Stir-fry

 

 

Avocado 

Avocados are another food full of healthy fat, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. while they are classed as fruit, they typically pair best with savory foods. You could consider having avocado on toast, with eggs, or pureed as a healthy alternative to sauces like mayonnaise. Many people sprinkle a tiny amount of salt on the avocado to bring out the natural flavor.  

 

Pasta 

Pasta is low in salt and fat and is an excellent way to keep yourself full for longer. Many people are unaware of the correct portion sizes for pasta, and it is important not to exceed these in a balanced diet. In addition, the sauce you pair with pasta can make all the difference to the health benefits you get from it. Avoid sauces with too much-added salt and sugar to get the most out of a healthy pasta dish.  

 

Grapefruit 

Grapefruit is known for boosting metabolism and helping you stay healthy during a workout. It also makes an easy and quick treat or snack. Many people opt for a breakfast of grapefruit to start the day off right, and this can be an excellent choice if weight loss is your goal.  

 

Salmon 

Salmon contains vitamin D, which has a range of health benefits, including shinier hair and stronger nails. It is also full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have a range of health benefits.

salmon

Oily fish like salmon have been shown to improve heart health and aid in weight loss. It is best to bake fillets in the oven and pair them with a low salt sauce and fresh veggies.

 

Read more from Eighty Mph Mom!

4 Tips On How To Lose Weight In A Healthy Way

5 Amazing Benefits Of Installing A Water Softener In Your Home

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ABOUT AUTHOR
Eighty Mph Mom
Lyric Spencer

I’m all about sharing great products, recipes, home decor, and parenting hacks for busy moms.

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