What are some healthy foods that you should eat frequently?
A nutritious, well-balanced diet coupled with physical activity is the foundation of good health. Healthy eating includes consuming high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and water in the foods you take in while minimizing processed foods, saturated fats and alcohol. Eating healthy helps you maintain your body’s everyday functions, promotes optimal body weight and can assist in disease prevention.
Here are some healthy foods that can be eaten to keep that lovely body of yours charged up all day:
Beans
Beans are a good source of soluble fibre. The soluble fibre found in beans soaks up cholesterol, allowing your body to dispose of it before it sticks to your artery walls. They’re also proven to be one of the best sources of antioxidants. Beans can be added to your diet in many ways. You can mix chilli with kidney beans, they can be served fresh or added to a salad. I add beans when I make pasta or salads. Rajma is one of my favourite dishes!
Blueberries
If you’re a fruit fanatic, blueberries is the way to go! Blueberries are a better source of antioxidants than 40 other common fruits (such as strawberries and raspberries). In fact, blueberries benefit your insides as well as your outsides. According to research from Rutgers University, eating blueberries regularly can prevent urinary tract infections (they actually prevent bacteria from attaching to bladder walls and multiplying), and they work to soften dry skin due to their super high antioxidant compounds within.
Yogurt
Yogurt gives you a significant amount of calcium for the day. In addition to calcium, most yogurts are a great source of probiotics. Probiotics help protect your stomach against harmful bacterias that could lead to infection or illness.
Oats
Oats have been proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, making them a great choice for adults looking to reduce these levels. A fistful of oatmeal can provide enough beta-glucan to lower blood cholesterol by about five percent and heart attack risk by about 10 percent. Try mixing your Oats with Yogurt or Milk and fresh fruits, it's a great combination and a healthy way to start your day!
Broccoli
I remember my mother always telling me "Adhiraj, eat your greens". Well she was absolutely correct to say that! And when it comes to greens, there is nothing better than Broccoli.The sulphur compounds found in broccoli signal our genes to increase production of enzymes and detoxify potentially cancer-causing compounds. Broccoli can be eaten uncooked with a low-fat veggie dip or can be cooked and used a side dish, mixed in a salad, etc.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of high quality protein. They also fill you up, preventing you from snacking on unhealthy mini-meals throughout the day. Eggs also help keep your eye health in check. Eating one or two eggs in the morning with fresh fruit or whole grain toast is a great way to nourish your body with the nutrients it needs to keep you fuelled throughout the day. In fact, eggs are a source of almost every vitamin and nutrient. One single egg is a source of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, calcium, zinc, vitamins B12, B2, and B6, selenium, phosphorus, protein, essential fatty acids, and even trace nutrients that pretty much solidify eggs as a health superfood.
Spinach
Since we were young, if not our parents, 'Popeye' showed us the importance of Spinach. Spinach boasts so many health benefits. It is a great source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as some fibre, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked and served alongside a chicken breast. If you don’t like the taste of spinach, blend it in a smoothie and you wont even feel the taste, while your body still benefits from it.
Orange
Eating one large, fresh orange will give you 100 percent of your daily recommended Vitamin C. One cup of 100 percent pure orange juice will do the same too. This tasty fruit is also high in fibre and folate, making it really beneficial for the body.
