It’s well known that eating a variety of foods is optimal when it comes to our health. However, some key foods have a special effect, and adding them to your diet is a great idea for an extra healthy boost. These foods are packed with phytonutrients that help to protect our health and fend off diseases.
Here are the top six foods I recommend to start adding in daily to your meals and snacks.
Garlic
This flavor powerhouse is known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has even been shown to play a role in benefiting people living with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Add it to your favorite pasta dishes, soups, and salads, or roast it in the oven whole.
Chia seeds
Tiny but mighty, these seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium. Adding just one ounce of chia seeds to your salads or smoothies provides 10 grams of fiber. I always recommend chia seeds to my clients because it boosts their fiber intake, which has been shown to help with weight loss. Adding chia seeds helps to increase satiety and fullness for a longer period of time while also being low in calories.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits on earth. They contain unique substances known as punicalagins and punicic acid. These are responsible for most of the health benefits found in the fruit. One of my favorite ways to eat pomegranates is to sprinkle the seeds on my salads or add them to my oatmeal.
Sauerkraut
This fermented food is rich in probiotics, the good bacteria found in our gut. Sauerkraut is made from just cabbage and salt. Taking care of the gut by eating more fermented foods helps improve digestion, boosts immunity, and has even been shown to promote a healthy weight. The simplest way to eat sauerkraut is plain added as a side to your meal, or top it on anything to spice up the flavor.
Hemp seeds
This exceptionally nutritious seed is rich in healthy fats, protein, and a variety of minerals. Not only are hemp seeds an easy way to add a plant-based protein to your diet, but they are also a good source of vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Sprinkle them in your favorite smoothie and on cereal, yogurt, or salad.
Turmeric
This powerful spice, known to be a healing spice, has been used to help many ailments mostly due to the active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric is exceptionally high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains manganese, a mineral that helps to protect your bones and fight off osteoporosis. Use a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs, toss it with roasted vegetables, add it to your rice, or blend it into your smoothie.
Ayat Sleymann is a registered dietitian nutritionist whose passion lies in helping women live their healthiest life. Ayat works with women around the world, helping them achieve their weight-loss goals. With a “plants-most” approach, she has helped clients manage weight, improve their health, and increase energy and productivity without giving up their favorite foods.
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