You probably read about which foods you should avoid often. Even though it’s always important to stay informed about what you shouldn’t eat, it’s just as important to know which foods you should start eating or consuming more regularly. Here are 6 foods to support a healthy lifestyle.
Artichokes
Artichokes are a vegetable notable for having the highest antioxidant content out of all veggies. They are a great source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins C and K. Despite the fact that they are packed with a lot of nutrients, artichokes are low in calories. Since they contain a lot of powerful antioxidants like polyphenols, rutin, and quercetin, they can significantly strengthen your immune system.
Artichokes have an excellent effect on the digestive system thanks to a compound known as cynarine, which helps your body absorb vitamins and digest fats. Consuming this vegetable will help widen your blood vessels, thus helping them carry more oxygen to your brain. This results in improved cognitive function. Artichokes are also known for their positive effects on bone and liver health.
Walnuts
Even though all nuts are healthy, walnuts are without a doubt one of the best snacks you can eat. They are a great source of manganese, copper, iron, vitamin B6, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, and zinc. One of the most notable health benefits of walnuts is improved cognitive function. Due to its nutritional density, they can help prevent mental health problems like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Other health benefits of walnuts include a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improved heart health.
Avocados
It is believed that avocados were even more widespread a long time ago. Nevertheless, they are still extremely popular and go well with a lot of different dishes. They are a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B-6, fiber, and vitamin C. You may have heard that they contain a lot of fat, but keep in mind that they’re filled with the healthy kind of fat.
Consuming this food can lead to a stronger immune system thanks to the important nutrients it has, especially antioxidants like epicatechin, neochrome, and violaxanthin. The healthy fats in avocados can lead to lower bad cholesterol levels, while the fiber aids in digestion and stimulates digestive and gastric juices, making nutrients from other foods be consumed in a more effective way.
Coconut Oil
Even though olive oil is healthy and popular, coconut oil is a better option for when you’re preparing meals. Coconut oil is known for increasing fat burning, killing harmful pathogens, and boosting cognitive function. Since it offers a lot of health benefits, you can also take coconut oil supplements. Websites like HealthRanks.org offer excellent reviews on a wide variety of supplements, including coconut oil.
Basil
It’s always important to add herbs and spices whenever you’re preparing a meal. Not only will they improve the taste of you dish, but they’ll provide you with many health benefits as well. Basil is without a doubt one of the healthiest herbs you can consume. It is rich in vitamin K, copper, calcium, manganese, and vitamins C and A.
According to research that was presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester back in 2008, basil can prevent the harmful effects of aging. More specifically, it can destroy harmful molecules around the liver, heart, and brain. This herb has great anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent serious diseases like cancer, arthritis, and heart issues. If you’re suffering from diabetes, you can benefit from consuming basil, since it decreases glucose levels.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices you can consume. It goes well with many sweet dishes, as well as coffee. This spice is rich in calcium, iron, fiber, and manganese. It is also loaded with powerful antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the health benefits of cinnamon include a lower risk of heart disease and improved brain health.