4 SURPRISINGLY HEALTHY FOODS
By now, it’s pretty much common knowledge that there are a ton of benefits to natural ingredients. Processed foods are often high in sugars and unhealthy fats, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
Integrating natural whole foods into your diet isn’t just good for disease prevention, it can even help improve your overall health. Take blueberries, for example. Blueberries are a sweet treat, but they’re also packed with anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid that improve memory and slow down memory decline.
As popular as eating healthy has become, there are a few things the common person on the street might not know about natural foods. Today, we’ve compiled a list of foods that provide a healthy, if unexpected boost to any kind of diet.
Nettles
Nettles. Not something you think about often, except for when you’re trying to soothe the stings after a long hike. Despite its somewhat infamous reputation, nettles actually have a long history in traditional medicine and natural cures.
Our previous post ‘Nettles Are Delicious’ goes into the benefits of nettles in depth. Basically, they’re full of carotenoids and polyphenols that can lower blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and boost your immune system. Once soaked, dried, or cooked, nettles will no longer sting, so don’t be afraid to spice up a dish with the addition of nettles.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is pretty popular for its variety of uses, but its health benefits aren’t always highlighted. Sure, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great skin toner or hair rinse, but there’s more to this powerful liquid than meets the eye.
ACV has been found to have a ton of health benefits. Brightcore reports that apple cider vinegar is full of polyphenols, micronutrients, and other nutritious compounds. It’s been found to help reduce blood sugar levels and improve energy and digestive health. That doesn’t mean you should start chugging a glass, though— ACV can damage your tooth enamel, so it’s best taken in supplement or gummy form.
Potatoes
Potatoes get a bad rep for being unhealthy. It’s not too hard to figure out why: after all, we’re constantly deep frying them, slathering them in butter and cheese, and topping them off with salt and fats. If you strip away all the extra parts, though, you’ll find that potatoes are actually pretty healthy.
Live Science says that when potatoes are cooked the right way, they can be a pretty useful health food. They’re low in calories, and are a good source of nutrients like manganese, vitamin C, niacin, and other phytonutrients. Pure potatoes with no extra salts and fats are actually packed with antioxidants, which could help fend off cancers and other diseases.
Mushrooms
When you think about superfoods, more likely than not the first thing that comes to mind is a dark green leafy vegetable like kale, or healthy fats like avocado. It’s time to add another thing to your mental list of superfoods, however— mushrooms.
Mushrooms aren’t just a nice way to spruce up your pastas. As Eat This, Not That!, writes, mushrooms are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and nutrients. They’re a great immune booster, and recent research has even found that they could help with managing symptoms of depression. Plus, they’re low calorie and taste great in a sauté, which is more than enough reason to add them to your cart.