9 Unexpectedly Healthy Foods You Probably Didn't Know About
9 Unexpectedly Healthy Foods You Probably Didn't Know About
July 15, 2016 at 3:28 PM
One key to a healthy lifestyle is making some smart food choices. While that sounds a little boring, you would be surprised what kinds of foods have an ability to help us stay healthy. Take a look at some of the healthiest foods you might not have thought of on your next shopping trip.
1. Dark Chocolate
Now this is a fun one. We have all heard about the benefits of dark chocolate especially that it is good for your heart, and this statement has some truth to it. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate that is made of 70-85% cocoa contains: 11 grams of fiber, 67% of the recommended daily amount of iron, 58% of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, 98% of the recommended daily amount of manganese and also contains potassium and zinc. Dark chocolate benefits also contains potent antioxidants, and can even help with weight loss if eaten sparingly in place foods like snack cakes and other candy. Looking for a healthy way to satisfy a chocolate craving? Try checking out some of the chocolate options at our health food store in Wallingford!
2. Seeds
"Seeds" is a pretty broad term that covers a whole bunch of different produce. Some of the better seeds to eat are flax, chia, sunflower, hemp and pumpkin. Seeds are high in nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.Try adding seeds to your next meal to add texture and additional nutrients. Adding seeds to meals like salad can make you feel full for longer, aiding in weight loss, but be careful about eating too much – most seeds are very dense in calories.
3. Oats
When losing weight, a lot of people try to stray away from fats and carbohydrates. Oats, on the other hand, are beneficial carbohydrates that can help you lose weight. Oats, like all whole grains, digest slowly and are packed with fiber, which can make you feel satisfied long after eating. Stay away from “instant” oatmeal and for the best nutritional value eat oat groats.
4. Sea Vegetables
Probably the scariest sounding food on the list, sea vegetables consist of kelp, dulse, nori and laver. These sea vegetables are a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, E and K. While the taste of these vegetables might be salty, they are low in sodium so you don’t have to worry about rising blood pressure levels as you munch.
5. Avocado
Avocados have taken the world by storm over the past few years, to the point that there is even a shortage of supply. Regardless, avocados are a high in a beneficial, heart healthy fat that helps you stay satisfied longer and curbs those late night cravings.
6. Watercress
Typically not a vegetable you see all too often, watercress is a leafy green that has natural cleansing properties and contains isothiocyanates which helps boost our body’s detoxifying capabilities. Watercress is a great source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, fiber and calcium, so don’t be afraid to add it to your next salad for a crisp and nutrient-rich crunch!
7. Lemon
One of the most popular fruits in the world, lemons are often seen in sugary drinks such as lemonade, or as a common flavor of candy, which doesn’t give them much merit as a boon for health. However, like all citrus, lemon has some good qualities to it. Lemon is extremely rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, lemon water is known to help control the appetite, and the enzymes in the lemon help rejuvenate our liver tissue. Add a little lemon to a morning glass of water to get your day going on a great start.
8. Rooibos Tea
The most odd-sounding of anything on the list, rooibos tea is caffeine-free, calorie free and naturally sweet tasting. Additionally, rooibos tea contains powerful antioxidants which some studies show can help prevent disease. Substitute rooibos tea in instead of fruit juices and soda to cut down on calories.
9. Cinnamon
Finally, we have cinnamon. Some studies suggest that cinnamon can help cure sugar cravings control blood sugar levels. Next time you are craving a high-sugar sweet treat, sprinkle a little cinnamon on something instead.
The professionals at Medical Weight Loss Solutions can help you achieve your weight loss goals at any time. Our team in Wallingford, CT is here to help you every step of the way in designing and implementing your own custom weight loss plan. At Medical Weight Loss Solutions, we believe in promoting lasting lifestyle changes that have positive effects on your future.
On-site, we have a nutrition store that is filled with over 300 products that we are happy to help build out a diet plan to reach your goals. Get in touch with our team by calling (203) 269-8000 or use this online form to learn more.