If you want to live a long and prosperous life, one of the keys to doing so is eating a well-balanced diet. Exercise and other aspects come into play of course, but what you put into your body is a huge indicator of overall wellness.
Most people understand that a consistent intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy will result in a healthier lifestyle, while avoiding high amounts of artificial sugars and unhealthy fats is important as well. However, some foods and drinks pack a bigger punch in terms of their health benefits than others, and not everyone knows which ones they are.
When pursuing healthier eating habits, it is not just about the quantity of better choices, but the quality. Here are some examples of high-powered foods that you may have had no idea were so healthy.
Olives
A staple of any Mediterranean-based diet, olives have significant health benefits that you may not know about. For one thing, they are a great source of vitamins. Vitamins are key nutrients that the body needs to maintain its various systems, so finding foods that contain a high volume of them is helpful for your wellness. Olives also have few carbohydrates, making them a great snack to avoid weight gain. They are versatile and can be added to many dishes, eaten as a snack, or used as a source for cooking oil which is extremely popular. Had no idea that olives were so beneficial to have in your pantry or refrigerator? Well now you do!
Peanut butter
Look at that, you probably already have this one on hand. Peanut butter, especially if it is organic, is actually very healthy for you. It is a great source of natural fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants from the peanuts themselves. Although it can be high in calories, peanut butter makes for a great snack or topping when moderated, bringing you health benefits that many other tasty snacks are missing. Plus, they make a perfect dipping combination with fruits or vegetables like apples and celery. If peanut butter can get you to eat more fruit and vegetables, then your body will thank you even more.
Supplements
Though they are not exactly a food, supplements are ideal solutions for those looking to support a well-balanced diet. You can take multivitamins, fish oil capsules, or even add powder mixes full of vitamins and minerals to your water. However, if you are not consuming a well-balanced diet that is providing your body with the necessary nutrients, supplements are not the answer to get what you need. Healthy foods are needed to achieve the right balance, and supplements simply add on to the nutrients you already get from your diet. Head to the healthcare or pharmacy section of the grocery store to find the supplements.
Popcorn
This one comes with certain conditions. Packaged popcorn is typically not very healthy, containing a high level of oils and other flavor enhancers that ruin any potential benefits. But popping kernels yourself and using light amounts of flavoring actually turns popcorn into a very healthy option. It is actually a whole grain that is high in fiber but very low in calories, (which explains why it is easy to eat so much of it). For this reason, you still have to moderate the amount that you eat. But enhancing the flavor with things like dark chocolate shavings, cinnamon, or salt can make it both tasty and good for your health.
Avocados
Okay, this one is not so much of a secret, but it is too tasty not to include. Avocados are chock-full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. They can be used in many diverse ways, like being spread on toast, sliced up for sandwiches or burgers, or turned into a rich guacamole dip. Avocados can work wonders for your heart and your digestive system, making them extremely popular as an ingredient for various meals. If avocados are not a part of your life, change that today.
Worry less about your wellness with these foods
If you can make these secretly healthy foods a part of your regular diet, you’ll see so many health benefits come your way. Every human body needs the right supply of nutrients to function well, and implementing better dietary choices early on will pay dividends down the road and help you maintain independence in old age. Try adding these items to your next grocery list to see what they can do for your overall wellness. You might find that you’ve been missing out on some delicious alternatives to your usual snacks. Or, you’ll discover a new ingredient to enhance some of your favorite dishes. However you decide to try these out, your body will thank you for taking care of yourself.
