15 Healthiest Foods You’re Probably Not Eating

Lisa Franchi May 15, 2013

There are foods that experts consider the best but are usually missing in our grocery list. Probably they are not always available or we simply ignore them. If you want to take your health to the next level, you may want to incorporate the following list of super foods to your regular diet.

Beets

Underneath their rugged exterior is a sweet-tasting root crop which is fully loaded with essential compounds that provide a wide range of health benefits, from boosting your immunity to protecting your body against cancer. Beets have ZERO trans fat and ZERO saturated fat and are very low in calories. They are also high in complex carbohydrates which helps maintain your energy levels.

Cabbage

Many people prefer lettuce over cabbage, not knowing that this crunchy and delicious cluster of leaves has essential enzymes that fight cancer. Cabbage is very high in vitamin C – the master antioxidant that removes free radicals and other toxins in the body. Vitamin C also plays a significant role in producing collagen – the secret to healthy, young-looking skin!

Sardines

Not all canned goods are bad for your health. Sardines, for example, are packed with minerals that make them a great addition to your weekly diet. They contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that promote weight loss and lower down cholesterol levels. Sardines also come with potassium, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins that boost immunity.

Canned Pumpkin

Another processed food that is worth adding to your regular diet is canned pumpkin. The best thing about pumpkin is that it has a lot of fibre that aids digestion and has fewer calories – an ideal choice for dieters. Although fresh pumpkin is the best pick, canned pumpkins are equally healthy.

Pumpkin seeds

Aside from its flesh, the seeds of pumpkin are also loaded with essential nutrients, especially magnesium that promotes overall health. Downing pumpkin seeds, is the best way to preserve its magnesium content. French researchers found that men with the highest magnesium levels have 40 per cent lower risk of early death than those with the lowest levels. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a better alternative to popcorn and crisps.

Swiss chard

A great addition to salads – Swiss chard is considered one of the healthiest foods on earth due to its high antioxidant levels in the form of phytonutrients known as carotenoids. The vegetable also comes with considerable amount of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin that promote eye health and prevent the onset of cataracts. Swiss chard has magnesium, vitamin K and E, and calcium.

Purslane

Did you know that purslane has the highest omega-3 fatty acids among edible plants? That’s according to the researchers at University of Texas. They also found that this broad-leaved weed has 10 to 20 times more antioxidant melatonin than any other fruit or vegetable tested. When lettuce gets a little boring for your salad, purslane is a better option.

Guava

This tropical fruit is a bit acidic in your first bite but gets sweeter as you reach the centre. Guava has a higher concentration of cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene than tomatoes and watermelon. It is also a good source of fibre, with whopping 9 grams of dietary fibre per cup. Not only that. This fruit has 63 per cent more potassium than banana.

Cinnamon

Dust it on your bread rolls or mix it with your coffee – cinnamon is one of the best spices with health benefits extending way beyond its aroma. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar which plays a big role in cutting the risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that diabetic patients who consumed 1 gram of cinnamon daily for 6 weeks significantly reduced their blood sugar levels as well as their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Frozen blueberries

Your first priority of course is fresh blueberries but if you can’t find any, you can simply purchase frozen ones. These berries are high in antioxidants and dietary fibre which prevent weight gain.

Dried plums (Prunes)

Prunes are rich in neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, as well as antioxidants – powerful busters of the superoxide anion radical. This toxic compound causes severe structural damage in the cells that could develop into cancer.

Goji berries

These delicious raisin-size fruits have been consumed for its rich medicinal properties for thousands of years. According to Tufts University researchers, Goji berries have one the highest ORAC ratings – a method of gauging antioxidant power of any fruits.

Sweet Potatoes

Many people think that sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates and calories because they are naturally sweet. But don’t let this myth fool you! These crops are rich in beta carotene, fibre, potassium and vitamin C that are all important for good health. Bake unpeeled sweet potatoes and garnish it with applesauce or sprinkle some cinnamon for a low-calorie, healthy snack!

Plain Greek Yoghurt

It’s not really that tasty as compared to sweetened or flavoured yoghurt but it certainly is the best! Plain Greek yoghurt contains billions of probiotics or good bacteria that aid digestion and boost immunity. It also has calcium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. Not only that. Plain Greek yoghurt contains twice more protein than regular yoghurts.

Pomegranate juice

Last but not the least is pomegranate. Israeli scientists found that men who consumed just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice everyday in a year reduced their systolic blood pressure by 21 per cent and greatly increased their blood circulation in the heart.

Don’t miss the amazing health benefits of these super foods. The next time you go to the supermarket or grocery store, make sure to add some of them in your shopping cart!

What other super foods can you add to our list? Share your comment below.