We’re all told to eat our veggies, but sometimes it’s hard to get the recommended five a day. Luckily, there are plenty of other foods that are just as good for you—if not better. Here are five health foods you need to be eating for optimal health.
Kale
1.Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Eating kale may also improve brain health and reduce inflammation.
2. Kale is a great source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that can help protect your eyes from age-related damage.
3. Kale is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. Vitamin C helps repair tissue damage and promotes collagen production, keeping skin looking youthful and healthy.
4. Kale is a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps add bulk to stool and promotes regularity. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
5. Kale is a good source of iron, which is important for energy production and red blood cell formation. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, so getting enough iron in your diet is crucial if you want to maintain energy levels throughout the day
Salmon
Salmon is a fatty fish that is packed with nutrients and provides a plethora of health benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. It is also low in mercury and can help improve cholesterol levels, heart health, cognitive function, joint pain, and more.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most nutritious and delicious fruits you can eat. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve your health in many ways.
Some of the health benefits of blueberries include:
1. Boosting your immune system: Blueberries are rich in vitamin C, which is a key nutrient for maintaining a strong immune system. Vitamin C helps to protect your body against infection and disease.
2. Improving cognitive function: The antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to help improve cognitive function and memory. These benefits make blueberries an excellent food for maintaining brain health as you age.
3. Lowering cholesterol: Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a compound that has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while simultaneously raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
4. Regulating blood sugar levels: Blueberries can help to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This is beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes who need to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
5. Reducing inflammation: The antioxidants in blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a major contributing factor to many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious and healthy food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients, and it can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. Yogurt is also a probiotic food, which means that it contains live bacteria that can promote the growth of healthy gut flora.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most health-promoting foods you can eat. It is loaded with nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. Garlic can combat sickness, due to its high content of allicin, a compound with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic can also improve cholesterol levels. Studies show that garlic supplementation can significantly reduce total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels Finally garlic can boost brain function and memory. One study showed that aged rats given garlic supplements had improved cognitive function and memory.