We all have different kinds of foods everyday to have a healthy diet. But how many of us eat everything that is only healthy? Most of the healthy foods, vegies and fruits get missed out as they are hardly used in many recipes or because of lack of knowledge and practice. Our body requires all kinds of vegetables, pulses, spices and fruits to make it capable of fighting and handling any kind of external or internal health hazards. Here are 10 foods that most of you are not eating, but actually should so as to have a good health and better life!
1. Beetroot
Beetroots are one of the best natural medicines to many of the diseases and health issues. They are reddish, juice vegetables that taste almost like carrot and can be eaten raw or added in a salad or can also be cooked. They are also called the natural Viagra! In ancient days they were used as an aphrodisiac. They help in improving one’s sexual health. Beets reduce the risk of anaemia and osteoporosis and are also very good for pregnant women as they are rich in folic acid required for the formation of spinal cord of the baby! Beetroot is wonderful laxative and helps cleaning all the dirt from the stomach, good blood sugar stabilizers and keeps diabetes under check. They are also a great source of stamina and energy!
2. Quinoa
Quinoa is also referred as a “pseudo-cereal” as it is consumed the same way as cerals like barley, oats etc., but actually it belongs to the family of spinach, beetroots, swiss chard, etc. It is a good source of fibre that is essential for blood sugar regulation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients present in them help in cancer risk reduction in humans.
3. Turmeric
It is the best natural anti-infection agent. It effectively protects the heart and also helps in battling auto-immune diseases. Auto-immune diseases are those in which the immune system itself attacks the body! Some of the most common auto-immune diseases are type 1- diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease. Turmeric is found to reduce the risk of such diseases! The curcumin of turmeric helps in protecting the heart by treating high cholesterol and clogged arteries and also treat rheumatoid arthritis naturally. It can also protect the brain from alcohol induced damages.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin sees are usually ignored while cooking but they are really excellent sources of a variety of nutrients and health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are rich in various minerals like magnesium, copper, phosphorous, manganese, zinc and iron. They have anti-microbial benefits along with their anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. They are also widely used to treat people with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and they help in reducing the risks of cancer and diabetes. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and enjoyed as a snack too!
5. Cabbage
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable, stuffed with layers of leaves, one over the other making it look like a stuffed round ball. Cabbages are the best when it comes to prevention of cancer! They are the rich sources of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help them act as best anti-cancer elements! They help in healing stomach ulcers and also protect the entire digestive tract. They also provide good support to the heart by reducing the amount of cholesterol.
6. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, orange fleshed, delicious and readily available in the market. They are found to be excellent providers of vitamin A, which prevents night blindness, and vitamin C that helps in maintaining good skin, bone and tooth formation. These are also very good sources of anti oxidants and anti inflammatory nutrients. They are also very beneficial in maintaining the blood sugar levels.
7. Lentils
Lentils are the quick and easy too cook legumes that can absorb any flavour very quickly. These are rich source of iron and are very beneficial for menstruating women who could be in the danger of iron deficiency. They are very good blood sugar stabilizers and also help in improving the heart by inhibiting coronary heart diseases. They contain all the B-vitamins and proteins with almost no fat! They are also a vital source of cholesterol low fibre.
8. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a red juicy deciduous fruit with a hard shell and seeds inside. Only the seeds and the juice are edible. Pomegranates can be eaten as such or can be made into juice. Pomegranates are very good for blood vessels and heart. They are good anti-oxidant source and also are quite low in fat. They help in maintaining the platelet aggregate and blood pressure that help in preventing blockages in the arteries. They also help in inhibiting breast cancer and prostrate cancer.
9. Sardines
Sardines are silvery fish that are oil rich and soft bones. They are named after the Italian island Sardinia as they were found in large numbers there. Sardines come in the bottom of the food chain thus they are not prone to heavy metal concentrations due to so many sea contaminations. They completely live on planktons, thus they are free from such risks. Moreover they are good supporters of bone health. They help in the absorption of calcium due the high concentration of vitamin D present in them. They are also very rich in vitamin B12, which helps in maintaining heart’s health!
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard also called chard is a green leafy vegetable, usually referred to as greens. It is available almost throughout the year and it belongs to the same family as spinach, beets, etc. The taste profile is also same as those. Swiss chard is famous for it high nutrient value. They contain phytonutrients that provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits. They are very good blood sugar regulators and are helpful for people having diabetes. They also help in the development and stronger bones as they are rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin K. Chards are preferably boiled to remove the acid content and bring a sweeter taste while cooking.
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