Seven Surprisingly Healthy Foods

About

Public awareness programs and media have played a vital role today in encouraging diet and nutritional awareness. These sources have played a pivotal role in shaping a majority of the population to become more conscious about their eating habits, thereby aiming to reduce the occurrence of many lifestyle-related diseases that are common today.

Processed and packaged foods are discouraged, and fruits and vegetables are stocked. However, studies show that we may have been neglecting certain foods that may actually be beneficial to us. Read further to find out more about these surprisingly healthy foods.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is among the biggest and commonest temptations that tantalize dieters. Studies suggest that this seductive food may actually be good for your health. Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavonoids, which help maintain immunity and well-being. Also, moderate consumption of this chocolate is thought to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in many individuals.

Coffee

Coffee has been criticized often for its effects on blood pressure and various other systems. A little bit of this beverage, however, can prove to be beneficial for your overall health. Coffee contains a number of substances from the antioxidant family which help reduce the risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, headaches and fluctuating mood disorders. It is also thought to stimulate the brain and the nervous system. Drink it without sugar.

Bacon

Meats, especially red meats and the processed and cured varieties were originally thought to be harmful to health. However, recent studies show that around 45% of the fat content of bacon is the mono-saturated or the 'good' fat. Moderate consumption of bacon can therefore be good for your health.

Fish

Sometimes feared for their mercury and lead toxicity, fish foods have faced quite a number of controversies. These controversies however, cannot suppress the health benefits of consuming fish. Most fish varieties are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which help improve heart, eye and brain function. Furthermore, certain substances in well prepared fish foods help prevent blood clotting and thereby reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Studies recommend at least 2 servings of fish every week to reduce risk of inflammation and associated heart problems.

Strawberries

Brightly colored fruits and veggies always add to the health benefits. Strawberries being bright red in color are loaded with phytonutrients, which are powerful disease-fighting compounds. Consuming more strawberries is thought to cut down the risk of cancer and inflammation to a considerable extent.

Watercress

Watercress is another greenie that's beneficial to your health. Its high antioxidant power reduces the DNA damage to white blood cells, which thereby reduces the risk of cancer. Also, it lowers the elevated triglyceride levels of the blood which may contribute to heart disease.

Duck

Among all the lean meats, duck meat is the healthiest of all. The fat content of this animal protein is much less than bacon and beef and is therefore among the most healthy and nutritious of all non-vegetarian foods. Remember to skin the duck and trim the fat portions to fully enjoy the health benefits.

References:

1. 5 Surprisingly Healthy Foods - (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/5-surprisingly-healthy-foods)
2. 30 Surprisingly Healthy Fast Foods - (http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/on-the-go/healthy-fast-foods/)

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