Don't worry, you can find all of these in your local supermarket.
Naturally healthy eating has many positive benefits for both your body and your mind. When we eat well, we feel good about it, and when we feel good, we are much happier and more productive people. This cycle then affects your work, your relationships and your general life in general. It therefore makes sense to eat the healthiest things and reap the benefits.
Nowadays it is much easier to eat healthy than it used to be. Both restaurants and stores are trying to encourage people to eat healthy, in response to demand from some of their customers. Grocery store aisles are now filling with healthier options, so why not take this opportunity to treat your body the way it deserves to be treated?
Why were these foods chosen as the healthiest?
The 10 healthiest foods we picked may not be on everyone's list, and you may even think differently about them. But these foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals that the human body needs to function optimally. And as an added incentive, they are all delicious and a pleasure to eat.
Spinach
If it's good enough for Popeye, it's good enough for you. Spinach is a nutrient-rich superfood and its rising popularity makes it available in almost every supermarket. Whether fresh, frozen or even canned, as our pipe-smoking sailor friend prefers. Spinach is one of the healthiest foods in the world, full of energy yet low in calories. It is also a good source of vitamins A, K and essential folic acid.
Garlic
Granted, it may make your breath stink, but trust us: the benefits it provides are worth it. Garlic has been used for hundreds of years to fight disease because it inhibits the growth of bacteria. It also lowers cholesterol levels, blood pressure and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. So look past the smell, buy some mouthwash and buy some garlic.
Lemons
Lemons are considered the healthiest food in the world in the health industry. The sour fruit is an alkalizing power food; they have strong anti-inflammatory properties and can even help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. They help both the liver and the intestines and also contain as much vitamin C as an orange. So when the world gives you lemons, say thank you and add a slice to some water and enjoy.
Offer
The purple vegetable is sometimes overlooked when it comes to one of the healthiest foods out there. But there are arguments that it could still be a superfood, and we agree. Beetroot is good for the brain and can lower blood pressure. Recent health claims even say it improves exercise performance and may even help prevent dementia. This root vegetable is packed with folic acid, magnesium and vitamin C, so start adding it to your salads now.
Dark chocolate
Yes, you read that right, we're adding chocolate to our list of healthy foods – this should make chocoholics everywhere jump for joy. Research shows that chocolate contains more antioxidants, gram for gram, than most fruit juices. Dark chocolate's high antioxidant content (which is comparable to or greater than many superfoods) provides protection against disease-causing free radicals. It can help prevent cancer, improve heart health and is good for your overall cholesterol profile. Plus, it's a natural mood booster, so you'll be happy while you eat it! Remember, this doesn't mean you can eat the entire family bar and feel better. You should eat in moderation, just one or two squares a day is enough to reap the benefits without packing on the pounds and make sure you find a minimally processed bar with at least 70% cocoa content.
Lentils
These have been a staple of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine for thousands of years. Their health benefits have now brought them to Britain. Lentils contain a lot of fiber and protein. Their nutritional benefits include the ability to improve and maintain heart health, promote healthy weight loss, combat blood sugar fluctuations that can lead to diabetes or low energy levels, and improve digestion. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you probably already love lentils and use them as a meat substitute in your recipes. If you've never had them, trust us, add them to a salad, soup or stew and enjoy the benefits.
Raspberry
Raspberries, the most consumed berry in the world, are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and iron. Research has shown that increasing consumption of these reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease and promotes a healthy skin tone, more energy and an overall lower weight. So make sure you put some raspberries in your basket the next time you're in the fruit aisle.
Walnuts
As for nuts, it's a mixed bag (pause for laughs), some are really good for you and some aren't. Walnuts have more antioxidants than any other nut, they are also high in vitamin E, plantain serum, omega 3 oils and healthy fats. Studies suggest that walnuts are as effective as olive oil in reducing inflammation and oxidation in the blood vessels after a fatty meal. Most of our healthy foods should be eaten in moderation because too much is not good. It is recommended to eat about 8 walnuts per day to reap the benefits.
salmon
This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to reducing the risk of depression, heart disease and cancer. A 3 oz serving contains almost 50% of your daily dose of niacin, which can protect the body against Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. That is why it is known as brain food. It contains many proteins, vitamins and minerals: potassium, selenium and vitamin B12.
Avocado
The avocado can divide people, it is the Marmite of the fruit world. So what if we told you that eating 1 or 2 a week will give you all the benefits of healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, folate and vitamins K, C, B5, B6 and E! Avocados are incredibly nutritious, packed with heart-healthy fatty acids and high in fiber. The benefits of eating this 'alligator pear' include lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, protecting your eyes, relieving symptoms of arthritis and may help prevent cancer. So if you haven't tried it yet, do it, and if you don't like it, maybe give it another try.
