A healthy body starts with a healthy diet and there are some foods that are so good for our health, that they could almost be classed as a medicine. These days, there are lists of so-called “superfoods” all over the internet so it can be a bit confusing trying to decide which foods really do have health benefits and which ones are just the latest fad. To help, this article will explain what foods you should be eating in 2020.
1. Seeds
There are many great seeds with all kinds of great benefits but three of the best are chia seeds, hemp, and flax. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fats, they have more calcium than milk and they are a great source of anti-inflammatory compounds. Chia seeds have 10 grams of fiber in one ounce. The fiber in chia seeds is insoluble fiber. It’s the kind of fiber that feeds friendly gut bacteria and promotes gut health and it gets fermented into short-chain fatty acids which are super important for your gut. Hemp seeds are another great source of fat and they also pack a good amount of protein, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. Flax seeds are another great source of omega-3 fats and dietary fiber, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. They have powerful anti-cancer hormone-balancing compounds. All three of these seeds can be added to your smoothies or you can add them as toppings on berries or coconut yogurt.
2. Beef
Beef is many people’s favorite meat and for good reason. As well as being delicious, beef provides many great health benefits. Beef is an excellent source of protein which is vital for building and maintaining muscle. Beef contains loads of fantastic vitamins and minerals which are necessary for keeping our bodies healthy. Beef is an excellent source of iron which is so important for maintaining the health of our blood. There are so many great ways to enjoy beef and we found some delicious sausages on this website that are made with paleo beef. Try making a classic British Bangers and Mash or a delicious beef sausage casserole. You should always eat high-quality organic beef from grass-fed cows as this will provide the most benefits because the cows will not have ingested any pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
3. Mushrooms
In China, medicinal foods are part of many people’s daily diets and one of the staples in Chinese medicine is mushrooms. Mushrooms have powerful healing properties that boost your immunity and support your hormones. Mushrooms have many antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and they can even help you heal your liver and lower cholesterol. Mushrooms are a really versatile food and are great to experiment with. Try making tea or putting them in soups.
4. Vegetables
The vast array of colors in veggies represent about 25,000 chemicals that are super beneficial and there is no evidence that the interaction between the colors provides additional benefits so you should eat the whole rainbow. It’s important to have a diverse diet full of lots of different colored fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes contain lycopene which helps get rid of free radicals that damage our genes and prevent cancer like prostate cancer. Green vegetables contain chemicals that help ward off cancer by inhibiting carcinogens and getting rid of them from your body.
5. Avocados
Avocados are perhaps the most loved superfood and in recent years avocado consumption has increased significantly. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and proteins. Avocados are very rich in nutrients and are excellent for heart health, eyesight, and bone and joint health. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy avocados. Avocado toast has become a really popular breakfast and brunch meal and guacamole is an essential part of every good Mexican meal. Avocados are great for smoothies and salads and are really delicious in sushi rolls.
6. Oranges
Oranges are a fantastically healthy fruit and contain many things that are great for our bodies. First of all, oranges are a great source of vitamin C which helps to boost our immune systems and promotes good overall health. Oranges can help to lower cholesterol, and blood pressure, and prevent skin damage. There are so many ways to enjoy oranges so you can eat them every day without getting bored. Eat oranges in a fruit salad, squeeze them into juice, or freeze segments to enjoy on a hot day.
It is so important to eat a balanced diet of nutritious food in order to keep your body healthy. Try incorporating some of the foods in this guide into your daily diet. There are so many great recipes online that use all of these foods so it’s easy to enjoy a different meal every day.