There are so many healthy foods that you can choose from but trying to fit them all in your diet can be a bit overwhelming.
There are some foods however, that you definitely should eat regularly.
Here are 5 foods that every woman should be eating:
Pistachios
According to a study done by the University of Toronto, it was revealed that eating pistachio can help to reduce the risk of diabetes by decreasing the effect of carbs on your blood sugar levels. Let’s not forget too that pistachios are high in protein, healthy monosaturated fat and fiber. When purchasing them, ensure that you buy the salt-free version that are still in the shell. Don’t simply add them to your diet; use it to replace unhealthy snacks such as chips and cheese-filled products.
Dark Chocolates
These tasty treats are filled with flavonoids which help to prevent clogged arteries and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. It’s one of the best healthy low calorie foods that fill you up when you need a quick snack. When buying dark chocolate make sure that it’s at least 60% cocoa. For example, Dove Dark is a good brand.
Brussels Sprouts
They can be smelly sometimes but the smell contains a compound called ally isothiocynate that causes pre-cancerous cells to dissolve. When buying brussels sprouts get the locally grown ones while they’re on the stalk. That way you get the full nutritional benefits.
Another thing to bear in mind is that you shouldn’t boil them as it will reduce the anticancer properties by about 60% according to the University of Essex researchers. So what you can do instead is just pour one spoon of olive oil over 2 cups of sprouts, season with turmeric spice and roast for about 6 minutes until the outside is crispy.
Tomatoes
These are packed with lycopene which is a substance that helps lower your risk of cancer, cell degeneration and heart disease. Lycopene is fat soluble which means your body can absorb more by pairing tomatoes with a healthy fat like olive oil.
Oatmeal
If you want a very easy way to significantly lower your cholesterol then you should eat whole-grain oatmeal daily. The fiber in oatmeal creates a gel that slows your body’s absorption of cholesterol. To make it even healthier, you can satisfy your sweet craving by topping your oatmeal with a small amount of antioxidants-packed blueberries dripped with honey.
Another big benefit of eating oatmeal is that those who consume it for breakfast tend to stay full all morning which means they end up eating less at lunch due in part to fiber and protein.
Here are the 5 foods that you should avoid picking up when at the grocery store:
Diet Soda
It’s surprising that after countless studies done about the harsh effects of soda on the body people are still drinking it. Some of the most deadly ingredients it contains are sucralose, aspartame, neotame and many others.
Studies have shown that when our bodies metabolize these sweeteners it can result in health issues such as weight gain, neurological diseases, digestive problems, diabetes and many other lifestyle diseases.
This one goes especially to persons drinking soda as nighty snack. It’s one of the worst things you can ever do to your body as it slowly destroy your body while you sleep.
Instead of Soda: Stop drinking this wet sugar that has no health benefits and replace it with lemon water or cranberry juice.
Canned Tomatoes
The issue with canned tomatoes is that the resin linings of the tin contains a substance called bisphenol-A (BPA) which is a synthetic estrogen that have being linked to reproductive issues, heart diseases, obesity and diabetes.
Research has shown that the BPA in most peoples’ bodies exceeds the amount that is needed and can cause miscarriages and fertility issues. Instead of canned tomatoes: Go for tomatoes in glass bottles which do not have any resin linings. You can go for brands like Organic by Nature and Eden Organic.
Artificial Sweeteners
There are tons of evidence to suggest that using artificial sweeteners is very unhealthy for the human body. If you think it only affects us as humans, think again. Scientist discovered that artificial sweeteners in treated wastewater pose a risk to marine life. Remember that these sweeteners are very unnatural, taste horrible, non-organic and they lead to all kinds of serious health issues. Instead of artificial sweeteners: Use honey to sweeten your food and drinks as you will reap more health benefits that way.
Microwave Popcorn Buttered Flavor
We all have eaten this crunchy food at some point when watching our favorite movie but next time you should reconsider. There’s a chemical called diacetyl that is used in butter flavoring which is so harmful that even factory workers are afraid of it.
This goes to show that most food manufacturers have no interest in the buyers’ health, it’s just all about profit. Instead of butter flavor microwave popcorn: make your own popcorn using real organic butter. Plus if you go the DIY route you will save more money than if you buy them packaged.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is made with cocoa butter milk and sugar which makes it very high in saturated fat. Even though it contains a good amount of calcium, it’s not healthy. This is because it doesn’t give you the significant nutrients to compensate for the high calorie, fat and sugar content.
Instead of white chocolate: If you’re feeling the craving for chocolate then buy the dark chocolate made with 80% cocoa. Just don’t get carried away, be moderate when consuming dark chocolate, even if it’s healthy for you.