Staying healthy is the key to a long and happy life. One of the key ways to stay healthy is to eat food that provides great nutritional value. That is why we have compiled a list of the top five healthiest foods you should be eating right now.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is the very definition of a superfood. It is an excellent source of fiber compared to other whole grains, and this fiber is essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system and losing weight. Over 20 studies have shown that oatmeal is also good for lowering cholesterol since it flushes it out of your system. To get these benefits, stick to the slow-cooked variety and avoid instant oatmeal.
2. Leafy Greens
Next time you are having lunch or dinner, don’t skimp on the leafy greens. If you want to fill your body with nutrients and fiber, try preparing some broccoli, Swiss Chard, kale, mustard greens and spinach. Even when eating out, ask the waiter in the professional restaurant clothing to include some leafy greens with your main dish.
3. Apricots
Apricots are known as an excellent source of potassium. Potassium has many health benefits for the body, such as lowering high blood pressure, anxiety and stress. But the biggest benefits of potassium are heart-related; this mineral is very important for the proper functioning of the heart and can provide relief from a stroke.
4. Wild Salmon
The only meat that will be on this list is wild salmon (the farmed variety have been known to contain a lot of mercury and saturated fat). Wild salmon is packed with the antioxidant astaxanthin. This antioxidant has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as pain relief, improved heart health and healthier skin. Some studies even suggest it has anti-cancer effects.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent food to pair your leafy greens with. For one, it doesn’t cling to the walls of your arteries like the majority of saturated fats. Another benefit is that it is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols, which are known to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. These two factors are known for increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
Now that you know some beneficial superfoods you should be eating right now, you should go to your nearest grocery store and stock up your fridge and pantry. What you eat, as you can see, can have a major impact on your health. That is why you must make sure to eat right.