With so many foods at your disposal at the local supermarket, it can be difficult choosing the foods you should be eating everyday to stay health.
So, what better way to get the answer than polling registered dietitians and nutritionists to find out exactly which foods they swear by?
These foods work for them, and they just might work for you, too. Take notes, and if they tickle your taste buds, be sure to start incorporating them into your daily diet for the array of health benefits they afford. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite daily go-to food!
Olives
That’s right, they’re not just for martinis.
“Olives are a rich source of vitamins A and E, both of which protect the oils on the surface of your skin from free radical damage,” says Peggy Kotsopoulos, RHN, nutritionist, and author of Kitchen Cures. “Olives also help strengthen connective tissues, improving skin tone and protecting against UV radiation. The rich monounsaturated fat content is particularly helpful to the heart since it reduces the risk for atherosclerosis [a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries] while raising good HDL cholesterol.”
Olives are also rich with flavonoids, which boast strong anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce risks of heart disease. Green or black, Kalamata or pimento-stuffed, they’re just damn tasty and healthy.
Nut-Based Cream Cheese
“For those of you who have jumped off the dairy ship long ago, you know it’s nearly impossible to find a cream cheese substitute that isn’t loaded with soy, additives, or partially hydrogenated fats,” says Lisa Hayim, registered dietitian and founder of The WellNecessities.
Both dairy-free rookies and pro-dairy eaters agree every fridge should have space for some nut-based cream cheese.
“With its creamy texture and all-natural ingredients, this delicious almond-based cream cheese is taking over the non-dairy cream cheese world. Try original, or spice it up with chive flavor on a bagel, or even smeared on a raw Portobello mushroom.”
Related: Six Processed Foods Nutritionists Approve Of
Walnut Pesto
Creamy, savory sauce to go with your fresh pasta or covering that slice of morning toast? Sign us up.
“Pestos are a delicious blend of phytonutrient-packed green herbs, olive oil, a bit of high-flavor cheese, and in this case, walnuts for their distinct taste and omega-3s,” says Annie Kay, MS, RDN, Lead Nutritionist at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. “Herbs also have some of the highest ORAC scores (a measure of antioxidant levels) of any food.”
Dandelion Greens
“When it comes to nutrient density (nutrients per calorie) the mighty dandelion is tops,” says Kay. “Rich in protective antioxidant vitamins A and C, dandelions are a gentle cleansing folk tonic for the liver and gall bladder.”
You’re safe to eat the tender leaves from areas that’re free of chemical spray; otherwise, look for them at your local farmer’s market or health store.
Photo Credit: Melica/Shutterstock.com; nadianb/Shutterstock.com
