Foods healthier than you think

Foods healthier than you think

Vivian Wortkoetter, Staff Writer

Some foods are known for being unhealthy, but there are several that are healthier than you think. There are several kinds of foods that provide nutrients you may not know about. Check out the foods below and don’t be afraid to buy them compared to their alternatives.

BACON:

It contains Omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart and body health.

SPARKLING WATER:

• Includes a slight acid, but it won’t add acid to your body’s pH.

• Can improve swallowing ability.

• Increases feelings of fullness.

• No effect to bone health.

WHITE POTATOES:

Good source of:

• Vitamins (eye health and metabolism and nervous system benefits)

• Fiber

• Protein

• Minerals

• Iron (blood health)

• Manganese (Wound healing and metabolism health)

CRACKERS:

Good source of fiber, especially if they’re whole grain.

BUTTER:

• Only considered healthy if used in moderation.

• Rich in fat-soluble vitamins

• Healthy saturated fats

• Lowers heart attack risk in compared to margarine.

PEANUT BUTTER:

• Good protein, fiber, vitamin and healthy fats.

• Good for the heart

• Boosts energy

• Contains potassium

• Lowers chances of diabetes

• Good for bone health

• Helps with weight loss

• Boosts immunity

BEEF JERKY:

Beef jerky is high in protein and doesn’t raise insulin and it’s good for the heart.

POPCORN:

• Doesn’t hold many calories if you don’t soak it in butter.

• Fiber (100% whole grain)

• Contains antioxidants

EGG YOLK:

• Increases immune function

• Maintains healthy blood production

• Increases skin and hair health

• Improves cellular growth and repair

• Improves brain development

• Reduces body inflammation

FISH:

• Low in fat

• High in Omega-3 fatty acids

• High in protein

• High in Vitamin D

• Helps the heart

• Can improve sleep quality

SHRIMP:

• Iodine, protein, selenium, B12, iron, phosphorus, niacin, zinc, magnesium, omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are rich in shrimp.

• Low calorie

• No carbs

BEEF/RED MEAT:

• Good quality protein

• Iron, zinc, B12, and selenium benefits

COFFEE:

A nice cup of black coffee can work wonders to the body.

• Low calorie

• Promotes brain activity

• Two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain up to 48 percent.

• Lowers risk of diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and alzheimer’s disease.

• Less risk of heart disease

PIZZA:

• Helps your body absorb more lycopene (from the tomatoes).

• Packed with protein

• Loaded with antioxidants

ICE CREAM

• Provides more energy than whole milk

• Men could eat 1 and a half cups of ice cream and women could eat 1 cup of ice cream every day and it still be considered healthy.

• Calcium

• Stimulates the brain

• Good vitamins and minerals

CHOCOLATE:

• Improves mood

• Gives you a reduction in appetite

• Dark chocolate helps the heart (in moderation)

• Modulates healthy blood flow

• May lower inflammation

• Is a prebiotic

• Contains theobromine

KETCHUP:

• Antioxidants

• Promotes healthy cholesterol levels

• Low calorie

• Improves eyesight

CHEESE:

• Lot of calcium, zinc, protein, phosphorus, B12, and Vitamin A

• Cuts heart disease risk

• Improves cholesterol

• Cheese fat may be better for us than butter fat.

WHITE BREAD:

Though whole wheat bread remains better for you, it doesn’t mean that white bread isn’t all too terrible for you, according to recent studies. They discovered that it depends on the person that which white bread negatively affects and they discovered that there’s only long-term difference between whole wheat and white bread. They said that if you prefer white bread over whole wheat, it’s not going to effect you as bad as some rumor about.