There are some foods so healthy but may have become underrated gems in your diet. These foods are familiar, widely available, affordable, nutrient-rich and taste great.
Beans and lentils
Beans and lentils really are nutrition superstars – rich in protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Sadly, healthy foods like beans and lentils are often overlooked. Yet they are versatile and easy on the pocket. A diet rich in these legumes can help promote weight loss, lower low-density cholesterol and raise high-density cholesterol.
Watermelon
I’m yet to come across any reason to dislike watermelon – a beautiful fruit in so many ways, but because it is so naturally sweet, some people avoid it thinking it’s high in sugar. Truth is that watermelon is fun to eat, sweet, juicy, low in calories, and full of vitamins C and A, potassium, and lycopene. It is high in water, it helps meet fluid needs.
Sweet potatoes
If you think sweet potatoes are as high in calories and carbohydrates because they are so naturally sweet, you are so wrong. Sweet potatoes are nutritional all-stars and one of the best vegetables you can eat. Not only are they a fantastic source of beta carotene, vitamin C, fibre, and potassium, they are so versatile they can be enjoyed with very few extra calories or embellishment.
Tomato juice
Everyone thinks fresh is best but juiced tomato that has been parboiled, helps release disease-fighting lycopene so it is better absorbed. A diet rich in tomatoes may help prevent prostate cancer and other types of cancer.
Red cabbage
An outstanding source of fibre, vitamins A, D, and K, folate and trace minerals, yet with only 22 calories in one cupful. Rich in antioxidants, this cruciferous vegetable boosts cancer-fighting enzymes. You can eat it raw, cooked, sweet, stand-alone or added to almost anything from soups to salads. Superb!