Health Benefits Of Your Favorite Foods

With “superfoods” and “healthy eating” being the buzzwords on social media, there is no dearth of information on what your diet should comprise of. While there’s no doubt that these superfoods are good for your body, they’re not the only things good for you! Sometimes, your favorite food that you munch on every day might just be healthier! Find out if your comfort food makes the cut.

1. Potato

Didn’t see this coming, did you? We’ve all been told how bad potatoes and potato-based dishes are. But, if truth be told, potatoes are one of the most  “well rounded” foods you can include in your diet! When eaten with the peel, potatoes are a rich source of fiber, which helps promote smooth digestion. Potatoes also carry healthy amounts of antioxidants, B-vitamins, and potassium.¹

Best Ways To Eat Potatoes

You might want to keep the french fries away for this. Instead of fried potato, go for its baked counterpart. You could try baked potato fries, hash browns, or a simple baked potato salad.

2. Berries

Want to stay away from heart disease? Opt for berries! Studies suggest that berries – thanks to their rich antioxidant (anthocyanin) content – can lower cholesterol levels, clear clogged arteries, reduce inflammation, and prevent heart disease. Eating a handful of berries every day can also help keep your brain healthy and reduce your risk of age-related memory loss.^{2 3}

Best Ways To Eat Berries

You could add frozen berries to a smoothie, add them to your favorite cereal, or eat them raw!

3. Oats

Considered one of the most loved breakfast foods, oatmeal carries a string of health benefits. Oats are made of whole grains, which are rich in soluble dietary fiber. They lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, manage diabetes, regulate blood pressure, and also aid weight loss.^{4 5}

Best Ways To Eat Oats

Oats can be eaten raw – as muesli – or can be made into oatmeal. If you fancy a delicious snack, you could also prepare oatmeal cookies!

4. Mango

Honestly, who doesn’t love the mango season? This juicy fruit is not only delicious but also healthy! Rich in both vitamin C and vitamin A, mangoes can boost your immunity and keep diseases at bay. They also help manage diabetes and manage weight.^{6 7}

Best Ways To Eat Mangoes

Raw, sliced mangoes are the tastiest and healthiest! You could also add them to your smoothie or to fruit salad. Alternatively, you could also try recipes like mango yogurt, mango salsa, or mango-based curries.

5. Chocolate

If you didn’t think chocolate could be healthy, think again! Chocolates – especially the dark kind with over 70% cocoa – can promote your heart and brain health. Furthermore, dark chocolate boosts immunity, assists weight loss, and is also known to work wonders as an aphrodisiac.^{8 9}

Best Ways To Eat Chocolate

When it comes to chocolate, bitter is better! Go for dark chocolate and eat at most 4 squares a day.

6. Green Tea

Time for all tea lovers to rejoice, as science says green tea might be the healthiest of all beverages. Green tea is known to be a potent agent for metabolism and weight loss. Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and catechins, green tea can also reduce bad cholesterol levels, enhance the longevity of life, and even prevent cancer.¹⁰

Best Ways To Drink Green Tea

Drink 2–3 cups of your favorite green tea every day. Some of the best types of green tea include cinnamon or cardamom green tea or matcha tea.

7. Oregano

Who knew that oregano has benefits other than spicing up our pizza? Turns out, oregano is a wonder herb that can provide relief from respiratory and digestive issues. Oregano is also known to help reduce menstrual cramps, joint pain, and headaches. When applied topically, oregano can also treat skin conditions like eczema, canker sores, and athlete’s foot.¹¹

Best Ways To Use Oregano

The most popular way to consume oregano is by using it as a culinary seasoning in your favorite dishes, including pizza, meat, and salad. If you’re suffering from a sore throat or a microbial infection, you could also drink 2–3 drops of oregano oil to obtain relief from the conditions.

So, the next time your fitness enthusiast friend mocks you for eating chocolate every day or for being a potato-lover, you know exactly what to say!