Easy to Find Ingredients That Will
Boost Your Health
Food is at the center of our lives. It does so much more than just refuel us— the nutrients we take in from food also helps us maintain our bodies and contribute to important processes necessary for life. In our interview with Ted Ingram, Jr., RDN, LDN, CPT, he shared a few tips that are essential for understanding food and building a healthier lifestyle and diet.
Today, we're going to build on that advice and list out a few ingredients that can add a healthier boost to any diet. These ingredients are common, and can generally be found in many American grocery stores, or even grown at home. Take a look below and see which healthy, all-natural ingredients you can start adding into your own homes and lifestyles.
Berries
Berries are a delicious, light snack, but that burst of sweetness isn't the only thing that they've got going for them. Many berry species are actually powerful health foods, with tons of vitamins and minerals despite the small serving sizes. They're packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress on cells, and some species of berry can even help lower your blood pressure.
Everyday Health reports that blueberries and strawberries can keep your mind sharp, thanks to their abundant anthocyanidin compounds.
Just two servings of strawberries or one serving of blueberries a week has been found to lessen mental decline over the years. Berries are also great for preventing degenerative diseases like Parkinson's, and can also reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the name for the young grass of the common wheat plant. Found all over the country, wheatgrass is packed with a ton of nutrients that can help improve and maintain your health.
‘What is Wheatgrass Juice Powder’ by Brightcore, outlines how wheatgrass has nutritional properties that can help fight diseases and illnesses such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and much more. It's also packed with antioxidants that can help fight free radicals, keeping you and your cells healthier. Whether blended fresh or added into smoothies as a powder, it's a simple, powerful healthy boost to any juice or smoothie.
Almonds
Almonds are a light, healthy food, and are well known for being a low calorie alternative to many other snacks. They're also super nutritious— Health Magazine’s post on ‘Health Benefits of Almonds’ writes that an ounce of almonds contains 6 grams of plant protein, 4 grams of fiber, 50% the daily target for vitamin E, as well as magnesium, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium.
The antioxidants in almonds prevent oxidative stress. Additionally, raw and roasted almonds are considered prebiotics, also known as food for the good bacteria in our digestive systems. These nuts have good cholesterol that benefit heart health, and consuming them regularly has even been found to reduce body mass index while boosting feelings of fullness.
Garlic
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many recipes, and one that you've probably used several times before. However, many people tend to underestimate just how useful and healthy garlic can be. It doesn't just add flavor to a dish— it can also boost your heart health and immune system at the same time.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends garlic for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It can improve your heart health, give you better hair and skin, and even fight fungal infections as a topical solution.
When you eat well, you live well. The above ingredients are a few of the most common plant-based foods that you'll find in America, but despite their humble stature they pack a punch in terms of nutritional quality.
While these are a great addition to any diet, a little bit of research will show that many common foodstuffs that we see in our homes or on the grocery shelves are just as powerful. Empower yourself with information about healthier diets and habits, and look forward to a long, happy, and healthy life.