We’ve heard all about foods that are bad for us. There are countless articles that list everything that we should avoid. There’s only one problem with this – it assumes that we know every food that is good for us. Yes, we all know to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid those dangerous artificial flavors and sugar from processed foods, but you’d be surprised about the good foods we simply aren’t aware of and some of the tastiest and healthiest foods seem to slip right under our noses. Below we’ve listed nine foods that aren’t considered to be important but actually are.

  1. Sardines

Sardines aren’t considered a particularly tasty food. However, this fish should be a regular inclusion in a person diet. When prepared the right way they can be delicious. Sardines also come packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. These ensure you have a healthy heart and mind.

  1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is the favored breakfast for most pro athletes. It comes with around 4 grams of soluble fiber in every cup. All this fiber reduces LDL, the bad cholesterol. It is a complex carbohydrate meaning it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, preventing your body from storing fat easily. This, in turn, helps you burn more fat during a workout, making oatmeal great for anyone looking to lose weight. Oats are also a great source of vitamin B1, a vitamin considered essential for pregnant women.

  1. Watercress

Watercress is a leafy vegetable that is similar to spinach. It is versatile and can be included in everything from a stir-fry to a salad. It is often overlooked for its more famous counterparts. However, this leafy vegetable was found to have a number of benefits. In a recent study involving more than 170,000 people, watercress was found to lower the risk of developing diabetes.

  1. Cloves

In centuries past, Cloves were used as mouth fresheners. They are a popular spice and are used in a variety of Asian dishes. Studies have found that cloves were one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet. A single gram of this spice contained as many antioxidants as 1/2 a cup of berries. They can be used to add spice to your Sunday roast or a fruit punch.

  1. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are another versatile food that offers a lot of benefits we are missing out on. A tablespoon of crushed flax seed can be added to everything from a salad to a smoothie and contains over 2 grams of fiber. In addition to the rich fiber content, it can help prevent the development of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer.

  1. Cinnamon

While cinnamon rolls are a favorite to many, that isn’t the only way you should be getting your dose of cinnamon. Cinnamon is a spice that is known to help regulate blood sugar levels. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial in nature. Adding a spoonful of cinnamon to your daily diet can help cut triglycerides and cholesterol by as much as 30%.

  1. Swiss Chard

This green leafy vegetable is a source of phytonutrients that are known to help fight cancer. Swiss chard also comes loaded with lutein, a strong antioxidant. Lutein can help reduce signs of aging and prevent loss of eyesight. Lastly, it is also a great source of chlorophyll. Make sure to include plenty of this green powerhouse food in your diet.

  1. Kale

Kale is a great source of vitamin A but does not get its due when it comes to its other noteworthy benefits. It is rich in antioxidants that help prevent and fight cancer. It also helps promote healthy skin and a strong immune system. A single cup of this wonderful vegetable has as much vitamin C as an orange! That should be all you need to know just how potent a vegetable Kale is!

  1. Pomegranate

Pomegranate doesn’t just taste delicious it comes packed with plenty of antioxidants and is nutrient rich. It helps prevent free radical damage that leads to cardiac problems, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. A single cup of pomegranate contains over 4 grams of fiber. Make sure to include this fruit in your diet.

Not many people are aware of just how good certain foods are. Hopefully, this article has helped shed some light on some foods that deserve a little more credit and attention. Were you aware of all the benefits these foods offered? Make sure to include them in your diet from today!

References:

Vitamin B Complex During Pregnancy: Why They Are Important

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate#Nutrition

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-health-benefits-of-flaxseeds-and-flaxseed-oil/