Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy and beautiful body. A well-balanced meal should consist of all the necessary nutrients that are essential for the body.
Consuming a variety of foods helps the body get all the nutrients that the body needs in moderate proportions. While eating unhealthy foods may lead to obesity and other health concerns, consuming healthy foods can prevent such health risks raise one’s confidence due to radiant skin and hair.
Here are 30 foods that you should add to your diet for a healthy and beautiful body.
1. Avocado
Avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats that are beneficial to the body. These healthy fats help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL), aiding in reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, potassium, iron, and fiber, and low in calories, making it a superb source of nourishment. It also contains antioxidants, which help to protect the body from free-radical damage.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which help protect against DNA damage, neurological disease, and aging. They are also high in vitamin C and fiber, helping to boost immunity.
4. Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to the body by reducing inflammation, reducing the risk of heart diseases, and aiding brain development.
5. Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are beneficial as they contain lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of prostrate cancer and high blood pressure. They are also high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, providing a perfect anti-inflammatory meal.
6. Quinoa
Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all the nine essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot produce. Quinoa is also high in fiber, promoting healthy bowels and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
7. Nuts
Nuts, especially almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts, are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, calcium, and fiber hence making them healthy and satisfying snacks.
Additionally, nuts contain nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
8. Brown Rice
Brown rice is high in fiber and rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and magnesium.
9. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which gets converted to vitamin A in the body.
They are also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C, promoting healthy digestion and aiding in reducing inflammation, regulating blood pressure, and boosting immunity.
10. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and fiber. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is known to have cancer-fighting properties and promotes skin health.
11. Garlic
Garlic promotes a healthy immune system by reducing inflammation and boosting white blood cells. Garlic also contains sulfur compounds, which have disease-fighting properties and promote the body’s ability to produce collagen.
12. Ginger
Ginger contains gingerol compounds that reduce inflammation and pain in the body. This makes ginger beneficial for people suffering from sore muscles, osteoarthritis, and nausea.
13. Berries
Berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are high in fiber and antioxidants that reduce free-radical damages. Berries also contain anti-inflammatory compounds that protect the body from diseases such as cancer.
14. Eggs
Eggs provide enough protein that the body needs, which promotes muscle recovery and growth. Eggs also contain vitamins A and D and choline, which promotes brain health.
15. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics that promote gut health and boosts immunity. Greek yoghurt also contains vitamin B12, which promotes healthy skin.
16. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that promote healthy skin, lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
17. Lean Meat
Lean meat such as chicken and turkey are rich in protein, promoting muscle growth. Lean meat also contains iron, which is beneficial for blood health.
18. Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
19. Legumes
Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas are rich in fiber, protein, and nutrients such as iron and potassium. They are beneficial in reducing bad cholesterol levels, promoting digestion, and maintaining blood sugar levels.
20. Red Bell Peppers
Red Bell Peppers are high in vitamins A and C, which are beneficial in maintaining healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and fighting free radicals.
They also contain vitamin B6 and folate, which promote healthy blood vessels and lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
21. Whole Grain Bread
Whole Grain Bread is high in minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. They are also high in fiber, which promotes digestion and reduces cholesterol levels.
22. Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C and antioxidants that boost the immune system. They contain flavonoids that support brain functioning and promote healthy blood vessels.
23. Kiwi
Kiwi is high in vitamin C, potassium and fiber which promotes a healthy gut, lowers blood pressure and supports immunity.
Kiwi contains unique enzymes, such as actinidain, which promotes healthy digestion and reduces the risk of bloating and constipation.
24. Tuna Fish
Tuna Fish is high in vitamins B12 and D, promoting healthy skin and improving bone health. Tuna also contains selenium, a mineral that reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.
25. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, Vitamin C and potassium which promote a healthy and beautiful body. Eating tomatoes reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and improve skin health.
26. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is beneficial in improving brain health, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, and promoting healthy joints.
27. Walnuts
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial in protecting the heart. Additionally, they contain antioxidants, protein, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
28. Asparagus
Asparagus is high in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as iron, potassium, and fiber, making it beneficial in promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
29. Apples
Apples are high in antioxidants and fiber, which promote healthy digestion and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Apples also reduce the risk of diabetes and promote radiant skin.
30. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains healthy fats, which reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Olive oil is also beneficial in promoting healthy skin.