Nutrient dense foods to eat more often - some of my favorites
We’ve forgotten what food is for. Food can be delicious, cheap, entertaining, fun, quick, delicate, comforting, hardy, fragrant, beautiful, artful, and even downright sexy, but none of these characteristics should be mistaken for what food should be for. Food is for fuel, to keep our bodies running and running well as we pursue our goals and dreams in this short life we’re given.
If you want to live that life to the fullest, give your body what it needs, not just what tastes good in the moment. I’m not saying you have to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction in your meals just to live a little longer. You can still indulge that side of yourself now and again, but a slight sacrifice isn’t too much to ask for in return for more energy, less stress, less risk of disease, and a myriad of exciting colors, textures, and flavors.
Kale – Dark leafy greens in general are some of the best foods to eat. They come stocked with chlorophyll, iron, calcium, vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin K, and plenty of antioxidants. Kale also boasts sulfur-rich phytonutrients that have been linked to fighting inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and microbial infections. Kale is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that promote eye health. Kale has been linked to lowering cholesterol too.
Raw Almonds – Nuts are very good for you in a moderate amount. They are pretty caloric dense, but the fats in nuts are the healthy monounsaturated kind that lower cholesterol, protect against inflammation, help the body use fats to slim down, and aid in the absorption of many beneficial nutrients. These healthy fats are also vital to brain function, boost energy, and keep the skin young, hydrated, and blemish free.
Avocados – Avocado is a fruit that is also full of amazing good fats along with plenty of potassium, fiber, vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and a slew of carotenoids. Avocados help the heart stay healthy, lowering cholesterol and protecting against inflammation damage. It also has been linked to cancer prevention, blood sugar regulation, and stroke prevention.
Coconut Oil – Coconuts, like avocado, got a bad name for years due to the fat content. Turns out the fats in coconut oil boost energy levels, combat inflammation, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, and fight cognitive decline including dementia and Alzheimer’s. It has hundreds of benefits both internally and externally. Coconut oil can be used as moisturizer, toothpaste, or chapstick and it is one of the best oils to cook with.
Broccoli – Broccoli has been the brunt of healthy food jokes for forever, but it remains one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. It is rich in vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium. It keeps bones and teeth healthy and strong, helps regulate blood pressure, bolsters the immune system, fights cancer, and keeps the heart healthy.
Berries – Berries are a fairly low calorie, low sugar fruit thanks to their small size, water content, and amount of fiber. Berries are also one of the richest sources of a multitude of antioxidants that protect against cancer, clean up free radicals, and prevent cellular aging. Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, grapes, and raspberries are the ones you may be familiar with. Also look for camu camu, goji, and acai berries.
Cacao – The bean that chocolate comes fromkale is an extremely antioxidant rich little seed. Chocolate becomes unhealthy as we add sugars and animal fats to them, but the original raw seeds are super healthy. They contain protein, good fats, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium. They stimulate endorphins and neurotransmitters that let us feel good and calm. Beside the antioxidant benefits, cacao is good for hair, skin, and nails.
Kiwis – Kiwi is one of the richest sources of vitamin C with fiber and potassium. Vitamin C is used throughout the body to maintain tissue health—including the elasticity of our skin—prevent cancer, protect DNA from damage, support immune function, and keep up respiratory health. The fiber helps remove toxins, maintain digestive health, and lower cholesterol too.