It can be easy to get stuck in a food rut. When you go shopping, you may find yourself reaching for foods that you eat all the time, even though your mouth may be bored to death. Here is a list of healthy foods that are often overlooked but can liven up your diet in delightful and unexpected ways.
Swiss chard is a green leafy vegetable that is high in vitamin K, vitamin A and healthy carotenoids. It is considered one of the super foods that can help boost your immune system, improve your vision and is full of healthy antioxidants. It is also low in calories and fat free. Cook Swiss chard like you would spinach, sauteed with a little lemon juice, olive oil and fresh garlic.
You can add flax seeds in many different ways to your diet. Include the seeds themselves in salads, over cereal, on yogurt or in bread. You can also add flax seed oil to many foods and get their nutritional benefit. They are high in omega 3 fats which are good for heart health. Additionally, flax seeds are known to fight hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer.
Turmeric is a spice that is widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern foods and is related to ginger. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may be a good preventive food to ward off immune system illnesses, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Use turmeric as a spice in grilled chicken, as an additive to Asian foods or as a base for curry dishes.
Instead of reaching for a can of pickled beets, try fresh beets instead. Beets come in red, orange and yellow and are a natural sweetener for many foods. These colorful foods are high in antioxidants and folic acid. They can be eaten raw or sauteed in a little olive oil and lemon. They are excellent when broiled with other root vegetables, such as sunchokes (also called Jerusalem artichokes), onions and squash.
Next time you are shopping, try buying a few whole organically grown foods you normally don’t eat. Look for brightly colored or green leafy vegetables, which are high in antioxidants and have numerous health benefits. You might be surprised at what new foods you enjoy and your taste buds will perk up in delight!
– The Alternative Daily