Think you know all the healthiest foods out there? While fruits and vegetables get all the glory, some underrated superfoods are hiding in plain sight. This could be due to their taste and look, or they’re just simply hard to find. These secretly healthy foods are packed with vitamins and minerals, offering benefits like better digestion, improved heart health, and even a natural energy boost. If you’re up to improving your diet intake, here are the 15 secretly healthy foods you’re missing out on.
15. Sardines
While the pungent smell of Sardines drives people away, it’s a food that people should keep in their pantries. Why? Believe it or not, they’re packed with protein and healthy fats. Also, they’re found to have nutrients such as potassium, zinc, and iron. Not to mention, the fish alone is rich in vitamins D and B12. You can add them to pasta dishes and spreads or enjoy them as is.
14. Artichokes
Artichokes are these weird-looking vegetables that make people think whether they want to add them to their daily dose of veggies. Well, here’s a sign to add them in, as they’re called superfoods for a reason. They provide low-calorie and low-fat sources of nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6. Also, they’re a great food to lower the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
13. Seaweeds
The slimy and kind of fishy smell of Seaweeds is off-putting to many. However, you might want to change your mind about them as they’re a great source of iodine, which contains minerals and vitamins like vitamin K, iron, and zinc. Also, they support gut health as they have 35% to 60% of fiber, that’s higher than most fruits and vegetables.
12. Kimchi
Probably a vegetable that has a weird taste for some, Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented dish. Its taste is known to be spicy and tangy, but it’s a great addition to your meals. It has prebiotic bacteria due to different vitamins and minerals from cruciferous veggies added to it. Kimchi promotes colorectal health and reduces cholesterol.
11. Liver
Even meat lovers aren’t thrilled about eating Liver, but if you get past it, then they’re a great food for your health (in moderation, of course). They’re packed with vitamins A and B12, iron, copper, and riboflavin. To help you develop a liking for it, you can mix them in stews and casseroles as tiny cube pieces.
10. Spinach
While Spinach may be known as a superfood, its scent and taste make it a no-go even when added to pizza and pasta. You might want to change your mind as these leafy greens are rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and iron. Spinach can even help maintain good eye vision and energy levels to keep you going throughout the day.
9. Cauliflower
While broccoli takes all the blame for children getting scared of eating their greens off the plate, its pale counterpart, Cauliflower, also has its fair share of dislike among many. It’s a cruciferous vegetable that is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. It also has a natural plant chemical called sulforaphane that helps prevent cancer.
8. Tofu
A staple in Asian dishes, Tofu is something that needs a lot of time to like due to its texture, which may be off-putting to some. Still, the soybeans in Tofu are rich in isoflavones, which are plant-based chemicals that help lower blood pressure and maintain heart protection benefits. According to a 2012 research, they’re also found to lower the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.
7. Pomegranate
Often found in healthy smoothies, Pomegranate isn’t a common fruit eaten by many on a daily basis. However, they’re full of antioxidants that clean your body to prevent the damage of tissues that contribute to cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a food that people either love or hate. Still, don’t hesitate to add them to your diet, as they’re a great source of vitamin D and contain high levels of selenium. This selenium helps prevent cell damage. However, you should be aware that not all Mushrooms are safe to eat so only buy those that they sell in grocery stores.
5. Black Garlic
While Black Garlic isn’t common to see, they’re a great food to add to your meals. It’s raw garlic that has aged, so it has a black color and sticky consistency. Black Garlic is found to contain more antioxidants than the common ones, which protect the cells from various diseases. It’s also linked to brain health as it helps prevent inflammation that worsens brain function.
4. Lentils
Lentils are the perfect alternative to meat since they contain 25% protein. They’re also a great source of iron, which many vegetarian diets usually lack. Lentils are fairly easy to cook since they’re just boiled. You can even add them as an ingredient to your salad, soup, or even to your pasta sauces.
3. Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in fresh or salt water. Phycocyanin is actually its main component, as it fights oxidative stress that promotes inflammation. They also help in lowering cholesterol while increasing the good ones that help prevent heart diseases. You can add Spirulina to healthy smoothies or salad dressing.
2. Tempeh
Tempeh, the perfect meat substitute, is described as having a bitter taste. However, it decreases cholesterol levels due to the natural plant compound called soy isoflavones. You can add them to different dishes to get rid of their bitter taste.
1. Quinoa
Looking for a complete protein? Add Quinoa to your diet. It’s high in fiber content and contains all of the essential amino acids. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. They’re easy to digest and are also gluten-free food.