Including the 15 world’s healthiest foods into your diet will change the way you look, feel and live for good.
According to nutritionists, celebrities and fitness fanatics, here are the worlds healthiest foods to eat everyday.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice and is primarily incorporated into salads and dressings. Featured in Steven R. Bowers’ book ‘Secrets of the World’s Healthiest People’ – a physician who specialises in hyperbaric medicine at St Luke’s University hospital in Pennsylvania, a shot of apple cider vinegar is recommended for all. In ancient times, The Greeks treated wounds with it. Fast forward to more recent years, apple cider vinegar has been explored as a tool for weight loss and improving heart health.
2. Avocado
Former Victoria’s Secret model, Miranda Kerr, is an advocate for the humble avocado. Kerr believes it to be a great natural source of vitamins and natural fats and aims to ensure that a salad consisting of feta cheese, avocado and spinach is included on her dinner menu.
Avocados contain more potassium than a banana, and – even better, are full of the good fats. Potassium helps nerves to function and muscles to contract. These monounsaturated fats do wonders for the heart and the waistline, unlike the other saturated stuff. The avo toast bandwagon has gone from strength to strength, and the avo smoothie remains a serious contender in the brunch game.
3. Black Beans
Black beans are full of fibre, protein and magnesium, which, in turn, helps promote a healthy digestion and improves blood sugar, cholesterol and overall gut and muscle health. Recipes such as healthy black bean tacos or a black bean salad are an easy, nutritious way to incorporate them into the diet.
4. Blueberries
Czech – American model, Karolina Kurkova, utilises blueberries as a staple ingredient in her own recipe; berry probiotic chia pudding
Blueberries high amounts of fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants. According to the National Library of Medicine, berries are associated with enhancing heart health, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.
5. Almonds
Heidi Klum, American television host, model and producer swears by almonds as her go – to snack. Klum says a handful of the nutritious nut can tie her over until the next meal.
Rich in fibre, protein and healthy fats, almonds are an essential nut for the pantry. Opting for almond flour is a fabulous alternative option that delivers both taste and fibre (health wise), rather than utilising plain flour, which is high in GI and sugar.
6. Cinnamon
This powerhouse spice can add flavour to any cake, coffee or smoothie without the sugar. Additionally, it assists in lowering blood sugar and reducing inflammation, according to nutritionists. Cinnamon pairs well with banana, coconut yogurt, chia seeds and almond milk for a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
7. Cumin
The spices don’t stop there – cumin appears in many curry blends and can result in an increasedantioxidant intake, enhanced digestion and is a source of iron. According to nutritionists, consuming cumin supplements regularly has been linked to weight loss and improved blood cholesterol.
8. Dark chocolate
Renowned singer, Kylie Minogue, eats dark chocolate most days. She claims it as her indulgence, simply with all the extra benefits that comes along with it.
The World’s Healthiest Person – Asha Mittal, aged 65, avoids all sugary foods and confectionary but one; dark chocolate. The cocoa butter commonly found in dark chocolate triggers the hormones in the brain that let the body know it’s reached satiety. Quality, healthy chocolate is all about cocoa content—that is where the range of health benefits and antioxidant compounds come from.
9. Garlic
Actress Angelina Jolie is known to be an avid garlic tea lover. Jolie places fresh garlic in boiling water and makes her own garlic tea.
Experts have found that garlic’s active ingredient, allicin, helps lower cholesterol levels, protects cells from oxidative damage and stabilises blood pressure and sugars. Add it to fresh, homemade salsa or on homemade pizza toppings.
10. Ginger
Ginger has been proven to lower cholesterol and can aid in helping to prevent blood clots, proven by health experts. It is also commonly used to help control blood sugar for those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes. A healthy ginger and lemon loaf cake is the perfect addition to any picnic or weekend treat.
11. Honey
Honey is a nutrient dense substitute for sugar. It provides a sufficient amount of antioxidants, and can easily be added to toast, with banana, chia seeds and peanut butter for a pick – me – up breakfast.
12. Olives
Stdues have shown that extra-virgin olive oils kill human cancer cells with no consequences on normal cells. Previous studies demonstrated that a component found in some olive oils—oleocanthal – can have this cancer-killing effect.
There are a myriad of vitamins and antioxidants found in olives. Specifically, they’re rich in vitamin E, which can improve skin health and help the immune system.
13. Popcorn
Light on calories and full of fibre – a snack doesn’t get much better than popcorn. For health benefits, look for a lightly salted version, without the added buttery flavouring from brands that are jam – packed with sodium. The heart will thank you later.
14. Protein
Nutritionists agree that, in order to build muscle, protein is required first and foremost. Protein supplements are a perfect way to ensure protein intake is sufficient. Plus, a protein shake will keep feelings of hunger at bay more so than most traditional breakfasts or snacks.
15. Spinach
Renowned actress and Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon has the same spinach smoothie everyday. She includes; ½ cup spinach 2 heads of romaine lettuce, ½ cup coconut water, 1 banana, 1 apple, 1 pear, and 1 lemon.
It’s difficult to seek out which mineral and vitamins cannot be found in the superfood which is spinach. In particular, consuming spinach comes with a substantial amount of potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. The green leafy vegetable is a great way to boost any food intake in the right direction with its plethora of health benefits and nutrients.
