3 Healthy Foods That Stay Under the Radar
By Genevieve Cunningham
When it comes to healthy eating, we’ve all heard of the same old foods. We know about spinach and kale. We’ve heard about lean meats including chicken and fish. The recommended foods list has changed little over the past few years. But to be perfectly honest, this can get boring for many people. Where’s the excitement and variety? If you need some new ideas for your healthy menu, take a look at these healthy foods that remain constantly under the radar.
Eggplant
Most people give very little thought to this purple plant. Eggplant is one of those foods that a ton of people haven’t even tasted! But it’s actually really good for your health. Eggplant helps to eliminate bad cholesterol in the body, which then means that good cholesterol levels may climb. It’s also thought to be effective at managing blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, and encouraging circulation to the brain -- thus enhancing mental function. Eggplant is a great food for boosting health as a whole, so look up some fun recipes and give it a try.
Squash
Squash is delicious, and it happens to be incredibly healthy as well. Eating squash means getting massive amounts of multiple vitamins. One serving of squash can help you get enough of the Vitamins A, E, B6, and C. This means a boost to the immune system, more energy, and protection for the skin and hair. Squash also has high levels of magnesium, folate, and beta-carotene. Along with being good for the skin, squash may also boost digestion and reduce inflammation in the body. It’s an excellent addition to any winter menu -- with winter or butternut squash -- or it can be added to a summer diet -- with summer squash and zucchini.
Sweet Potato
While many people think about this root vegetable around Thanksgiving, it’s actually healthy enough to eat all year long. Sweet potatoes, because of their incredibly high dosage of Vitamin A, are really good for the eyes. They may also help you lose weight, boost the immune system, improve digestion, and protect the muscles from cramps. Sweet potatoes can be baked, mashed, or made into fries. The options are endless and the health benefits are more than worth the effort of finding new recipes and working them into the regular menu.
Eating a healthy and well balanced diet doesn’t have to be boring. It doesn’t have to be monotonous, and it doesn’t have to be the same old foods over and over again. Use these foods to change it up a bit. You may find some delicious new recipes, but still keep the amazing health benefits for your body and mind.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Thornton, Colo.