Healthy Foods that Belong in Your Shopping Cart
By Sara Butler
It can be difficult to decipher which foods are really good for you and which foods are just hyped up a lot. Maybe you eat vegetarian because you read it’s better for your heart, or maybe you eat quinoa instead of white rice because you’ve heard how much better it is for you. Not all nutrition advice is bad advice, but you don’t have to only shop for superfoods to reap the health benefits when you go to the store. In fact, there are some everyday foods that should be a part of your weekly shopping list no matter what.
Mushrooms
You can use lifestyle changes as well as diet changes to help prevent or even reverse some medical issues. One food that can help you get on your way to a healthier you are mushrooms. This seemingly innocent fungus has been found to have a lot of anti-cancer properties -- and they also happen to make a great meat substitute in your favorite dishes.
Plums and Prunes
You know that prunes can help to keep your gastrointestinal system chugging right along, but did you also know that they’re great for the health of your bones too? Dried plums are high in a mineral called boron, which helps to support a healthy bone structure. They’re also high in anti-inflammatory polyphenols.
Unsalted Nuts
It might be true that nuts are high in fat, but if you have to choose between chips and nuts to satisfy your crunchy cravings, nuts should win every time. Just make sure you buy unsalted varieties and watch your serving size. The fiber, protein, and healthy fats in nuts will help keep you satisfied, which is why they make a great snack.
Bananas
Bananas are pretty perfect. They’re portable and fit easily in your hand, plus they’re affordable and filling, with enough Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and fiber to keep your body happy. You can eat them alone, add them to smoothies or even freeze and enjoy as a dessert. The sky is the limit for the humble banana!
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are really good for you. They’re full of minerals and antioxidants, plus they’re a great slowly-digesting carbohydrate to help provide you with sustained energy. It also won’t impact your blood sugar as much as grains or white potatoes, meaning you may be less hungry after eating them than other types of potatoes.
Don't shy away from these foods on your next shopping trip!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Northbrook, Ill.