It seems that many foods a lot of people enjoy eating are all the same ones that are considered bad for us. However, there might be some good tasting foods that are surprisingly good for us too.
Here are some things we eat that we may not know can be healthy
Peanut butter
Even though peanut butter contains saturated fat and sodium, it still has health benefits. It contains a much larger amount of unsaturated than saturated fat. There are also vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in peanuts and peanut butter which adds to it's nutritional value. Numerous studies have indicated that foods that contain peanuts may be helpful in preventing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Popcorn
Many people consider popcorn a junk food, and it can be if it's loaded with salt and butter, but popcorn itself is actually pretty healthy. It contains fiber and more antioxidants than in fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that microwave popcorn has more calories than air popped popcorn as well.
Dark chocolate
A lot of people don't realize that there are antioxidants in dark chocolate that help lower blood pressure and may play a role in helping to prevent heart disease, though this cannot be said for milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Coffee
Yes, even coffee can be good for you. In excessive amount, it might have some negative affects, but in moderate amounts the nutrients and antioxidants can be beneficial. Studies have shown that it helps to prevent type 2 diabetes. The caffeine it contains can also help you stay alert and less stressed.
Sardines
Sardines are loaded with vitamins, protein, and nutrients. It has been known to be one of the best sources for Vitamin B12 and can help promote heart and bone health.
Red Wine
In general, alcohol isn't good for us, but it has been researched that red wine is healthier than most other types of alcoholic beverages. Like many other things, excessive amounts will be harmful, but there are antioxidants in red wine that promote heart health when consumed in moderation. It contains an ingredient called Resveratrol that helps prevent blood vessel problems.
Potatoes
It is known that potatoes are packed with carbohydrates and are one of the main things that nutritionists will tell you to cut down on if you are trying to lose weight. However, they are a great source for Vitamin B, potassium, iron, and magnesium. They can help with blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stress.
Beef
When cooked and consumed with caution, beef can have some great health benefits. It's contains Vitamin B12, protein, and iron. It's best to go with leaner beef and stick with around a 3 ounce serving.
Cheese
Health professionals will often caution people about the consumption of cheese because it's high in saturated fat and often plays a leading role in high cholesterol. However, when we choose low fat or fat free cheese, it becomes significantly healthier as it is a great source for calcium which promotes strong bones. It also includes zinc with helps muscle and tissue growth.
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