unpopular foods that are actually good for you

unpopular foods that are actually good for you

 

There are so many foods out there that have been labelled bad for your health. You are constantly being told that no matter what you should never have these foods. However, a lot of times, these claims are not correct. They stem out of outdated research or an inborn community prejudice as well. These kinds of foods often have a ton of health benefits that we often overlook. Here is a list of 11 unpopular foods that are actually good for you.

Whole Eggs

Eggs are one of the healthiest foods. Sometimes, people are advised not to eat whole eggs as the yolk is high cholesterol. It was believed that egg yolks increase the risk of heart diseases. However, new studies have shown that eating high cholesterol foods actually forces the liver to produce less cholesterol and these levels remain stable. Whole eggs are also thought to change the bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the blood.

Coconut oil

It was thought that saturated fats in coconut oil can cause heart disease. Thus people began replacing it with vegetable oil. New studies have suggested that the fat in coconut oil is actually beneficial for the heart. It increases the amount of good cholesterol in the blood. When taken in moderate amounts, it also promotes weight loss.

Full fat dairy

It is true that full fat dairy like cheese, butter and cream are high in fat and cholesterol. However, cheese does not negatively affect the cholesterol or other markers of heart health. Butter intake, however, does increase the amount of bad cholesterol. Low-fat dairy also lacks some nutrient qualities that high-fat dairy contains. Full-fat dairy is rich in vitamin K2, which promotes bone and heart health. You should, however, consume them in moderation.

Legumes

Legumes are rich on protein, minerals and fiber. They also do contain some antinutrients that prevent the body from absorbing minerals like iron and zinc. However, this is a concern only for those who do not eat meat and poultry at all. People who have some intake of meat, fish or poultry can fulfil their requirements of these nutrients. Legumes are also rich in potassium and magnesium that reduce inflammation and promote heart health.

Unprocessed meat

Some believe red meat can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. But, unprocessed meat is a rich source of protein and has always been a big part of the human diet. They improve muscle function and increase strength. It is also known to reduce inflammation. Meat is another source for heme iron, a type that the body absorbs most easily.

Coffee

Coffee contains caffeine which is a stimulant and can have adverse effects. But, consuming coffee in moderation is known to have a number of health benefits. It can help in improving your mood and well as performance. It is also known to boost your metabolism. Caffeine is also known to contain antioxidants. Coffee is known to be beneficial for people with depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well. Finally, it protects liver health too. It is known to reduce chronic hepatitis C and also reduce the risk of liver cancer.

Canned vegetables

Many are of the opinion that canned vegetables are less nutritious than fresh vegetables. Canning them while they are still fresh retains a lot of their nutrients. On the other hand, fresh vegetables might lose their value as they are transported. Nutrients like vitamin A and E and also fiber are restored when veggies are frozen as they are more stable in water.

Whole grains

People on a paleo or low carb diet avoid eating grains. However, whole grains have a number of important nutrients. It reduces inflammation, helps maintain body weight and also helps reduce belly fat. Oats, for example, are rich in fiber and antioxidant content. Whole grains generally include wheat, barley and oats. Grains like buckwheat and quinoa are gluten-free and have more protein than other varieties of grains.

Salt

Too much salt can cause a greater risk of developing heart disease and stroke. But, salt is an important electrolyte that the body needs, it helps maintain fluid balance and also keeps your muscles and nerves healthy. It is advisable for adults to consume less than 2.3 grams of sodium a day.

Shellfish

Shellfish mostly includes shrimp, mussels, crabs, oysters and clams. They are rich in a number of different nutrients. Even though they are high in cholesterol, they are unlikely to raise the levels in your blood. They are rich in protein and selenium which is important for healthy brain function. They are also a rich source of iodine.

Chocolate

Many view chocolates as unhealthy as it is high in sugar and calories. However, dark chocolate, when taken in moderate amount is actually good for your health. It contains high amounts of antioxidants. It also increases insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels. Studies have also found that dark chocolate protects the skin against sun damage.