Some everyday foods are powerhouses for our bodies, providing us with the nutrients we need to be strong and healthy. You can add an exotic food to your meals every now and then, but by regularly including some of the following foods in your diet, you’ll be doing your body and your wallet a favour!

Apples

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre. By keeping the skin on, you get even more of the goodness. Apples are also a great source of energy and are easy to take to work, so they make for an ideal and tasty snack.

Carrots

Carrots, which may play a role in the protection against cardiovascular disease, are a good source fibre as well as beta-carotene, an antioxidant which gives carrots their orange colour. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A which plays a vital role in good vision.

Silver beet

Also known as Swiss chard or perpetual spinach, this leafy green vegetable is packed full of beta-carotene, vitamins and minerals. The leaves as well as the stems can be eaten and are usually boiled but can also be steamed or stir-fried.

Apricots

Apricots are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also contain catechins which may have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Avocado

Avocados are a rich source of unsaturated fats and vitamin E. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which helps to reduce cell damage. Avocados can be eaten on their own, included in a salad or used as a spread on sandwiches.

Red grapes

Red grapes are good bite-sized boosts of energy which are easy to pack as a snack for school or work. They also contain resveratrol which seems to boost our immune systems and provide some level of protection against aging, cognitive decline and hearing loss.

Berries

Berries are a great source of vitamins and anti-oxidants and have been shown to have some cancer fighting properties too.

Prunes

Prunes are a good source of vitamin K and copper. They also provide fibre to our diets, which has a beneficial effect on cholesterol and intestinal health.

Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea, produced in South Africa, is a naturally caffeine-free tea and high in antioxidants. Because it has no caffeine, it contributes to your water intake for the day if you have a cup or two. Other than drinking Rooibos tea, you can also use it when baking, cooking or stewing to add a twist to the flavour of your meals.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are so easy to add to most meals. Not only are they a source of vitamin C and antioxidants, they also provide quite a bit of moisture in meals which means that you can do away with, or use significantly less, mayonnaise on sandwiches and processed dressings on salads.

 

Sources

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.whfoods.com