Healthy eating doesn’t require you to spend extra on expensive foods with buzzwords like organic, all-natural, extra protein and superfood. In fact, you can eat healthy with nutritious foods you likely have sitting in your kitchen right now. It’s all about having a balanced diet featuring a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins .
In my quest to learn more about the hidden health benefits of common foods, I did the research so you don’t have to.
I was surprised to see that several foods I’d been overlooking are healthier than I previously thought.
Oats are one of my favorite foods on this list. They’re versatile, relatively easy to use and inexpensive. When it comes to their nutritional offering, oats pack a punch. According to the US Department of Agriculture, oats are loaded with complex carbohydrates , fiber and essential vitamins and minerals , including B1, B3, B5, B6, folate and iron.
Go for steel-cut or rolled oats to reap the most benefits, as instant oatmeal is more processed and has a slightly higher glycemic index.
You’re probably excited to see another fan favorite on this list. Pasta is made from wheat, which is a grain — one of the basic food groups in a balanced diet. Some types of pasta are stripped of their nutrients during the refining process.
However, most are fortified with folate, iron and vitamin B .
If you’re looking for a refined-free option, try whole-grain pasta — which has been proven to satiate you for longer — or pasta made of vegetables. Chickpea pasta has become popular recently and is rich in fiber and protein, making it an excellent choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Eggs are a great source of protein , iron, selenium, phosphorus and vitamins B2, B5 and B12. They also keep you full longer , which can help maintain a balanced eating schedule.
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