The other day, our favorite plant-based physician, Dr. Michael Greger stopped by Live with Kelly and Ryan to share nine of the healthiest foods he recommends everyone eat more of. Check out the video below, and then scroll down to read more about these super-healthy plant-based foods.
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9 of The Healthiest Foods You Should Eat Everyday
#1. Berries
As Dr. Greger said, berries are great for your brain health, but that’s not all… Berries are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, and they can play a big role in preventing cancer and aging. We love putting berries in our smoothies, as well as using them to make delicious compotes.
#2. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are one of the most impressive sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to help with a wide array of illnesses, ranging from depression to rheumatoid arthritis. One clever way you can get more flax seeds in your diet is by using flax eggs in your recipes.
#3. Whole Grains
It’s hard to imagine human civilization would have ever taken off without whole grains. We’ve depended on that for thousands of years, and for good reason. They’re an inexpensive and abundant source of energy, but whole grains are also great for our bodies. Statistically, they can reduce your overall mortality rate – the chance of you dying from any disease – by 15 percent.
#4. Dark Green Leaf Vegetables
As Dr. Greger pointed out, green leaf vegetables are going to supply you with the most nutrients per calorie. In fact, just one cup of chopped green leaf lettuce contains almost all the vitamin A and vitamin K you need for the day, but only comes in at about 5 calories. Not bad. You could burn that off chopping another wedge of lettuce.
#5. Legumes
Legumes are a family of vegetables that include beans, lentils, and split peas. And since hummus, tofu, and tempeh are all made from beans, they count, too. Legumes are a great source of protein, carbs, fiber, B vitamins, folate, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, and many other nutrients. Legumes alone can provide you with almost all the energy and nutrients you need.
#6. Red Cabbage
Green cabbage is a good source of vitamins C and K, but so is red cabbage, which also contains powerful anti-oxidants. Both are good, but if you have a choice between the two, go for the red. If you can’t decide, just mix ’em up into an awesome coleslaw.
#7. Mushrooms
In addition to boosting your immune system and warding off respiratory infections, mushrooms are also a good source of protein and can be used to substitute meat in recipes. Don’t like the taste of mushrooms? That’s because you haven’t tried mushroom-bacon!
#8. Nuts
Nuts are densely nutritious, fun to snack on, and taste great in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. All nuts are good for you, but as Dr. Greger mentions, walnuts have the highest omega-3 content and are the healthiest nut. Try a walnut-meat taco, or if you prefer sweets, this caramel walnut cheesecake made from cashews is a decadent way to get a full serving of nuts in one sitting.
#9. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, made from the roselle flower, has been found to lower blood pressure and increase good HDL cholesterol levels. As Dr. Greger points out, it’s just as effective at lowering blood pressure as prescription blood pressure medications. Like berries and red cabbage, hibiscus tea is also booming with antioxidants. A couple glasses a day is all you need for optimal
benefits.
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