There is a whole world of foods out there that are as good for you as they are delicious. You may not have even tried some of the powerhouse nutrients on this list, but we’re sure you’ll find your next obsession here. Whether you’re just looking to improve your overall health or heal an ailment, one of these delicious and natural snacks will do the trick.
1. Honey
Honey is one of the best healers – internal and external! It can heal your wounds and reduce inflammation, as well as kill nasty germs and provide you with long-lasting energy. Antioxidants and minerals have been used as ancient medicines for years, so let’s take a cue from our ancestors!
2. Bananas
Honestly, who would turn down a choco-banana shake? We don’t know, but now you have another reason to drink it. Bananas are as healing as honey and contain serotonin, which affects your sleep and mood (in a good way!). It also helps to digest the rest of the food in a healthy way and reduces stress. Don’t we all need that in our lives?
3. Ginger
Often brewed into a tea, this ingredient is known for its anti-nausea properties (it’s also known to treat stomach aches). So if motion sickness is your usual hangover, this is a natural solution instead of Dramamine. It will also reduce congestion and turn your immune system into Wonder Woman, so save it for the next few months while things cool down.
4. Yogurt
Good bacteria master! Probiotics are the secret to a healthy bacterial environment that protects your immune and digestive systems. Also, for women: it’s great for vaginal health, so skip the scented pH wipes and opt for this alternative.
5. Turnip
Rap may not be anyone’s dream, but it sure is a force. It treats diverticulitis, lowers blood pressure, and has its own cancer-fighting properties like cruciferous root. Turnips are perfect for detoxification and are also great for your eyesight. A turnip a day drives the doctor away.
6. Bitter melon
It’s not quite an American health food, but other cultures have used these bumpy, cucumber-like melons for centuries. They actually come from India. It is believed that they cleanse the body of slags and have anti-cancer properties. Bitter melon definitely doesn’t taste perfect if you’ve never tried it before, but its powerful effects on the gastrointestinal tract, skin conditions, and other wounds make it a must-try!
7. Greens
We all know we need to eat dark leafy greens, but vegetables are especially good for strong bones and teeth. They give you your calcium fix without the grossness of whole milk, and their key vitamins and minerals (such as impressive levels of vitamins K and A).
8. Seed oil
Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, grape seeds, whatever! The seed oil is great for fertility and hormone balancing thanks to its high levels of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and choline. Black seed oil has been shown to treat conditions such as asthma and has antioxidant properties.
9. Quinoa
Okay, don’t roll your eyes at this one! The protein content of quinoa is impressive, but so are the levels of lysine, which aids in muscle and tissue repair. So, if you want to improve your circulation and relax your blood vessels (thanks to magnesium), you should eat some quinoa to give you a boost.
