Finding the best foods to keep you healthy can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve just started your health and fitness journey. With so many different options, you may find yourself wondering which foods are the absolute best. Auburn Chiropractic Associates is home to one of Auburn, Alabama’s leading chiropractors and a team of qualified individuals who care about your well-being. We understand the importance of maintaining a nutritious diet and want to help you determine what foods are best for you. Read on to learn why these six foods are some of the most beneficial for your overall health.
Berries
You may have already discovered that berries are one of the most beneficial superfoods when it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy diet. While this is true, many people may not understand why berries are beneficial. Not only are berries sweet and easy to find, but they also contain plenty of nutrients and antioxidants that lower your risk of disease and improve wellness. One of the most beneficial aspects of berries is the high amount of dietary fiber. Fiber slows the speed of food as it travels through the digestive system, leaving one feeling less hungry. This is helpful if you are concerned with weight management and looking for food with lower calories. Additionally, berries can lower your cholesterol levels, improve the health of your skin, and may protect against some forms of cancer. Consider adding blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, goji berries, acai berries, elderberries, and cranberries to your diet. You may add berries to your salads and smoothies, or enjoy them in many recipes. They are also great as a convenient and nutritious snack. If they’re not in season, don’t worry! Frozen berries are just as impactful on your health and can be found at your local grocery store.
Salmon
Fish is a very healthy protein option, and salmon has multiple benefits. While you may have the choice between farmed and wild salmon, professionals highly recommend consuming wild fish more because it is less likely to be contaminated. Additionally, salmon has a better ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In fact, the omega-3 that salmon contains is one of the most important nutrients in this food. These fatty acids help prevent disease and lower blood pressure as well as inflammation. Salmon also contains selenium, which is an important nutrient for bone health, thyroid function, and can even decrease your risk of certain types of cancer. Of course, there are many other types of fish. The best reason to eat fish is that it is nutritious and delicious!
Garlic
Garlic may be a pleasant surprise; it has been known to have a beneficial impact on your health for ages. The medicinal and health properties that garlic contains have been used throughout history and have proven to be effective. One aspect that makes this food so healthy is that it reduces high blood pressure, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. A study that was conducted on garlic showed that 600-1,500 mg of garlic extract was just as effective over the course of 24 weeks as the medication Atenolol. Garlic also boosts your overall immune system and helps your body prevent common colds and the flu. There are many more reasons why garlic is so important for your diet, but these factors are some of the leading benefits. Consider adding garlic to your diet to enhance the taste as well as nutritional content.
Dark Chocolate
This may not be the first healthy food that comes to your mind when you think about it, but dark chocolate possesses countless beneficial qualities. Don’t mistake milk chocolate for a healthy choice because it contains additives such as milk solids, sugar, and cream. These additives add flavor but not the nutritional value that is present in dark chocolate. Even though chocolate is delicious and popular, you should make sure you’re eating it in moderation. Iron, copper, and magnesium are all nutrients that are included in dark chocolate. It also contains flavonoids, which have an antioxidant effect on the body and help fight disease. This element improves your blood pressure and can reduce blood clots. Studies have also suggested that dark chocolate may reduce your risk of having a heart attack by as much as 10 percent.
Spinach
Adding spinach to your diet has some surprising positive benefits that you may not be aware of. This food contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals that are crucial for your body. This includes carotenoids, which are formed into vitamin A, vitamin C, which improves your skin health, and iron, which transports oxygen to your tissues. Because of the amount of zinc and magnesium also present in spinach, you’ll receive better sleep and feel more relaxed throughout the day. This relaxed state may help reduce headaches. This has been one of the most helpful foods for a number of reasons and can thankfully be included in a variety of meals.
Eggs
This food is one of the best for your diet and very popular, especially for breakfast. With numerous nutrients and vitamins, eggs contain some of the most necessary elements for your health. Choline is one of these elements and can help prevent liver and heart disease, as well as neurological disorders. Additionally, this nutrient is important for pregnant women because it can lower the risk of cognitive problems with the baby. Of course, if you’ve ever had an egg before, you may know that they tend to be filling. This helps with weight maintenance and does not increase your blood glucose levels because eggs contain trace amounts of carbohydrates. Make sure to eat the yolk of your egg also because it contains most of the nutrients. Eggs also contain a very high-quality protein found predominantly in the white aspect of the egg.
How We Can Help
At Auburn Chiropractic, we care about your overall wellness and are committed to helping you become the healthiest you. Chiropractic treatment includes spine care and extremity treatment. We emphasize a natural, preventive approach to optimal health. Your overall health may be affected by neck and back pain as well as headaches. We are available to assist you with a natural and conservative solution. With a team of qualified and knowledgeable individuals, we have the resources and health plans to help you get started on a healthier, happier life. Contact us at 334-826-2225 to make an appointment. It’s never too late to start a healthy lifestyle!