What are the healthiest foods to eat? There has been a lot of hype of organic, paleo, raw, vegan, gluten free, and so on. But not everyone needs to cut gluten out of their diet and certainly not everyone can make the commitment to go vegan. It’s all about finding the diet that works best for you. We have compiled a list of some of the world’s healthiest foods, along with their benefits.
Berries and Fruits
Berries are high in polyphenols and antioxidants which can help fight cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases. Fruits contain many vitamins, minerals and fiber. Adding several servings of fruits and berries to your daily regimen can greatly benefit your health and help fight disease.
Acai Berries
Acai Berries are rich in antioxidants and have been proven to help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease as well as boost your metabolism to aid in weight loss. They are also said to greatly boost your immune system.
Recipe and photo by The Awesome Green
Acai berries are probably the healthiest berries you can ever find. People have enjoyed their benefits for centuries, don’t be an exception!
Apples
Apples are high in vitamin C and fiber as well as antioxidants. They are the perfect snack for between meals as they are very filling. Adding some butter, cinnamon, and lime and orange juice to your sliced apples makes for a healthy, tasty treat.
Recipe and photo by Chef in Training
You can combine apples with any ingredients you like. The taste will be awesome! Get tge recipe here.
Bananas
Bananas are one of the world's healthiest foods in that they are an excellent source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin B6.
Recipe and photo by The LMLD
If you love smoothies, make a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie. It is really easy to make, and the taste is amazing!
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the best overall sources for antioxidants and have been known to help those with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Recipe and photo by Manila Spoon
Make delicious Blueberry Cheesecake. There is nothing better than having a slice of blueberry cheesecake with a cup of tea or coffee as a dessert in the morning.
Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C, Fiber and antioxidants.
Recipe and photo by The Six Sisters Stuff
Make Orange Creamsicle Fudge, and it will take you back to your childhood. Spend just 20 minutes and store this dessert in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Strawberries
Strawberries are loaded with fiber, manganese and vitamin C and they are low in calories as well, making them a perfect snack.
Recipe and photo by The Dessert Now Dinner Later
Have you tried Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries? It’s a traditional 4-th of July dessert, but it’s so easy and yummy that you can make it every day!
Dairy>
There has been much debate in recent years as to whether dairy is actually beneficial. Full fat and dairy that comes from grass-fed cows are actually beneficial in moderation if you are able to tolerate dairy. Contrary to popular belief, full fat dairy actually lowers the risk of obesity, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Cheese
Cheese is a popular ingredient in many recipes, including healthy avocado recipes. It is high in protein and calcium as well as healthy bacteria that can fight illnesses. A single serving of cheese contains as much calcium as one glass of milk.
Photo by Ethan Calabrese. Recipe by The Delish
Do you want to cook something that will make you stay full for a long time? Try cooking Creamy Three-Cheese Spaghetti and you won’t need to have a snack this day.
Whole Milk
Whole milk, despite the rumors, is the perfect ingredient for healthy snacks as it has more health benefits than skim milk or low fat milk as it is extremely high in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. And of course it is in excellent source of calcium.
Recipe and photo by The Sprouted Routes
If you don’t like drinking milk, use it as an ingredient for some yummy foods, for example, Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding. This dessert is healthy enough not to cause a sugar coma.
Yogurt
Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is an excellent source of probiotics and calcium, which makes it one of the healthiest foods to eat. You can mix in fruit, honey or grains for a tasty treat.
Photo by Kellie Van. Recipe by Le Zoe Musings
If you wish to try something epic, make Yogurt Parfait Popsicles. You will definitely love this dessert if you are a sweet tooth person.
Lean Meats
Meat has also been given a bad rap over the years. In moderation, properly cooked, lean, unprocessed meats are rich in fiber, protein and nutrients. Not everyone has the discipline to go completely vegan or even vegetarian. However, eating small amounts of lean meats is healthy.
Chicken
Chicken is extremely versatile and can be cooked in literally hundreds of ways. If prepared in a healthy manner (as not fried), chicken is extremely healthy as it is high in protein and nutrients. Chicken breasts are the lowest in calories.
Recipe and photo by The Pinch of Yum
Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Sauce Butter has the unique aroma that will make you fall in love with this dish. And if you add the tomatoes from your own garden, the aroma will be even more charming.
Beef
Lean beef is an excellent source of both protein and iron.
Recipe and photo by Le Creme de la Crumb
Also, try Slow Cooker Beef on Rice – a classic Sunday dinner recipe which is cooked slowly to become perfectly tender and served ontop of rice. You will love this juicy beef with marvelous gravy.
Lamb
As lambs feed mostly on grass, their meat is naturally high in Omega-3 fatty acids and proteins.
Recipe and photo by The Kitchen Mccabe
If you wish to have something unusual for dinner, cook Balsamic Glazed Lamb Chops. Of course, if there’s a place where you can buy lamb nearby.
Legumes
Yet another food that has received a lot of criticism over the years, legumes are actually beneficial as they are full of protein, nutrients and an excellent source of fiber. For those who can digest beans, legumes are one of the world’s healthiest foods.
Black beans
Black beans are an excellent source of iron, copper, magnesium, zinc and protein as well as fiber.
Recipe and photo by It is a Keeper
Try Mexican cuisine from time to time. For example, cook Restaurant-Style Black Beans. Its taste is really phenomenal and it takes only 25 minutes total to cook this dish! Get the recipe here.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, zinc and iron.
Recipe and photo by The Cozy Apron
If you wish to eat something crisp, green, and simple, cook Buttery French Green Beans with Garlic-Sautéed Mushrooms. This casserole is ridiculously tasty! This side dish can be served with meat.
Lentils
Lentils are full of vitamins and minerals and are an excellent source of fiber.
Recipe and photo by The Little Broken
Lentil Chili is the perfect choice if you wish to eat something extremely healthy. Even though it does not contain meat, it still has that peculiar chunky texture and taste.
