The Top 5 Healthy Foods
You’ve probably heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but perhaps you don’t understand why this is the case. It’s true, though — eating breakfast every morning can help you in many ways and keep you healthier, not to mention happier and more productive throughout the day! If you still aren’t convinced, here are five reasons why eating breakfast every morning will help keep you healthy and happy.
- Avocado
Avocados, which are usually consumed in a savory manner as a spread on toast or as a salad topping, also contain excellent vitamins that promote healthy vision. Avocados are full of Vitamin K and Vitamin E, both of which have been proven to reduce visual impairment and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, they provide large amounts of Vitamin C that is vital for good eye health. These fruits also have a high amount of fiber per serving. Studies have shown fiber can reduce risk factors associated with heart disease, obesity and diabetes. All things considered, avocados are an excellent food choice for maintaining healthy eyesight.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those foods that gets a bad rap sometimes, but when you look at what it really offers nutritionally, you’ll see why it should be in every meal. This food is high in fiber, which helps your digestive system work properly and may lower cholesterol. Additionally, broccoli is a member of one of my favorite categories: cruciferous vegetables. These veggies are known for boosting cancer-fighting power and lowering risk factors. Eat up! (It also contains sulforaphane, which is linked to better memory.)
- Oats
Many oatmeals are also high in sugar, so be sure to check nutrition labels. Because they take time to digest, oats are a good option if you have a busy morning. Oats can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Keep things healthy by adding fresh fruit, nuts or plain yogurt. If you’re watching your weight or have diabetes, opt for steel-cut oats over quick-cooking varieties such as Quaker Express 4 Minute Oats—steel-cut oats contain more fiber than their instant counterparts and will keep you feeling full longer because of their slow release of energy into your bloodstream.
- Cucumber
Cucumbers are mostly water and contain high levels of vitamin K and B6, potassium, and magnesium. They’re also a good source of dietary fiber. Like most fruits and vegetables, cucumbers are low in calories and carbohydrates, but rich in essential nutrients that keep your body running smoothly. Cucumbers taste great when eaten fresh as snacks or sliced onto a salad; simply slice them into rounds or half-rounds. If you like drinking healthy green juices for breakfast or for after-workout recovery, cucumber can be added to virtually any juice blend without altering its flavor profile. It tastes especially delicious when mixed with mint leaves!
- Spinach
Popeye was onto something when he ate spinach and as it turns out, it’s a great source of iron. Not only does spinach have 15 percent of your daily value in one cup but it’s also rich in vitamins A, K, and C. Spinach is an excellent source of carotenoids—vitamins that help to protect you from cancer. Magnesium, which helps keep your heart beating regularly, is also found in spinach along with folic acid, which keeps your blood vessels healthy. Spinach doesn’t need to be cooked either—in fact studies show that raw vegetables retain more nutrients than cooked vegetables do so just stick with a salad and you should be fine!