We know that some foods are better for us than others, but what about the health benefits of foods you didn’t know were good for you? We need leafy greens in our diet, but what about chocolate or nuts? Check out the surprising health benefits of food you already eat.
Coffee
Did you know that coffee can improve brain function? It can if you don’t drink decaf. Caffeine is responsible for enhancing a few functions in our body:
Caffeine blocks a specific neurotransmitter in the brain, increasing energy levels, mood, and memory.
Caffeine also increases our metabolism so that we burn fat at a faster rate.
Drinking a cup of coffee before a workout is a great way to increase performance since caffeine increases adrenaline levels.
White Produce
We often skip foods like cauliflower and parsnips in favor of green veggies like kale and broccoli, but white produce has health benefits, too:
Onions and garlic help protect against some types of cancer.
Cauliflower is a superfood, thanks to its nutrient density.
Parsnips are high in antioxidants to help prevent chronic conditions.
Cherries
Do you have arthritis? The next time you’re experiencing pain from arthritis or other inflammation, eat a few cherries. The red coloring of cherries comes from a specific antioxidant called anthocyanin, and it can help alleviate aches and pains for athletes. There’s also a high amount of melatonin in cherries, so it makes your sleep more restful.
Pecans
We often underrate pecans, not only for their taste but also for their amazing health benefits. Like other nuts, they have a high concentration of monounsaturated fat, meaning they can help lower cholesterol content and prevent heart disease if you choose them over snacks like chips. They also pack a ton of antioxidants to help stave off diabetes and other chronic illnesses.
Dark Chocolate
If you’re trying to lower your sugar intake, swapping out sweets for dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you a few healthy bonuses:
The flavanol content helps with heart health by lowering cholesterol.
Dark chocolate actually has more antioxidants than berries.
It also helps improve memory because it contains caffeine.
Knowing the surprising health benefits of the food you already eat can make it easier to indulge in the foods you love most!
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