We have all heard that fruits and vegetables are good for us. We have also heard that when fruits and vegetables are combined with a healthy diet they can provide health and longevity in life. We are familiar with the food pyramid classifications but there are some vegetables and foods that are healthy for your diet and that are just as important for your body as the common “health foods”.
The recommended health diet
Aside from fruits and vegetables, the food pyramid also includes bread, rice and pasta, milk, yogurt and cheese, meat, poultry, fish, fats, oils, sweets, and any calcium, vitamin d, and vitamin b-12 supplements. There are healthy foods that fit into the fruit and veggie category, but there are also other categories that are very beneficial. There are many different diets to choose from, depending on your health needs or preference, however your basic dietary needs should still fall under the general recommended food pyramid guidelines. Some of the different types of diets include:
1. High Protein
2. Glucose Free
3. Low Cholesterol
4. Low Sodium
4 healthy foods you may not have considered
When thinking about vegetables you may first think of green leafy vegetables, carrots, and corn among others. Below there are a couple of vegetables and a couple of foods from different food groups.
1. Mushrooms: (vegetable): Mushrooms are generally overlooked because of its water content; however, mushrooms are good for antioxidants, and fighting off such diseases as breast and prostate cancer.
2. Bean Sprouts (vegetable): Bean Sprouts are not a complete food, but can enhance the food that it is added to. Bean Sprouts provide some of the same vitamin, mineral, and enzymes of other vegetables.
3. Peanut Butter (meat, poultry, fish): Two tablespoons of peanut butter is equivalent to one ounce of the two to three ounces that are required daily. Peanut butter provides the protein, iron, and zinc that meat provides, and is a fantastic substitute.
4. Coffee (no specific food group): Coffee or coffee beans do not fall into a specific food group, but believe it or not, coffee itself can be good for your body. Some studies show that coffee helps to lower the risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and colon cancer. The benefits of coffee are based on regular coffee, without any added flavors or sweeteners. The negative effects of coffee could come from consuming too much of it, or from the additives that you put into your cup of coffee.
Like anything else, a healthy diet combined with an active lifestyle will ensure longevity in your life.