The Tastiest Way to Get Your Nutrients? From These Delicious Foods
| 2 min read
Supplements may seem like the easiest way to get all the vitamins you need, but what about when you get your nutrients from actual food? While supplements are helpful for some people, like pregnant women and older adults, whole foods contain a complex blend of nutrients, fiber, antioxidants and more that work together to boost your health. And c
- Beans: This nutrient-rich food (it’s considered both a vegetable and a protein) is packed with fiber, vitamin B, potassium and phytonutrients, which can help guard against developing certain types of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. This holiday season, try recipes for Slow-Cooked Beans or Collard Greens with Lima Beans and Smoked Turkey. You can even add beans to your cookies!
- Sweet potatoes: Full of fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and potassium and fat- and cholesterol-free, sweet potatoes also play a role in promoting vision and heart health. Try these baked sweet potato fries or pizza-stuffed sweet potatoes as an easy weeknight dinner.
- Kale: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, containing high levels of vitamins A, C and K1, calcium, fiber and antioxidants. It is great for helping lower cholesterol and contains cancer-fighting nutrients. How about giving this quick and simple kale salad or baked kale chips a try?
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a great source of vitamins A and C, which can boost your vision and immune system, as well as phytonutrients which reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. It’s also a great source of folate, which is especially beneficial for pregnant women. Grab those ham leftovers and try this yummy (and healthy) broccoli, ham and cheese quiche.
- Wild salmon: Did you know that eating wild seafood at least twice a week can reduce your risk of heart disease by 36 percent? Wild salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins A, B6, B, D and E. Looking for a light dish to enjoy during the holidays? Try this amazing salmon cake with corn and avocado salad.
As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before changing medications, including vitamins and supplements.
Check out these articles for more inspiration for nutritional holiday meals:
Photo credit: Edsel Little
