When you think of the word healthy, your mind might immediately jump to those trendy Instagram superfoods such as kale, quinoa and acai bowls.
You probably wouldn’t fit peanut butter and wine into the superfood categories, but if that’s the case, you would be missing out on some seriously delicious and nutritious options.
Somewhere along the line, the below five foods got mixed up on the wrong side of the tracks and branded with a bad reputation.
But it may surprise you to discover that some of those foods people deem ‘bad’, can actually help you fight off chronic disease and may even help you shed those extra kilos.
So let’s clarify a few things, shall we?
1. Wine
While drinking in excessive amounts is quite obviously an unhealthy habit, moderate alcohol consumption can actually reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes.
A moderate alcohol intake, which includes one drink for women per day, and two for men, can also help to keep your brain sharp as you age.
A 2011 study found that moderate drinkers were 23% percent less likely to develop mental diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and if that wasn’t reason enough to treat yourself with a glass of Pinot Noir tonight, red wine and dark beers are rich in antioxidants, which may just help you to prevent the common cold this winter.
2. Potatoes
Somewhere along the line, potatoes got confused as a starchy ball of calories, rather than the delicious superfood they really are.
At just 110 calories a pop, potatoes deliver a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, while providing you with a healthy hit of potassium, fibre, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C and B.
Potatoes have the most health benefits to offer with the skin on, so get the most out these fluffy nuggets by baking or roasting them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper.
Try this jerk salmon with yogurt potatoes recipe from our friends over at Food To Love!
3. Coffee
In addition to transforming you into a functional human being before 9:00am, this delicious brew also contains the antioxidant superpower of flavonoids which are an incredible weapon against the signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, sun spots and that loss of elasticity we all dread.
Scientists have also found substantial links between the consumption of coffee and a significantly lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and heart failure.
With all of that said, make like Kate and drink up!
As if coffee wasn’t already good enough!
4. Peanut Butter
When you think peanut butter, you don’t automatically jump to the word healthy, but it might surprise you to discover that nut spreads are actually a key component to weight management.
While it’s true that peanut butter is considered to be high in fat, this amount falls into the heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated variety, which are indeed essential in the body’s everyday requirements.
The spread is also choc-a-bloc with protein and fibre, which keep you feeling fuller for longer, and therefor serve as an excellent snack.
Pro tip: Look for nothing but nut options with no added salt for your healthiest choice, or better yet, blend up your own!
Check out this delicious roasted peanut butter muesli recipe here!
5. Eggs
Forget egg white omelettes, in order to get the most out of these glorious little gems, you’re going to need to consume the whole thing, yolk and all!
Eggs are one of the richest natural sources of choline, an anti-inflammatory nutrient deemed essential for neurological function and the production of happy hormones serotonin and dopamine.
And at just 70 calories each, eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin D & B, iron and zinc.
Stay fuller for longer with a good, healthy brekkie!
