Over the years, increased diet fads and trendy health movements have sparked great business success, yet they have left the scientific truth in the dust.  Flashing advertisements on TV screens and super market sections dedicated to foods with specialized health claims often drag people into a craze that excludes genuine, wholesome foods.  Shaming of foods that are deemed “unhealthy” by such marketing ploys puts society at risk of under-consuming nutrients that are essential for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.  Here are four foods with extensive health benefits that have been given a bad rap:

 

Eggs

Feared for the yolk’s fat and cholesterol content, eggs are actually packed with tons of nutrients necessary for good health.  Eggs contain HDL, the good kind of cholesterol.  While too much cholesterol of any kind may be damaging to the body, HDL is known for reducing the risk of many diseases.  Eggs contain vitamins such as Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 that reduce the risk for heart disease as well.  This food is also high in protein, the macronutrient essential for hormone and enzyme function in the body. Try this great recipe for EZEKIEL TOAST WITH EGGS AND AVOCADO.

 

Avocado

Previously frowned upon for being high in fat, avocados have taken the world by storm as a chic, photogenic brunch necessity.  Popular appeal aside, avocados should be praised for abundance in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Ironically, fatty content in avocados actually reduces belly fat.  Avocados can also be used for cooking purposes in place of processed butters and oils. Try this smoothie recipes tomorrow, Banana Smoothie.

 

Chocolate

Though it is associated with not-so-nutritious desserts, this sweet treat deserves its own category, as it carries many advantages for your health.  Seek sources with high cocoa content and little-to-no added sugars or dairy.  Dark chocolate contains high concentrations of cocoa, which is packed with nutrients that decrease bad cholesterol, protect against skin damage and increase circulation.  Additionally, dark chocolate has phenylethylamine that signals the release of endorphins in the brain, otherwise known as the things that make you happy.  So go ahead, spoil yourself.

Nuts

Nuts are ridiculed for being high in fat, while such content is actually beneficial for many reasons.  Nuts contain “healthy” fat with flavonoids, protecting against heart disease.  They are also a good source of protein, Vitamin B6, and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential to the body and reduce inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth.  Specific types of nuts have specialized benefits as well.  Walnuts are credited for promoting good heart health, peanuts aid in brain development, and almonds are high in calcium and antioxidants.  While nuts can be good for you in raw and dry roasted form, beware of preparation methods that add salt and oil to this food, taking away from nuts’ nutritious qualities.

By Carly Taylor