The body uses the nutrition it receives in order to grow and develop healthy cells, which leads to overall good health. Food provides high-grade vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, proteins and other required building blocks. Healthy food choices are raw and unprocessed to provide the most nutrition. When you eat some of the healthiest foods, you are creating an environment of health and wellness inside your body at the cellular level.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are rich in capsaicin, which will increase metabolism but also helps to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth, according to All Foods Natural. Capsaicin is also found in jalapenos, Spanish guindillas or hot chili peppers used in Thai dishes. They can be incorporated into soups and stews or mixed in dips and salads. It is best to incorporate them slowly to get used to the flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fatty acid that is best eaten as virgin olive oil, according to All Foods Natural. The oleic acid in olive oil can reduce the activity of a unique gene present in some breast cancers and has the type of fat that prevents high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. Olive oil comes in a variety of flavor strengths and can be added to salad, drizzled on pasta or lightly cooked dishes. When it is used for longer cooking at higher heat, such as deep frying, the oil can oxidize and loose the health benefits.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables and are sweet and good tasting. They are loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium and fiber, according to Nutrition Action Health Letter. They can be prepared several different ways, from roasting to baking or included in other dishes. When mixed with unsweetened applesauce or crushed pineapple they become dessert like with added moisture and sweetness.
Unsweetened Yogurt
Yogurt comes in many flavors and colors. However, the yogurt that has the most health benefits is the type that does not have additional sweeteners added, according to Nutrition Action Health Letter. Plain yogurt is tart and the perfect base for the addition of fresh fruit, berries or breakfast cereal. Yogurt is high in protein, potassium, calcium, zinc and vitamins B6 and B12.
Leafy Greens
Most leafy green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins C, A and K, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein and fiber, according to the Nutrition Action Health Letter. Leafy green vegetables include collards, spinach, kale, turnip greens and mustard greens. They can be eaten raw, steamed or served with a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms, especially those of the oriental varieties such as shiitake, reishi and maitake, have chemicals that help to stimulate the immune system and help to prevent illness. They are low in saturated fat and sodium and a good source of fiber, folate, zinc and vitamin D, B6, potassium, copper and pantothenic acid. Try adding them to soups, stews, scrambled eggs, salads or risotto.
Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin and are high in magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, according to Vegetable Gardner. They also offer protein, iron, copper and zinc, which are important for prostate health. The shells of pumpkin seeds provide extra fiber and should be eaten with the seeds. They can be roasted and added to other nuts and seeds or used as a handy snack throughout the day.
Garlic
Garlic is loaded with sulfer compounds that give it a pungent flavor, according to BellyBytes.com. These compounds can help to reduce low density cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of stomach and colon cancer. Garlic can be added to many recipes and creates less bad breath when roasted. Bake a head of garlic for 20 minutes in the oven sprinkled with a little olive oil and spread on bread instead of butter.
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