As they say, "you are what you eat," thus if you want to be healthy, you should generally attempt to eat healthy foods. You can take supplements to help your body acquire the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs, but it's ideal to eat a balanced, healthful diet to get as many nutrients from your food as possible. Maintaining a nutritious diet will lower your chances of illness and improve your appearance and well-being. 

These ten nutritious foods should be a part of your diet:

1. Dark leafy greens

Vitamins A and C, along with significant quantities of vitamin K, are found in spring greens, spinach, and kale. Not only that, but they also include calcium, which is good for bones, lutein and beta-carotene, which are good for eyes, and fiber, which is beneficial for an upset stomach. 

It's crucial to avoid overcooking these greens because this can lessen their nutritious content. Try incorporating them into a smoothie uncooked or adding them to a dish by gently boiling them. 

2. Sweet potatoes

Complex carbohydrates, like those found in sweet potatoes, offer a more sustained energy source than simple carbohydrates (like white bread). They are also rich in fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B-6.

3. Nuts 

Because they are high in protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats, nuts are a terrific snack to take in moderation. In particular, almonds are high in nutrients and have the potential to reduce cholesterol. 

Magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function and helps increase your energy levels, and vitamin E, which is beneficial for your skin, are also abundant in them. 

The antioxidant selenium, which is essential for thyroid gland function, is abundant in Brazil nuts.

4. Kimchi, Kombucha, and Sauerkraut 

Foods that are naturally fermented and include live bacterial cultures help to maintain a healthy digestive tract by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria in your stomach. These foods can help reduce bloating, gas, and constipation. 

5. Berries 

Antioxidants included in dark-colored berries help your body fight off harmful free radicals. They also contain a lot of fiber, which is healthy for your digestive system, and when added to cereal or sweets, they can effectively replace refined sugar. According to studies, the bioactive substances found in strawberries and blueberries may offer some protection against chronic, long-term illnesses including Alzheimer's and heart disease.

6. Seeds 

For omega-3 fatty acids, ground flax seeds are a decent substitute for oily fish, and pumpkin seeds are a terrific source of zinc, which is vital for your immune system. Essential amino acids that are necessary for your general health may be found in hemp seeds, making them a great plant protein source. Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immune system function, may be found in sunflower seeds.

7. Apples 

You can still benefit from eating an apple a day, even though it won't keep the doctor away. In addition to polyphenols, they include vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6. Antioxidant polyphenols shield your body from inflammation, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Apple skin provides the majority of the fiber and antioxidants, so unless you have an allergy to the wax placed on store-bought apples, make sure you eat apples with their skins on.

8. Oats 

A simple bowl of porridge can be very beneficial to your health because it contains soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and is good for your heart, complex carbohydrates, which help you feel fuller for longer and help keep your blood sugar levels stable, potassium, which is important for the health of your muscles and nerves, and folate, which is necessary for the production of DNA and blood cells.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli includes fiber, calcium, potassium, and the antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene, and phytonutrients. Broccoli is therefore excellent for your general health. Similar to leafy greens, broccoli should not be overcooked in order to destroy their nutrients. Alternatively, you can consume your broccoli raw or in a smoothie or steam it softly. 

10. Avocados 

Due to their numerous health advantages, avocados have become popular in recent years. Avocados include high-density lipoprotein, which aids in the removal of "bad" cholesterol from the bloodstream, as well as B vitamins, K, and E. They should still be consumed in moderation even though they are rich in healthy fats.

A nutritious, well-balanced diet 

Combine several food groups into a healthy, balanced diet to safeguard your health, and make sure you're consuming the appropriate number of calories for your height, weight, and level of exercise. A BMI calculator can provide you with an approximate guide. Treats don't have to be entirely avoided, but you should consume them sparingly and maintain an active lifestyle.

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