According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, each day you should aim to eat a variety of fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, and foods containing protein (either plant-based or from lean meats or fish).
What is the #1 healthiest food?
No one food can provide all the nutrients you need to consume in one day, so eating a balanced diet is the best way to get what you need to stay healthy.
That said, research looking at the nutrient density of various food groups found that the following foods contain the most nutrients:
- organ meats
- small fish
- goat meat
- beef
- eggs
- milk
Fruits and berries are popular health foods.
They are sweet, nutritious, and easy to incorporate into your diet because they require little to no preparation.
1. Apples
Apples contain fiber, vitamin C, and numerous antioxidants. They are very filling and make the perfect snack if you’re hungry between meals.
2. Avocados
Avocados are different from most other fruits because they contain lots of healthy fat. They are not only creamy and tasty but also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Swap mayonnaise for avocado as a salad dressing, or spread it on toast for breakfast.
3. Bananas
Bananas are a good source of potassium. They’re also high in vitamin B6 and fiber and are convenient and portable.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are both delicious and high in antioxidants.
5. Oranges
Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. What’s more, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in both carbs and calories.
They provide vitamin C, fiber, and manganese and make a delicious dessert.
Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the most concentrated sources of nutrients. Including a variety of vegetables in your diet will ensure you get a wide range of nutrients.
7. Asparagus
Asparagus is a popular vegetable that is low in both carbs and calories and rich in vitamin K.
8. Bell peppers
Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow, and green. They’re crunchy and sweet and are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that tastes great both raw and cooked. It’s an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.
The bottom line
Whether you want to overhaul your diet or simply change up your meals, it’s easy to add a number of these foods to your routine. Many of the foods above make a great snack while also providing essential nutrients. Some may even aid weight loss.
