These nine foods often viewed as a guilty pleasure or otherwise consumed in moderation are healthier than you may think, according to a new report.
Treats like chocolate, cheese, or even a cup of coffee contain nutrients needed by the human body, Dr. Stephen Dahmer, Director at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, told Vogue magazine. Potatoes, eggs, butter, whole milk, nuts and fatty fish can also be beneficial, according to the doc.
Many Americans are naive about what standards qualify a food as healthy, which has led to long-lasting misconceptions about what we eat, Dahmer said.
Potatoes, for example, have a reputation for being carb-loaded.
Yet, what’s often overlooked about the starchy vegetables is that they are high in flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids — which all play roles in protecting against cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to Science Daily.
Studies have also found that potatoes improve insulin sensitivity and can benefit the gut microbiome.
Eggs can be a hit or miss for picky eaters and are sometimes avoided for having high cholesterol.
But when it comes to this food, it’s low risk to high reward, as eggs provide an excellent source of protein while being packed with nutrients like choline, biotin, and vitamin A.
Cheese and butter were also added to the list, with both having the common denominator of providing one with healthy fats and immune-boosting functionality.
“These foods are rich in probiotics that support gut health and immune function. Fermented foods have long been overlooked or avoided, despite their potential to promote digestive health and overall well-being,” Dahmer told Vogue.
Cheese contains nutrients vitamin B12 and phosphorus.
Vitamin B12 is vital for the body as it helps keep blood and nerve cells intact.
Some researchers believe high-quality cheese could even lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol in the body and reduce the risk of stroke.
Another dairy product, whole milk, made its way onto the list despite the growing popularity of non-dairy alternatives like almond and oat milk.
Whole milk is rich in nutrients and has been linked to lowering the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, a recent study showed.
Fish was named as a food that is healthier than often believed.
Fatty fish provides the body all of the healthy fats it needs as well as protein.
But, it goes deeper than that, according to Dahmer.
“I’m regularly counseling patients to reconsider certain foods that have been unfairly demonized, and one such group includes fats—particularly those found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines,” he said.
“These foods contain healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.”
Other fat-linked, protein-packed foods that are good for you are nuts.
It’s a snack that provides an array of nutrients with fats, fiber, and other vitamins essential for the body.
But more than that, nuts can help control blood sugar levels.
“Regular consumption has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, better blood sugar control, and support for weight management,” Dahmer said.
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the list is chocolate.
Chocolate in its purest form is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants — compounds that supply blood flow to the heart and reduce inflammation.
Research shows chocolate also aids brain function and boosts immunity.
Coffee is the final shocker of healthy items to consume.
While it goes without saying that drinking too much cup ‘o joe isn’t good for the body, it can have benefits for its drinkers when consumed in moderation.
When not over consuming, coffee is said to be rich in antioxidants that help reduce the risk of several diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, according to the report.
So with that being said — more coffee please!
