This grain staple has risen in the ranks of famous healthy foods in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. First, obviously, it’s high in fiber. It’s also surprisingly high in protein, and we all know how good protein is for maintaining your metabolism.
It includes lots of essential amino acids and has a low glycemic index – another food to add to your list if you’re worried about your blood sugar. It’s also gluten-free, so it’s a great way for those who shy away from wheat products.
Get Cheesy at Your College
Want an easy protein boost without having to choke down a ton of meat and get it from a surprisingly low-calorie source? Cottage cheese is full of the stuff since it's made directly from the cheese process. One hundred grams of cheese has an average of 11 grams of protein. Even better, almost every essential mineral (calcium, magnesium, etc.) is included in a serving. The only one it's missing is iron.
If you're after better heart and blood health, cottage cheese should be your first choice. The magnesium protects against spikes, and the protein regulates the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Pick up a tub of fat-free cottage cheese for one of the healthiest items ever.
Lentils Leave You Satisfied
Plant protein is at a premium these days, and lentils have these and lots more to fill your belly. You'll get protein and fiber to protect against hunger pangs, as well as plenty of minerals and vitamins. They're shown to reduce diabetes and cancers.
Lentils also tend to improve digestion and gut health by aiding the development of healthy gut bacteria, and you're sure to feel energized by the power these easy grains contain. Boil lentils or throw them into a soup to make it easy to improve your health from top to bottom. They're easy to add to other healthy foods, too!
Wave Away the White Rice for Better Health
Rice is enjoyed by billions around the world every day, from the Americas to the far east of Asia. While white rice is the more traditional food, brown rice is a little bit healthier. First and foremost, it's full of fiber – almost all fiber, in fact. For information on why fiber is so good for you, see almost every other entry on this list.
It's a low glycemic index food, good for keeping your heart and blood in peak condition. Keep your body running warm and burning energy without getting worn out, and get a large amount of your daily magnesium at the same time with a serving of brown rice.
Bright Red Means Healthy
You've almost certainly eaten this bright red “fruit” in the past week – it's one of the plants that almost every diet has a place for. This juicy and tasty veggie has lots of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C and lycopene, and antioxidants that prevent and reduce cell damage.
By eating a daily dose of tomatoes, you'll be helping to reduce cancer rates, lower cholesterol, and reduce your chances of heart disease. If you've been getting burgers or salads sans tomatoes, it might be in your best interest to switch it up. Surely good health is worth it.