We are all aware that fruit and veg are good for us. But even amongst the ranks of vegetables and fruit, there are certain superfoods that stand out as being far better for us than others, and certain fruits that actually are not quite as healthy as they might seem.
For instance, broccoli has all manner of vitamins and minerals in each and every stalk, and is a great source of antioxidants. On the fruit side, lemons are extremely good providers of vitamins without being too high in sugars.
However, there are also plenty of health foods that are not fruit and veg, and knowing these may be even more important to ensure you are not constantly having to snack on fruit, and that you can have full balanced meals that are still extremely good for you in every way.
Even desserts can come under the umbrella of healthy foods. Dark chocolate, for instance, can reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol and therefore even indulgent treats can be healthy when sourced from the right places.
There are also many misconceptions about what constitutes healthy food. Many people look at fat content and in turn feel genuinely healthy foods such as avocados, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, are not good for you. In reality, whilst high in fats, they are high in good fats and, much like nuts, are the perfect addition to a healthy diet.
Ultimately, there are many foods that can be healthy and it is not about finding a handful of specific health foods and focussing on them, but instead about having a balanced diet and one that is filled with an array of different types of health food. Therefore, whilst stocking up on the fruit and veg might help, visiting health food companies may be an even better way to get balanced, nutritious food for all occasions, and to ensure you never feel bored of keeping yourself healthy.