Top 20 Foods That Are Surprisingly Healthy

Alright, no, graham crackers aren’t so healthy when they’re used in a pie. They’re probably even worse when they’re used as bread between marshmallows and chocolate. But graham crackers on their own are surprisingly ok for you. The worst thing about these snacks is the added sugar. However, they have less sugar than your average cookie, so they make for a much healthier option, especially when paired with a good protein. Furthermore, graham crackers are made primarily with graham flour, which is fairly high in protein and has good nutritional value. There are certainly worse foods out there!

Tell us - how can billions of bees be wrong? Probably the greatest thing ever produced by an insect - especially a flying insect - honey has a ton of health benefits. It’s abundant in antioxidants, helping to curb things like premature aging and various diseases. It’s also very good on the heart, with benefits like lowering blood pressure, improving fat levels in the blood, and regulating cholesterol thanks to the presence of propolis. And, as any parent will tell you, it’s also a natural cough suppressant and tastes much better than traditional medicine. Maybe try putting honey in your tea instead of sugar and reap the rewards. Your heart will thank you later.

No baked potato is complete with a dollop - or five - of sour cream. But is it healthy? Well, yes and no. Like all cream, it’s very high in fat and packs quite a bit of calories. But it also has a number of surprising benefits. The fat in sour cream is not all bad, as it can promote digestion of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D. It also contains probiotics, as sour cream is made with lactic acid bacteria. These probiotics are great for the immune system and are often credited with aiding in digestion. Unfortunately, most commercially-available sour creams have been pasteurized for safety, but a few specific brands still contain this bacteria. Seek those out for a healthier option.

Alright, we understand that snacking on fried pig skin doesn’t sound like the most appetizing option. But hey, they’re a lot better than potato chips, so maybe give them a try the next time you’re in the snack aisle. Pork rinds are very popular among people on various diets like keto, as they have no carbohydrates and are high in protein and fat. They’re also much healthier when compared to normal chips, containing less fat content and nine times the amount of protein. Furthermore, the fats in pork rinds, like unsaturated fats and stearic acid, are generally considered to be safer options.

Originating in northern Mexico, chili is a regional variation on the traditional stew and a very popular dish in its own right. Now, we can argue all day about the ingredients and what constitutes a “proper” chili. But for the most part, this is a healthy dish containing solid foods like tomatoes, onions, meat, and kidney beans. It’s cheap, it’s filling, and it’s good for you. What’s not to love? Of course, you can always make your chili even healthier, like eliminating the beef in favor of more beans, squeezing some lime juice over the food, or even adding some pumpkin to the mix. Yes, it’s a thing, and it is delicious!

Despite originating in central Europe, potato salad is enormously popular in the United States and is often served as a cold side dish. Due to its association with meals like fried chicken, some may think that potato salad isn’t very healthy. But it is. Of course, the main ingredient is potatoes, and you can never go wrong with potatoes. The salad is also accompanied by various vegetables, usually onions and celery, and some variations may include eggs for a nice added dose of protein. And yes, the mayo that accompanies potato salad is not the healthiest option, but this can be replaced with a low-fat version, or even swapped altogether for yogurt or sour cream.

Yeah, we know, they’re smelly, they’re slimy, and they come in a can. Surely oysters should be avoided at all costs? Actually, oysters could be considered a superfood, and it’s highly recommended that they become a normal part of your diet. Oysters have been eaten throughout human history, and these things pack a ton of nutrition in their little bodies. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and B12, not to mention important nutrients like zinc, selenium, and iron. They also contain a very powerful antioxidant called DHMBA and are rich in protein, even containing all nine essential amino acids. If you eat one canned food, make it oysters.

You wouldn’t think beef jerky to be healthy, considering it’s red meat absolutely slathered in salt. But generally speaking, it’s actually quite good for you. For one thing, jerky is packed with protein, containing nearly ten grams per ounce of meat. And unlike some other snacks that are high in protein, beef jerky is also low in carbs, making it highly suitable for various diets. Finally, jerky packs a ton of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, and B12, all of which contribute to healthy immune functions and boosting energy levels. The salt content is indeed a dealbreaker for some, but when eaten in moderation, beef jerky makes for a wonderful snack.

The favorite of children everywhere, Nutella is a popular hazelnut spread that may veer a little too close to candy for some. Nutella is absolutely loaded with sugar, with its ten grams per tablespoon making up 57% of the spread’s makeup. That said, it’s probably one of the healthier dessert spreads, and certainly better than most processed frostings. Most of its ingredients are natural and it does not contain the likes of artificial food colorings or high fructose corn syrup. It also contains a soy extract called lecithin that is a good source of protein and calcium. So, maybe forgo the frostings and chocolate for dessert and opt instead for a nice spread of Nutella.

Ok, no, ice cream isn’t healthy, per se. Like most desserts of its kind, ice cream is loaded with sugar and fat and is quite dense in calories. Also, the supposedly “healthier” options like low fat or sugar free versions are actually less healthy owing to the presence of additives and artificial sweeteners. If your body can handle it, go for regular ice cream. Despite its reputation, the treat also has some surprising health benefits. For example, ice cream is highly beneficial in promoting muscle and skeletal health owing to the presence of phosphorus and calcium.

When consumed in moderation, red wine has a number of health benefits that make it the healthiest alcoholic option. Most of the benefits can be sourced to the antioxidants found in the grapes, including proanthocyanidins that can prevent diseases like cancer. Multiple studies have also shown that moderate consumption of red wine - that is one to two glasses per day - is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, red wine reduces the risk of dementia, depression, and even COVID-19! Of course, this isn’t to encourage drinking, and we certainly don’t recommend picking up red wine if you don’t already drink.

Sometimes nuts get a bad reputation, as they are very high in calories. And while, yes, they are high in calories, that doesn’t make them unhealthy. In fact, nuts are one of the healthier options when it comes to snacking, and they’re a Godsend if you’re looking to put on some muscle. Nuts are full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats. Of course, each kind of nut comes with its own unique benefits. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, cashews in protein and magnesium, and walnuts are by far the greatest source of omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t even get us started on peanuts, which lowers the risk of multiple diseases. Versatile, cheap, and healthy, nuts are the perfect snack.

And speaking of versatile foods, potatoes are basically the most versatile of them all. In the fine words of Samwise Gamgee, “Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew!” Of course, some potatoes are healthier than others. Frying them in oil, or slathering them in butter, sour cream, and bacon probably isn’t the best idea. But potatoes have a ton of important health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber, and they lower the risk of multiple diseases like cancer. Furthermore, potatoes are great for digestive health thanks to the resistant starch, and the potassium-rich skins decreases blood pressure and lowers the risk of stroke.

No, by tortilla chips, we do not mean Doritos. Most of the tortilla chips you find in stores are just as bad as potato chips, but even then, they have some health benefits. For example, the blue variety contains some antioxidants that potato chips do not, making them a vaguely healthier option. But if you make your own lightly-salted tortilla chips at home, and opt for baked instead of fried, then they can be a very solid snack. Furthermore, you can find healthier options in certain stores, including bean or quinoa chips that pack far more nutrients than your usual potato chip.

For many, the day doesn’t start until they’ve had that first cup of hot coffee. And turns out, the delicious drink has way more benefits than simply jolting you awake. Coffee is very good for the liver, helping to stabilize enzyme levels and keeping them within a healthy range. But aside from that, coffee is great for holding back a ton of different afflictions. The risk of getting debilitating health conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, strokes, and cancer goes down for regular coffee drinkers. Furthermore, coffee has been shown to lower the risk of premature death by protecting drinkers from the likes of cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure. So drink that coffee guilt free. Just don’t add a ton of cream and sugar…

If there’s one food that gets a worse rap than it deserves, it’s red meat. Often linked to the likes of cancer and heart disease, red meat has been stigmatized and widely shunned in recent years. But when eaten in moderation, red meat contributes wonderfully to a balanced diet and provides many essential nutrients, so it shouldn’t be ignored altogether. Red meat is packed with complete protein, and it’s fantastic for both your immune and nervous systems owing to high amounts of zinc and vitamin B12. It can also be a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to lower cholesterol when eaten in small amounts.

OK, yes, “pasta” is quite a vague term. This could mean anything from noodles with garlic and oil to noodles slathered in alfredo sauce and topped with bacon and cheese. Obviously one is healthier than the other. Heck, you could even copy Buddy the Elf and top your noodles with maple syrup and candy. But we would advise against it. There’s nothing inherently wrong with pasta, provided you use quality ingredients and don’t go crazy with the toppings. Things like whole grain noodles and olive oil are very healthy, and pasta tends to keep you full for longer, ensuring that you don’t immediately reach for the cupcakes.

This movie theater snack also gets a bad rap because of, well, movie theaters. That popcorn and certain kinds you find at the supermarket are often slathered in chemicals and artificial flavorings. But if it’s prepared correctly, popcorn can make for a very special and very healthy treat. Air-popped popcorn is full of nutrients like vitamin B and magnesium while also containing some important antioxidants. Popcorn is also a very fibrous snack, promoting gut health and ensuring that you remain full for longer. Just go easy on the salt and try to avoid butter altogether. If you do, you’ll find a very healthy and very filling snack waiting for you.

This has always seemed like the type of food that should not be healthy. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s very fatty, all of which are typical red flags when it comes to proper eating. But peanut butter is the bomb, and in some regards could be considered a superfood. This stuff is packed to the brim with essential vitamins and nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. It’s also a very rich source of protein, making it a great option for vegetarians. And even though the fat content gets a bit of flak, these are typically considered healthy fats that the body craves - and loves.

Like pasta, chocolate can mean a wide variety of things. And, like pasta, it can get unhealthy very quickly. Unfortunately, you can’t gorge on five Milky Way bars and call it a healthy meal. But dark chocolate, when eaten in small amounts, contains many surprising health benefits that defy its status as candy. Dark chocolate has less sugar and more cocoa than other kinds, and the flavonoids inside cocoa are great for your heart. They contain many beneficial antioxidants, they lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and they also improve blood flow throughout the body, ensuring a decreased risk of heart disease. Chocolate is perhaps the most counterintuitive food out there - candy, but good for you!

Are you a regular consumer of any of these foods? Let us know in the comments below!