Top 20 Healthiest Foods In The World

Looking for a new skincare routine? You might want to spend less on expensive lotions and more on fish. Halibut, a popular whitefish, is an excellent source of selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that can help keep your skin looking great. Research also indicates its power in the fight against inflammation and heart disease. Halibut is also rich in protein and vitamins, including B6, which is said to aid cognitive functions. Remember: they don’t call fish “brain food” for no reason. With just a bit of seasoning, like salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice, you can prepare a delicious halibut dinner that's both light and filling.

You don’t have to be Dwight Schrute to appreciate beets. These root vegetables, known for their purple complexion, are chock full of beneficial nutrients. Among the many vitamins and minerals contained in beets are potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. What’s more, there are under 60 calories in a cup of beets, so you can eat plenty without exceeding your daily caloric intake. Beets also promote good digestion with their fiber content and may help with both mental and athletic ability. There are many ways to enjoy beets, such as roasted for a salad, in juice form, or simply eaten raw. When it comes to nutritious vegetables, it’s hard to beat beets.

Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap for far too long. The health benefits alone are enough reason to dine on these tiny relatives of cabbage. Among the nutrients Brussels sprouts provide are fiber, protein, and vitamins K, C, and A. They’re also great for your immune system, and there’s even research that suggests Brussels sprouts could help fight against cancer by warding off carcinogens. Still skeptical about adding Brussels sprouts to your next dinner? Try roasting them in olive oil and adding them to a healthy pasta dish. You may be amazed by just how much you love them.

If you’re trying to eat healthily, you don’t want to load up on fast food hamburgers. However, there are other ways to enjoy beef without sacrificing nutritional value. Choose lean cuts of beef with minimal amounts of fat and cholesterol. Consult with your butcher for the best beef for your diet, and remove any excess fat on the meat. With this extra fat gone, you don't have to worry about cholesterol and saturated fat content. Instead, you can enjoy nutritional benefits like iron, niacin, and of course, protein. Where’s the beef? Hopefully, in your fridge.

#16: Bell Peppers

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Not everyone can handle the spice content of jalapeños or habaneros, but bell peppers can be enjoyed without pain. They’re also incredibly good for you. Available in a variety of colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and green, these sweet peppers add crunch, pleasing visuals, and nutritional value to all kinds of meals. Among their biggest pluses is their vitamin C content, with a red bell pepper containing triple the amount of an orange. They’re also teeming with potassium and numerous other vitamins. They also contain antioxidants known as carotenoids, which are suggested to promote good eye health. Stuff some bell peppers with lean ground beef, and you’ll have a surefire healthy dinnertime hit.

Remember a few years ago, when it seemed like kale was everywhere? Well, that’s one food trend worth keeping. This leafy vegetable, a cousin of cabbage, is regarded as a superfood due to its great nutritional content. With one cup of kale, you get a great serving of potassium, magnesium, vitamins, A, B6, C, and K, and more. Kale also has plenty of antioxidants and may protect against cancer. Although commonly associated with being green, there’s also a purple variety that can add a great “pop” to any plate. Make a kale salad, cook it on the stove with lemon and garlic, or just throw some in your morning smoothie. We will always hail the power of kale.

Fun fact: almonds aren’t actually nuts; they’re seeds. Another fun fact: they’re one of the healthiest snacks available. Almonds can help you to feel better on the inside and outside. Their high vitamin E content is suggested to help fight cancer and heart disease, and their antioxidants can help reduce visible aging - provided you leave the skin on. You can also keep your “bad” cholesterol levels in check by eating almonds. Their versatility is another huge positive. Almonds can be enjoyed in a salad, with cereal in almond milk, or just as a midday snack. They might not be nuts, but we go nuts for them.

Regardless of how often you eat apples, you should still see a doctor whenever necessary. However, these sweet and crisp fruits can still do wonders for your overall health. They're full of soluble fiber, which can aid with digestion and help to keep cholesterol down. They also contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may help to prevent type 2 diabetes and protect against asthma. With so many different kinds of apples available, how do you know which one to get? Any apple is a good one, but among the healthiest are Fuji, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith. How do we like them apples? A lot.

If you look at blueberries close-up, you’ll see that they aren’t actually blue. Rather, they’re a dark shade of purple. This is due to their anthocyanin content, a pigment with antioxidant and cancer-and-virus-fighting properties. That's not all when it comes to blueberries. They are also a heart-smart sweet treat that helps to keep blood pressure and cholesterol down. Research also shows its potential in aiding cognitive stability. You can eat blueberries in salads, oatmeal, smoothies, or just as a snack from the palm of your head. It’s hard to feel blue when you’re enjoying blueberries.

#11: Chicken Breast

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Fried chicken is delicious, but it’s not something you should eat all the time. Fortunately, there are other, healthier ways to enjoy the great taste of chicken. One of the best cuts is chicken breast, which is packed with protein and fairly low in calories and fat. If you're trying to build muscle, this protein can really help you with developing strength. You can also enjoy minerals like niacin and selenium, as well as vitamin B6. How you prepare the chicken breast is also important. We recommend baking it with a little olive oil, various herbs and spices, and some veggies to accompany it, such as a spinach salad. You won’t be crying “fowl” when you make chicken breast right.

Need something to season your chicken breast with? Try ginger. Not only can ginger add a great zing to dishes both sweet and savory, but it’s also very good for you. Osteoarthritis patients saw their pain go down after using ginger, and those with type 2 diabetes saw their blood sugar reduced. Plus, if you’re dealing with an illness, such as a cold or sore throat, it can provide relief. There are even signs of ginger helping with nausea experienced during pregnancy as well as chemotherapy. Although ginger has a strong flavor, you can reduce the intensity by cooking it. Grind up some ginger, and add it to your next healthy meal.

It might not give you Popeye’s strength, but spinach can still do a lot for you. With plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, there’s so much to appreciate about this leafy green vegetable. Its benefits can be felt in everyday life, with reduced inflammation and improved vision among the reported perks of eating more spinach. It can even help you to recover faster from injuries. It’s easy to incorporate spinach into your diet. Sautée it in olive oil and lemon juice and serve it as a side, substitute it for lettuce on your sandwiches, or mix it with some pasta. You can be “seeing green” in the best way possible.

We don’t mean to knock white potatoes, which are affordable and can be prepared in a variety of ways. But sweet potatoes are also low-cost and versatile, as well as a lot healthier. Rich in fiber, these colorful vegetables help with digestion as well as overall gut health. Ever wonder why sweet potatoes are so orange? It's due to beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body turns into vitamin A, which reportedly helps with vision and immune system functioning. Bake a sweet potato for dinner, make a hash for breakfast, or use them in a bright salad for lunch. And with these “sweets,” you don’t have to worry about cavities.

We’re not talking about those kinds of mushrooms. These edible fungi are packed with protein and other essential nutrients. Mushrooms provide a great dose of potassium, fiber, magnesium, and selenium. They can help keep your immune system strong. In fact, there’s a group known as “medicinal mushrooms” that are used for disease treatment and overall wellness. This includes ones like shiitake, turkey tail, and reishi mushrooms. You don’t need to order a pizza to enjoy mushrooms, either. They’re great in pasta, salads, or even as a healthy substitute for a patty in a burger. Be like Mario and embrace the power of mushrooms.

There are multiple varieties of beans available at your local grocery store, and they all have remarkable health benefits. They're a great source of protein, thanks to their amino acid content. Beans also have potential cardiovascular and cholesterol-lowering benefits. They're also hearty and filling without being too heavy. Bring together the power of multiple beans by making a tasty meatless chili. Or, try a modern take on a three-bean salad. Planning a party and want to make some healthy refreshments? Remember that hummus is another type of bean dip. Try some beans for your well-being.

Who wouldn’t want to start their day with a breakfast that’s tasty, filling, and nutritious? While there are many ways to enjoy oats, the most common and convenient has to be oatmeal. You can enhance the positive health effects of oatmeal by adding things like blueberries. What do oats offer? Well, you might already know they're a great source of fiber. But did you also know they have ample amounts of magnesium, zinc, and protein? Don’t care for oatmeal? You can add oats to smoothies, yogurt, or even find ways to incorporate them into your dinner recipes. To help your body and brain “gain with grain,” use oats.

Maybe it’s not the best thing to eat before a date, but garlic has a lot going for it in terms of nutrition. This pungent plant is touted for its use in fighting ailments like the common cold. It may also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as reduce inflammation. And it’s hard to think of a savory recipe that isn’t improved with a little garlic. We love to add it to our pasta or to mix it in with a stir-fry. You can also reportedly reap more of its benefits if you eat it raw. But no matter how you enjoy your garlic, make sure you brush your teeth afterward.

#3: Wild Salmon

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We specifically mention wild salmon, because while you can buy farm-raised salmon, wild-caught is much more nutritionally beneficial. Farmed salmon is raised on a different diet, leading to more fat and less calcium and iron. Wild salmon gives you protein, potassium, and selenium in great quantities. It also gives you omega-3 fatty acids, which are a must for any healthy diet. These are great for your mental as well as physical health, and research indicates they may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Salmon can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilled on the stovetop and baked in the oven. There’s nothing fishy about this food.

Another great source of omega-3 fatty acids is avocados. These creamy fruits are full of beneficial fats that help to keep you healthy and looking good. They also have high fiber content and lots of vitamin K, which is important for keeping your bones strong. You can use avocado in all sorts of ways, from as a burger topping to in a salad or avocado toast for breakfast. There’s even avocado ice cream if you’re looking for a healthy sweet treat. And, of course, what party isn’t improved by guacamole? When it comes to healthy foods, we’ll always advocate for avocados.

When you think of healthy foods, broccoli might be the first thing that comes to mind. Part of the cruciferous vegetable family and resembling a miniature tree, broccoli packs a myriad of nutrition into every bite. It has loads of fiber, lots of vitamin C for a good immune system, and important antioxidants. There are many reasons to bring more broccoli into your diet, as research indicates it can help with pregnancy and cancer prevention. Broccoli goes well with all kinds of dishes, such as on the side with chicken or salmon or as part of a stir-fry. We recommend steaming it, or, for the best results, eating it raw. To put it simply, broccoli rocks.