What are healthy foods in the USA? 2021

Do you wanna know what are the real healthy foods in the USA? Here you will find the answer. This is the million-dollar question. Studies showed that only 28% of Americans can find healthy foods easily. So what happens with the rest? Most of them are fed up with seeking healthy foods and return to their old food habits.

But Is it difficult to find healthy foods in the USA?

The answer is no it isn’t. Healthy foods are everywhere in the market, even they are easy to find than other junk foods. The thing is we don’t think that those foods are healthy because they are so common. And even cheaper.

So let’s discuss a few lists of healthy foods in the USA, that you can easily found. Then you can make your list of foods and easily find those next time you do shopping. This will make your shopping is more efficient and less burden to you.

Eggs

The egg is a good and less expensive option for protein intake. An egg contains 6 grams of protein which does not change with the method it is cooked. Lecithin is the main amino acid in eggs which is essential for muscle metabolism. The egg is a good option for people who have less muscle bulk and willing to improve. Eggs also contain vitamins like B2 and B12 which are essential for red cell production and maturation. Therefore people with anemia, the egg would be a good choice.

The problem with the eggs that most people concern about is the fat and cholesterol includes in the yolk. A myth that people have is cholesterol is not good for the body. Actually, cholesterol is essential for certain hormone production like testosterone and estrogen.

Also, cholesterol is the main component in our cell wall. But the excess intake of cholesterol can cause harm.

Researches have shown that taking seven eggs per week doesn’t increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. But if you are a person who already had cardiovascular disease or diabetes it’s better to consult a doctor before adding eggs to your regular meal plan.

Oily fish

Tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, anchovies, and herrings are the main oily fish you can found in marketplaces. Fresh or canned preparation both contain the same effectiveness. The additional advantage of canned oily fish is they are versatile. Oily fish contains omega 3 fatty acids and one of the best ways for you to take omega 3. They have an anti-inflammatory ability which helps in various chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.

They also have plenty of vitamin A and D which helps in vision and strengthen the bones and muscles.

Sweet potatoes

This amazing food didn’t get much attention for the last few decades. Sweet potatoes contain lots of fiber, vitamins A and D, potassium, and iron. It also has complex carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index causing slow blood glucose rise after eating. Studies have found that most of the fiber includes in the peel.

Chicken

One of the best budget-friendly protein-rich food. But the method of preparation affects the healthiness of the chicken. Deep-fried chicken and chicken with skin is best avoided because it contains lots of saturated fat.

Green leaves

Green leaves contain high amounts of vitamins A, B6, K, E, and D with lots of minerals like iron, selenium, potassium, copper, magnesium, etc. Studies confirmed that taking green leaves on daily basis can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. It doesn’t always need to be fresh, frozen ones are also a good option.

Because they are frozen at the peak level of nutrition. So nutrition components are preserved in frozen veggies as well.

Green leaves have lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. It improves digestion, natural detoxification ability of the liver for toxic contents like alcohol, and reduces the risk of cancers also.

Spinach has a special place in green leaves. This dark green vegetable has lots of iron. This would be a great substitute for vegans and people who don’t eat beef to take their iron intake easily.

Kale is also a nutrition-rich green leaf that has a high amount of vitamin C and K. You can prepare Kale in various methods – cooking, steaming, and even blending and make a smoothie or a juice.

Avocado

This may be food that needs more studies to identify the properties it has. People fear avocado because of the high-fat content it has. But avocados’ mainly include good fats like high-density lipoproteins and good cholesterol. In addition to that, it has lots of vitamins like K, E, and B complex.

A laboratory study performed in 2021 using avocado seeds has found that a high amount of polyphenols in there can reduce the viability of cancer cells like breast, colorectal, and prostate. But this wasn’t tested on humans up to now and there is a high probability of having positive results.

Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries all have fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. These chemicals have proven beneficial for obesity reduction and in reducing metabolic risk factors.

Also, blueberries can improve cognitive ability. Elderly ages are at risk of declining cognitive function and ultimately end up with Alzheimer’s dementia. Studies have shown that blueberries can reduce cognitive decline and protect against certain cardiovascular diseases as well.

Lentils

Lentil is a pulse that is most popular in south Asian countries. It is considered one of the world’s folate richest food. Folate is required for your neurological functions and red cell functions. In pregnancy also adequate folate intake is mandatory for proper neurological maturation of the baby.

It also has lots of fiber and proteins and is a rich medium for minerals like potassium.

Oatmeal

The popularity of oatmeal has recently gone higher because of the nutrition-rich capability of it. Studies showed that a half cup of oatmeal contains four grams of fiber and five grams of proteins and 150 calories. But it’s better you choose plain oats than flavored ones. Because flavored oats have unhealthy additives and also plain ones are much cheaper. Adding banana or avocado to plain oatmeal would be a good breakfast if you are concerned about losing weight. The water-soluble fiber in oatmeal gives more time for gastric emptying and reduce the blood sugar rise.

Nuts

Nuts are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins like B and E, also minerals like iron, selenium, calcium, magnesium, etc. Almonds and Brazil nuts are famous in this category. They help in good bone formation and improves thyroid function.

Apples

“an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is one good saying we heard from our childhood. Actually, apples have lots of properties for good health. Its nutritional value is still debatable, but apples contain lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants are helpful in reducing reactive oxygen compounds that damage body cells. It causes increasing inflammatory conditions and promotes aging as well.

Healthy foods in the USA Last Words

Ultimately it’s not difficult to find healthy foods at all. These above-mentioned foods are very common in local market places. But most of us don’t think that it contains this much nutritional value. So it’s better to do your research and find what are the best foods that fit your requirements. Consider your pocket also. Plan for a balanced diet because a balanced diet is always a healthy diet.