5 Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

We all know that if we want to be healthy, we have to eat our fruits and vegetables, but there are other foods that are necessary for a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle. Here are 5 foods you need to include in your diet. 

1. Fish

Most people swap out red meat for poultry when eating healthy, but fish is by far the healthier option. Fish are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3s promote heart health and can significantly decrease the risk of heart diseases, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Other benefits of introducing fish into your diet include 

Better joint health
Better eye health 
Better brain functioning and concentration 
Helps maintain and build up muscle mass
Promotes respiratory health
Builds healthier immune system 

2. Berries

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, contain higher concentrations of antioxidants than any other fruit. Antioxidants can improve your health by protecting you against free radicals, such as; UV light exposure, excessive exercise, unhealthy diet, pollution, and smoking. Therefore, eating berries has a protective factor and can improve skin health, promote a healthy immune system, and promote healthy brain functioning. 

3. Nuts 

Even when on a diet, we can’t help but snack on food. Nuts make a great healthy and inexpensive snack alternative. Nuts are jam-packed with nutrients that are vital for a healthy lifestyle and a healthy heart. Some of the nutrients in nuts include

Unsaturated fats
Omega 3 fatty acids 
Fiber
Vitamin E
Plant sterols
L-arginine 
Not all nuts are created equal. Some nuts only contain a few of the above nutrients and all at different concentrations, still, nuts are a healthy snack alternative that promotes healthy heart functioning. Because nuts are so packed with healthy fats, they do contain a high number of calories so eat in moderation! 

4. Soy

Soy products have been shown to improve women’s health and bone health. Properties in soy may provide women with some protection against ovarian and breast cancer. Studies have also shown that a diet consisting of soy has had positive effects on osteoarthritis and can significantly improve bone mineral density. Other heath benefits of soy are

decreases cholesterol levels
promotes healthy skin
helps with asthma symptoms 
can fight depression
suppresses the storage of abdominal fat

5. Dark Chocolate 

Dark chocolate is another healthy, and delicious, snack alternative. Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which have similar health benefits to the antioxidant-rich berries. The cocoa in dark chocolate contains flavanols, which improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving vascular function. Dark chocolate can also improve skin health by protecting it from free radicals. Of course, dark chocolate should also only be enjoyed in moderation.