Junk Food Vs Healthy Food Essay

Some people believe that healthy foods are tasteless and boring.

However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Here are 15 health foods that taste even better than the most commonly consumed junk foods:
. Strawberries

Strawberries are exceptionally juicy and have a sweet, delicious flavor.

They are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium, as well as various antioxidants and plant compounds.

One cup of strawberries contains 3 grams of fiber and as little as 46 calories.

Eating strawberries has been linked to improved heart health, better blood sugar control and cancer prevention (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

If you don’t like them plain, try dipping the tip of the berry in some melted dark chocolate.
Blueberries

A Single

Blueberry

Blueberries are colorful and nutrient-rich with a sweet flavor.

One cup of blueberries contains only 84 calories, but provides 4 grams of fiber.

It also contains high amounts of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese.

Blueberries are an antioxidant superfood. They may protect against oxidative damage and chronic diseases, and have also been shown to improve memory in older adults (6, 7, 8, 9, 10).

They can be enjoyed either fresh or frozen, and I find them especially delicious mixed with either yogurt or full-fat cream.
Dark Chocolate

Many studies have shown that dark chocolate is incredibly healthy, and may reduce your risk of several diseases.

Dark chocolate is loaded with fiber and antioxidants, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and manganese (11).

Plant compounds in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, protect against heart disease, improve brain function and protect the skin against the sun’s harmful UV-rays (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17).

To make the most of the health benefits, it is recommended to eat dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70–85% or higher.

A piece of dark chocolate is especially delicious when enjoyed with a good cup of coffee.
Almonds

Cracked Almonds

Almonds are the ultimate crunchy treat. They contain heart-healthy fats, are very nutritious and require no preparation.

Almonds are packed with antioxidants. They also provide large amounts of fiber, protein and several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, manganese and magnesium.

Almonds may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as reduce the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol.

All of these are risk factors for heart disease (18, 19, 20, 21).

They are also very filling. Despite being high in fat and calories, one study showed that almonds increased weight loss by as much as 62% when part of a weight loss diet (22, 23, 24).

If you are craving something sweet, try putting 2–3 almonds inside one date for an incredibly tasty treat.
Pistachios

Two Little Pistachios

These little crunchy and salty nuts are absolutely mouthwatering.

Pistachios contain large amounts of heart-healthy fats, high-quality protein and a good amount of fiber.

They are also good sources of B-vitamins, phosphorus, potassium and iron.

As a source of powerful antioxidants, pistachios have been linked with health benefits such as improved blood fats, decreased oxidized LDL-cholesterol, decreased inflammation and reduced blood sugar levels (25, 26, 27).

Pistachios are very filling. When consumed in moderation, pistachios have been shown to help with weight maintenance (28, 29).

Just make sure not to eat too many of these at one time, as pistachios are very high in calories. A single cup of pistachios may contain up to 700 calories.

Cherries

Two Cherries

These deep red, beautiful berries are a delicious and healthy snack.

Cherries are low in calories, but high in various nutrients like fiber and vitamin C.

They also contain many antioxidants and plant compounds.

Cherries contain nutrients that may protect against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s (30)
Mangoes

Mango

Mangoes are a tropical fruit containing soluble fiber and a wide range of antioxidants, as well as high amounts of vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and vitamin C.

They are relatively low in calories and have glycemic index values ranging from low to medium, which means that they should not cause major spikes in blood sugar levels.

Mangoes are high in plant compounds and antioxidants, and may contribute to a reduced risk of oxidative damage and many chronic diseases, such as cancers (31).

Fresh mangoes are simply delicious, and many people like to add them to breakfast porridges, smoothies or yogurt.
Cheese

Cheese is one of the most delicious foods you can find.

It is highly nutritious as well as rich in several vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

Cheese and other dairy products are linked with improved bone health, and may be valuable in the battle against osteoporosis, a disease characterized by bone loss and an increased risk of fractures (32, 33).

There are many types of cheese, but all of them consist mainly of protein and fat. Most varieties are relatively high in calories.

Cheese is high in protein, which may promote lower blood pressure and increased absorption of minerals (34, 35, 36).
Popcorn

Popcorn in Yellow Bowl

Not many people know that popcorn is actually a whole grain.

It is relatively low in calories and contains high amounts of fiber (42).

Whole grains may have numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes (43, 44).

Whole grains may also be useful for weight loss, and may help with weight maintenance (45, 46).

Just make sure to avoid the unhealthy popcorn varieties that are loaded with refined oils.
Peanut Butter

Peanuts And Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a great source of unsaturated fatty acids, protein and fiber.

It is also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins, copper, manganese, vitamin E, phosphorus and magnesium.

Peanuts are also very rich in antioxidants, even more than some fruits (62).

Peanuts are very filling, and, despite being high in fat and calories, are not linked with weight gain. In fact, peanut consumption is linked to a reduced risk of obesity (63, 64, 65, 66).

However, some people find it hard not to eat too much peanut butter at a time. Try to consume moderate portions to avoid excess calorie intake. If you tend to binge on peanut butter, then you should probably avoid it.
Watermelon

Whole Watermelon

Watermelons are packed with water, nutrients and vitamins.

They are also low in calories and contain powerful plant compounds like lycopene and citrulline.

Watermelons and watermelon juice may lower blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce muscle soreness after exercise (67, 68, 69, 70).

Because of their water and fiber content, they should not cause major spikes in blood sugar levels.

Watermelons are incredibly refreshing, and may just be the ultimate snack on a hot summer day.