Surprising health benefits of often misjudged foods

Pasta

A healthy diet doesn't have to be boring. Some products that seem wrong might actually be beneficial for you. It's important how you prepare them and how often they're on your table. Pasta has little fat and salt, keeping you feeling fuller longer and less prone to overeating. However, pay attention to what you dress them with, as sauces can significantly increase fat and salt content. Opt for whole-grain pasta and a small amount of Parmesan.

Red meat

It should be the right kind—meaning not ribs or fatty burgers. Lean red meat, if you trim all visible fat, is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and iron.

Popcorn

Is it junk food? Not entirely. It's unprocessed grain, rich in fiber, which helps with satiety and maintains an active lifestyle. It also contains Vitamin B, manganese, magnesium, and antioxidants that can protect you from diseases and cell damage. The key is to skip the salt and oil.

Peanut butter

Yes, it's quite fatty, but it's mostly unsaturated fats, which is quite good for you. Studies show that people who regularly eat nuts or peanut butter are less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes than those who consume them infrequently. It's also a good source of potassium.

Chocolate

It's all about flavonoids, which may help protect your cells. They can also lower your blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and reduce the risk of certain heart conditions. Opt for dark chocolate, as it contains the most cocoa, which holds the flavonoids, and the least sugar.

Eggs

They provide you with a full range of B-group vitamins and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. They also contain some nutrients not found in many foods, like vitamin D and selenium. Eggs can also keep you feeling full for a while, making them a great way to start the day.

Dark chicken meat

It has more saturated fats than white meat, but it's much richer in minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium, as well as vitamins A, B, and K. It also contains a lot of taurine, which breaks down fat and helps with inflammation and blood clotting.

Potato salad

Chilled potatoes contain so-called "resistant starch," acting as fiber that can help maintain a regular diet and a healthy gut. But whether hot or cold, potatoes contain many nutrients like potassium and magnesium. For salad dressing, opt for something low-calorie.

Pork

If you're trying to lose weight, lean pork can be that secret weapon you've been looking for. Including it in your regular diet instead of beef or chicken can help you shed weight and fat deposits, as well as reduce waist circumference.

Avocado

Not all fats are bad. Avocado is associated with a healthy heart and good cholesterol levels. Adding it to your regular diet can help reduce belly fat and protect your eyes and skin.

Previously, we discussed how to lose weight if you're over 50.

And we also talked about which products boost immunity in winter.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.