8 Essential Food Groups To Eat Everyday
By: Chelsea Robidoux
Tags: Health, Vegan, Food, Body, Nutrition

8 Essential Food Groups To Eat Everyday

Lead an optimal life with these nutrient-rich whole foods

1 — Whole Grains: Buckwheat, oats, rye, teff, wild & brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, quinoa, millet, amaranth, barley

With benefits of leaving you full and satiated through healthy carbohydrates, provide a great deal of fiber; promoting a healthy growth of good gut bacteria and regular bowel movements. Provide fatty acids, vitamins, mineral and phytochemicals. Anti-inflammatory while lowering risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer

2 — Beans & Legumes: Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, soybeans, fava beans, lima beans, lentils, edamame

Provide a great deal of low-fat, high protein options. Loaded with zinc, iron, vitamins, minerals, magnesium, antioxidants, nutrients, folate and potassium. Naturally free from cholesterol and sodium with adequate levels of fiber and resistant starch making them optimal for removing toxins, regular bowel movements, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing cholesterol

3 — Berries: Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, cranberries, currents, acai, barberries, goji, kumquats

Powerful antiaging and antioxidant properties. Protect against cancer, boost the immune system, and raise HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure therefor lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease

4 — Other Fruits: Apples, bananas, peaches, mangos, pineapple, papaya, citrus fruits, melons, pear, plums, apricots, lychees, clementine’s, kiwi, dried figs, pomegranate

High in fiber and contain hundreds of nutrients that support your bodies functioning. Contain polyphenol phytonutrients that are bound to the fiber and released for absorption in your gut. Provide DNA repair and help with immune function

5 — Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, radishes, cabbage, collard greens, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, artichokes, arugula, kale, bok choy, mustard greens, turnip greens

Micronutrient dense and powerful anticancer foods by preventing DNA damage by defending against pathogens and pollutants with its sulforaphane properties. They can help with lymphoma, boost liver detox enzymes, target breast cancer stem cells, reduce the risk for prostate cancer, help protect your brain and eyesight, reduce nasal allergy inflammation, manage type 2 diabetes and help treat autism

6 — Leafy Greens: Watercress, swiss chard, spinach, romaine, beet greens, collard greens, turnip greens

Protection against chronic disease, stroke and heart attacks. They are filled with antioxidants, fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals. They have chlorophyll which blocks DNA damage in human cells exposed to carcinogens and can help regenerate molecule CoQ10 which is an antioxidant that your body can begin to create on its own with adequate consumption of chlorophyll

7 — Non-starchy Vegetables: Artichokes, zucchini, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, green beans, onions, eggplants, celery, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, corn, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, nori, asparagus, okra, potatoes, pumpkin, sea vegetables, snap peas, squash, yams, tomatoes, eggplant, green beans, celery

Antioxidant-rich, immune-supporting, anti-inflammatory and anticancer foods. Provides a variety of vitamins, phytonutrients and fiber

8 — Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashew, chia seeds, hazelnut, flax seeds, hemp seeds, macadamia, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachio

Contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants Daily consumption can add a few years to your life; reduces heart disease and diabetes Boost metabolism and decrease cholesterol levels

Create new dishes with friends and family and have fun while feeding yourself to longevity!