Coffee, chocolate and other “bad” foods can all have a place in your diet.
There’s a long list of foods you may think are off limits.
And they range from the special treatswine, chocolateto recently trending culprits, like fruit.
You may even skip eating certain veggies if you think some are less healthy than others.
Now those are foods we can get behind.
Don’t Miss:5 Reasons Cheese Is Actually Good for You
1.
Canned Vegetables
Many people think fresh is best when it comes to vegetables.
But if you believe canned or frozen are subpar, think again.
And, some canned veggies are actually higher in nutrients than their fresh counterparts.
double-check you choose no-salt-added or low-sodium options when possible.
Areview of eight studiesfound that compounds in chocolate (including cocoa flavanols) boosted brain function.
You knew your heart loved it.
The darker the chocolate, the more good-for-you flavanols it contains.
Coffee
Have you thought about cutting back because of the caffeine?
A daily cup or two of coffee (or more) could actually help keep you sharp.
Caffeine may offer neuroprotective properties that affect anxiety, memory and cognitive performance.
Wine
A daily drink can do you good.
(Heavy consumption increases these risks, so always practice moderation.
That’s one drink per day for women and two for men.)
Polyphenols as well as the alcohol itself may be responsible for the potential benefits seen with moderate drinking.
Pasta
Try It:Shrimp Alfredo
You may shy away from the spaghetti Bolognese, but why?
Also important: pasta eaters had lower BMIs and smaller waistlines.
Just be sure to stick to vegetable-based sauces, like marinara, rather than cream-heavy ones, like Alfredo.
And serve your pasta alongside veggies and protein for a more balanced plate.
The good news for fruit lovers?
“Nature’s candy” offers ticker-protective potassium, fiber, folate and antioxidants.
Now’s the perfect time to whip up a smoothie at home.
