5 Easy Ingredients To Introduce To Your Diet To Maintain Good Health

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘you are what you eat’, and it goes without saying that the better your intake the more your body will thank you. With many of us practicing social distancing, there’s no better time to get on top of your meals, and harness ingredients with clear health benefits. Here we outline five essential but easy foods you can get hold of and introduce to your diet.

Ginger

Because of its many benefits this little plant has been a go-to ingredient for years. As well as being known for its ability to fight infection and help your immune system, ginger is effective at maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, soothing the digestive system and even relieving pain. Plus, if you’re not feeling like including ginger in a meal, you can always steep it in hot water, add lemon and serve it as ginger tea. 

Quinoa 

As something that’s gluten-free and keto-friendly, quinoa isn’t just accessible to everyone but, because it acts like a grain when cooked, is an ideal addition or side to meals. As a food, it’s high in protein, fiber, B vitamins (which play an important role in maintaining good health) and magnesium (which supports energy uptake, metabolism and cardiovascular function). 

Pistachios

Earlier this month, the FDA declared pistachios a complete protein for anyone over the age of five. Where amino acids are perceived as the building blocks of protein, there are nine essential proteins the body gets from food. Pistachios contain all nine, making it not just a great snack or meal addition, but an animal protein alternative. 

Garlic

As a staple to many meals, ancient medicine, and long renowned as being beneficial for the immune system, garlic should be a regular addition to anyone’s shelves. Scientifically, garlic has been reported to reduce the number of colds one can catch through the year, as well as the severity of that cold. It also has benefits in reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. 

Berries

Bright, versatile and sweet, berries are easy to introduce to your diet, are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants and packed with nutrients known to fight disease. There has also been research conducted that show berries help women experience less mental decline, linked to a class of compounds called anthocyanidins, and studies have shown flavonoid-rich foods like blueberries and raspberries may help reduce cancer. 

To find out what your body needs in building immunity against viruses, check out our post here.