15 nutrient-dense foods; eat more of them in balanced combinations for better health

Thanks to the progress of the times, food appears on our tables in all kinds of ever-changing forms: exotic dishes, delicate desserts, street snacks, or visual feasts combined with art. But none of these can represent food's most fundamental meaning for us - providing the nutrients the human body needs to function. This is not to say that for the sake of health you must completely abandon delicious cuisine, but eating right is often more important than eating well, so now and then you can strike a bit of balance between the two. After all, adjusting your diet according to your own physical condition to gain more of the energy, health, and even happiness you need is not a loss at all, is it? Below are 15 fruits and vegetables with extremely high nutrient density, and we suggest letting these energy-packed foods accompany your daily diet.

1. Microalgae

These tiny plants that grow in the sea can be said to be the foundation on which marine life depends, from fish and krill at the bottom of the food chain all the way up to great whales, which all feed on microalgae. Microalgae are rich in Omega 3 unsaturated fatty acids and the rare Omega 5 and Omega 9, and also contain a special astaxanthin - a type of carotenoid - with antioxidant effects superior to vitamin C, E, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Omega fatty acids and astaxanthin can fight inflammation and protect important parts of the body such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, joints, and brain.

2. Sprouts

Sprouts are one of the most nutrient-dense foods; seeds store abundant nutrients sufficient to nurture a new life, and the nutrients of many kinds are originally locked inside the seed by inhibitory substances such as special enzymes. However, once the seed begins to sprout, the nutrients needed for growth are released for use. Therefore, compared with seeds, the nutrients in sprouts are already in a form that the human body can absorb and use.

14. Cacao

Because sugar and animal fat are added during processing, chocolate is often considered an unhealthy food, but its raw material - cacao beans - actually has extremely high antioxidant effects and is rich in protein, good fats, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients. It can also stimulate endorphins and neurotransmitters, making people feel pleasure. In addition, cacao has many benefits for hair, skin, and nails.

15. Kiwi

Kiwi is the best source of vitamin C, and also contains plenty of fiber and potassium. Vitamin C helps maintain healthy tissue and skin elasticity, prevents cancer, protects DNA from damage, and supports the functioning of the immune system and respiratory system; while fiber helps with detoxification, maintains a healthy digestive system, and lowers cholesterol.

After reading the list above, don't you feel that eating healthily is actually not difficult at all? When you prepare dinner tonight, try using these nutritious ingredients! If you have good ways to cook these ingredients, you are welcome to leave a comment and share them with us!

Reference: 15 Nutrient Dense Foods to Eat More Often