By adding nutrient-dense foods to our diets, many of us aim to make healthier decisions. The amount of nutrition we truly receive, however, can vary depending on how we prepare or eat these foods. Here are 14 nutritious foods that you're probably not eating correctly, along with advice on how to get the most out of them.
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1. Tomatoes
Lycopene, an antioxidant associated with a lower risk of cancer and heart disease, is abundant in tomatoes. But when tomatoes are cooked, lycopene becomes more bioavailable, or better absorbed by the body. More lycopene is released when the tomato's cell walls are broken down by the heat. This absorption is further improved when cooked tomatoes are paired with beneficial fats, such as olive oil. To get the most benefits, try roasting tomatoes, preparing a pasta sauce with tomatoes, or eating tomato soup.
- Common Mistake: Eating them raw.
- Fix: Cook them to increase the absorption of lycopene.
2. Garlic
Alliinase, an enzyme found in garlic, is transformed into allicin when the garlic is crushed or minced. Many of the therapeutic benefits of garlic, such as its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities, are attributed to allicin. To stop alliinase from turning into allicin, cook garlic right away after cutting. After chopping the garlic, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the allicin to fully form. This will help the garlic keep more of its healthful properties when cooking.
- Common Mistake: Not waiting after chopping or crushing.
- Fix: Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Flaxseeds
Omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber, which are abundant in flaxseeds, support heart and digestive health and have anti-inflammatory qualities. However, you lose out on the nutritional advantages of whole flaxseeds because they often pass through your digestive system undigested. Grind the flaxseeds first to maximize their benefits. A food processor or coffee grinder can be used for this. Flaxseeds can be ground and then added to baked dishes, porridge, yogurt, and smoothies.
- Common Mistake: Eating them whole.
- Fix: Grind them first.
4. Broccoli
Vitamins, minerals, fiber, and sulforaphane—a substance with anti-cancer properties—are all abundant in broccoli. Up to 90% of broccoli's water-soluble elements, such as glycosylates and vitamin C, are lost when it is boiled. Broccoli retains more of its nutrients when steamed or simply sautéed, so you can get the benefits. A fast stir-fry is another excellent choice if you like a little crunch.
- Common Mistake: Boiling it.
- Fix: Steam or lightly sauté it.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries' anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating qualities are a result of their high vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant content. But chopping strawberries first exposes them to air, which can cause oxidation and vitamin C loss. Slice or chop strawberries just before eating or incorporating them into recipes to retain as many nutrients as possible.
- Common Mistake: Slicing or chopping too soon.
- Fix: Keep them whole until just before eating.
6. Tea
Catechins, a type of antioxidant that is linked to heart health, weight control, and cancer prevention, are abundant in tea, particularly the green and black forms. Because the proteins in milk bind to these antioxidants and diminish their bioavailability, adding cow's milk to tea can decrease the absorption of catechins. Drink tea either simply or with plant-based milk substitutes like almond, soy, or oat milk to fully benefit from its potent ingredients.
- Common Mistake: Adding milk to black or green tea.
- Fix: Skip the milk.
7. Carrots
Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, is abundant in carrots and is known to help healthy skin, eyesight, and the immune system. Carrots are undoubtedly nutritious when eaten fresh, but boiling them can greatly boost beta-carotene's bioavailability. Carrots' strong cell walls are broken down by the heat, which facilitates your body's absorption of beta-carotene. For a higher nutritional impact, try roasting, steaming, or even stir-frying carrots.
- Common Mistake: Eating them raw.
- Fix: Cook them to increase beta-carotene availability.
8. Yogurt
Probiotics, which support gut health by cultivating good bacteria, are abundant in yogurt. But a lot of individuals choose flavored or low-fat options, which are frequently laden with added sugars. In addition to having more heart-healthy fats that are good for hormone balance and heart health, full-fat yogurt also tends to taste richer, so no additional sweeteners are needed. Additionally, the lipids aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D.
- Common Mistake: Choosing low-fat or flavored varieties.
- Fix: Go for plain, full-fat yogurt.
9. Oats
Fiber, especially beta-glucan, which lowers cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar, is abundant in oats. However, processed quick or flavored oats frequently have additional sugars or preservatives and lose a significant amount of their fiber value. Because they undergo less processing, steel-cut and rolled oats keep more of their natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, they won't raise your blood sugar levels as much as instant oats because they have a lower glycemic index.
- Common Mistake: Relying on instant oats.
- Fix: Choose steel-cut or rolled oats.
10. Spinach
Iron, calcium, and other vital minerals are abundant in spinach. However, because raw spinach includes oxalic acid, a substance that binds to minerals and makes them more difficult to absorb, eating it frequently can prevent the absorption of these nutrients. Oxalic acid levels are lowered by lightly boiling spinach, increasing the bioavailability of minerals including calcium and iron. Steamed spinach is a great side dish or complement to soups and omelets.
- Common Mistake: Eating raw in salads only.
- Fix: Lightly steam it.
11. Blueberries
Antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting properties, are abundant in blueberries. However, blueberries can lose their nutrients or degrade quickly if they are not stored properly. Before putting them in storage bags, freeze them in a single layer to maintain their freshness. This keeps the berries from aggregating and preserves their structure and nutritional content.
- Common Mistake: Freezing them without proper storage.
- Fix: Freeze in a single layer before storing in bags.
12. Nuts
Nuts high in protein, vital vitamins, and good fats include cashews, walnuts, and almonds. But they also contain phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that can prevent minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc from being absorbed. Nuts can have their phytic acid levels lowered by softly roasting them or soaking them in water for the entire night, which increases the nutrients' accessibility.
- Common Mistake: Not soaking or activating them.
- Fix: Soak nuts overnight or roast them.
13. Avocados
Avocados are a well-known source of vitamins, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Although most people prefer meat, the seed is frequently thrown away even though it is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory qualities. You can grind the seed into a powder, dry it, and then add it to baked products or smoothies for a nutritional boost. Even while it might not taste very good by itself, it's a simple way to increase your fiber intake.
- Common Mistake: Discarding the seed.
- Fix: Use the seed in smoothies.
14. Cucumbers
Because of their high water content, cucumbers are low in calories and hydrating. On the other hand, their skin is packed with antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. You lose out on some vital minerals when you peel cucumbers. Eat them with the skin on to reap the full benefits, but be careful to wash them well or use organic cucumbers to avoid pesticide exposure.
- Common Mistake: Peeling them.
- Fix: Eat them with the skin on to preserve nutrients.
