Food is so much more than just fueling you until the next meal. The right foods added to your diet can provide a wide range of nutritional and health benefits. In fact, in some cases, food is just as effective as medication and can even be used to prevent certain illnesses and diseases. Almost three-quarters of a million deaths in the US are caused each year by poor nutrition – consuming unhealthy foods. This means there is a lot of scope for people to eat a lot more healthily. To help get you thinking, here are a few ingredients you need to add to your diet for all the health benefits they bring:

Avocados

If you want healthy fats, then avocados are a great choice. They increase the body’s level of high-density lipoprotein, which is good cholesterol. Good cholesterol actually has the effect of removing harmful cholesterol out of the body too. They perform a very useful double function. Avocados have also been lauded for their cancer-fighting properties. It is also thought that avocados actually help the body absorb nutrients which helps make the most out of other good foods. They are jammed-packed full of vitamin K, all the B vitamins, and vitamin E, which is a known and powerful antioxidant, meaning the body can prevent damage and remove harmful molecules such as free radicals. 

Mushrooms 

Mushrooms are such a unique and wonderful food. They have very few calories and are loaded with nutrients too. A lot of mushrooms are filled with vitamin D, which is the sunshine vitamin and helps boost the immune system and help you maintain healthy bones and teeth. Mushrooms can lower blood pressure as they have an abundance of potassium. They can even help you lose weight which is always a bonus. The good news is you can go mushroom picking if you are careful, take a look at George Seryogin for more information on how to avoid poisonous mushrooms. That means you get all that benefit for free. 

Blueberries

Blueberries have an awful lot of health benefits and are actually considered to be a superfood. They are filled with flavonoids which are antioxidants that protect the body from damage. They also have the effect of boosting your immune system. If you have inflammation, then blueberries are great at reducing this as they contain phytonutrients that produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Blueberries are filled with vitamins, too, like A and C, which both have many benefits, including helping the immune system. Some research suggests that blueberries can actually help slow down cognitive decline. This means there is potential in slowing down and preventing the onset of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimers. If you have heart problems, blueberries can actually help you protect yourself from cardiovascular disease. Blueberries can be added to your diet in many ways, such as eating them on their own, making jam or a smoothie, or even making a great dessert. You can be as creative as you want. But with all the benefits, adding more blueberries is a no-brainer.