Inside Scoop: A list of some of the top foods that promote healing.

This post was submitted by Sophia Smith, beauty and style blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover, graphic designer and a DIY enthusiast. .

As any good nutritionist will tell you, what we eat has the power to transform our mind and body in many ways, and there’s nothing more powerful than proper nourishment when it comes to health.

Superfoods are very popular in nutrition, but since everyone keeps talking about different sorts of “miracle” foods, it can be a little difficult to figure out what’s really worth eating, and what’s just a passing fad (talking about you ‘activated charcoal everything’).

After all, celebrities have a strange habit of popularizing weird and even dangerous diets, so if you want to introduce something new into your everyday life, you’ll need to do your research and see what the real deal is.

To make it easier for you to start eating all the good stuff, here’s a list of some of my favorite foods that promote healing and come with big health benefits.

FOODS THAT PROMOTE HEALING

GINGER

Ginger is amazing because it’s so easy to incorporate into everyday cooking, and it’s relatively inexpensive even for people who are on a budget. It also helps that it’s an incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory, so it can aid conditions such as arthritis and ease pain from sports injuries.

But that’s not all – ginger is a well-known herbal remedy for nausea and stomach aches, and it has a great, spicy flavor that makes it a welcome addition into any meal.

You can use ground ginger in your food, or whole like in this immune boosting Carrot & Ginger Soup. You can also boil peeled ginger root and add some lemon and honey to it if you want to make a very delicious tea. Start drinking 1-2 cups a day and you’ll soon feel the benefits.

GOJI BERRIES

Ok, not the most readily available depending on where you live, but I couldn’t leave this powerful berry off the list. There are numerous benefits of goji berries, and if you were wondering whether this popular superfood is really worth all the hype, I assure you, it is.

It’s chock-full of antioxidants and minerals such as selenium and zinc, so it’s pretty good at fighting free-radicals and keeping you youthful. It’s great for your skin, your eyes, and your immune system, and it’s a good source of iron, so it’s particularly useful to vegans. Goji berries are tasty and you can add them to your shakes and smoothies, or mix them in with a few nuts if you want a healthy snack.

QUINOA

Quinoa is very nutritious, and a lot of people are using it as a replacement for rice and bread because it offers a lot of health benefits and it’s a good source of protein.

As long as you grab your quinoa from a quality food provider like GoGo Quinoa, Bob’s Red Mill or Organic Mountain, you can enjoy its full benefits.

Since it has a low glycemic index it’s good for blood sugar control, and it’s also a good source of fiber and minerals such as iron and magnesium. It’s gluten-free, so it’s great for people who are intolerant to gluten, and it also contains a lot of antioxidants. It can be added to salads like this Roasted Beet & Quinoa Salad or even to desserts such as this Quinoa Banana Bread. It can also be used as a staple food instead of regular grains.

Download your handy healthy shopping list below to add more delicious foods and variety to your everyday diet.

AVOCADO

Good old avocado is well-known for being healthy by now, and anyone who’s looking to increase the amount of healthy fats in their diet can turn to this fruit. It’s full of fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats, and eating it frequently can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in our blood. It’s also high in so many vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium, vitamin E and C.

Despite being high in calories, it’s very weight-loss friendly because it contains fiber that helps to keep your blood sugar levels balanced and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

GARLIC

I simply couldn’t complete this list without mentioning garlic and all its wonderful properties. With all the fancy new “exotic” foods that are coming our way, garlic is often underestimated because we’re already so used to it. However, this little plant was used by ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans for its medicinal benefits.

Besides adding so much flavour to your meals, it acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral , anti-bacterial and it’s pretty good at improving your cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure. Some studies even claim that it reduces the risk of developing dementia.

CHIA SEEDS

High in fiber, low in calories, and full of omega-3 fatty acids – chia seeds might be tiny, but they’re a real powerhouse. They’re also full of calcium and can help support strong bone structure, and they’re pretty useful for people who are avoiding dairy.

Since they’re full of fiber they can help control your appetite, and when used in skincare they can combat dryness and keep your complexion soft and plump. They also promote good gut health, so consider using a few spoonfuls in your salads or your smoothies on a daily basis or in delicious puddings such as this Pina Colada Chia Pudding.

Eat well and you’ll look great, live longer, and feel much better. This list of foods that promote healing can give you a significant boost of nutrients in your diet, so enjoy them whenever you can.

SOPHIA SMITH

Sophia Smith is beauty and style blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover, graphic designer and a DIY enthusiast. She is very passionate about natural skincare, minimalist wardrobe, yoga and mindful living. Sophia writes mostly about beauty-related topics in her articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Eco Warrior Princess, Viva Glam Magazine, How to Simplify and Carousel. You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook & Twitter.