5 Super Healthy Foods You’re Missing Out On

You may be doing pretty good already, but these 5 foods can help add variety and take your nutrition to the next level.

1. Kamut

What is it? Are you looking to put down wheat for a while and looking for alternatives? Aside from quinoa, which has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, a great option is Kamut.

Kamut (which is a name brand for the grain Khorasan) is similar in shape to a wheat kernel but it’s two times as big. It tastes a little sweet and nutty and is a great substitute for actual wheat.

Why it’s good for you? Kamu provides you with about 30% more protein and 65% more amino acids than wheat. It’s also packed with vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. You can add it to your salads and soups, and you can add it to any dish you would add quinoa to. 

2. Sunchokes

What is it? Sunchokes are a tubular-shaped thin-skinned root vegetable that is part of the sunflower plant family and they’re in season from the latter part of fall to the early part of spring.

Why is it good? Iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium are all provided in abundance by sunchokes. They’re low in calories, rich in fiber, and contain inulin which is the carbohydrate that helps keep your blood glucose at stable levels. You can roast them, mash with potatoes, or puree into soups.

3. Farro

What is it? Also known as Emmer Wheat, Farro is a type of wheat that was among the very first plants to be domesticated in the Middle East.

Why it’s good for you? Like quinoa, Farro provides tons of protein and when combined with other legumes, it forms a complete protein. Also, just one cup of Farro a day will provide you with about 20% of your daily recommended intake of fiber. You can eat it as part of a salad or soup.

4. Red Lentils

What is it? You may have seen these before. When they’re dry, they have a reddish or orange color. When they’re cooked, they turn into a pale yellow-ish or golden color.

Why is it good? They’re high in protein, folic acid (great during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects). Of course, you can have them in soup, or you can mix them with chili, put them into your ground beef or tuna.

5. Beet Greens

What is it? Beets are a popular food. What’s not as popular are the young, leafy greens that grow out of the top. They carry more vitamins, minerals, and pigment antioxidants than the taproot. While they can be eaten at anytime during their growth, they’re best when the plant is young and its stems are tender.

Why is it good? Beet greens contain lots of vitamins A and K and just 1 cup offers up 12% of your recommended daily amount of calcium. If you’re able to get your hands on the lush leaves of golden or Chioggia beets, you can just mix the entire thing into a salad.