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7 Unusual Health Foods You Need to Know

We all know foods like celery and apples are low in calories and fantastic snacks, and on the other end of the scale, we know to avoid sugary foods and those that contain trans fats. But there are actually some foods which are healthy, that you may have overlooked. Below are 7 of those foods.

Popcorn: Popcorn (plain, unbuttered and unflavored) is actually a good snack. It’s high in fiber and it’s also a whole grain.

Chocolate (well, of the dark variety): The key to a healthy lifestyle is to eat in moderation, and dark chocolate is very good for you in small quantities. The reason is that it’s filled with antioxidants and can help reportedly help reduce blood pressure and even stress.

Red meat: You may think that red meat is bad for your heart and your cholesterol, but when the lean cuts are eaten in moderation, it’s actually good for you and a great source of not just protein, but also iron.

Potatoes: Potatoes are known for being high in carbs, and while sweet potato is a better option, if you’re going to eat the white ones they are not all bad. It's a food that is a great source of fiber, potassium and Vitamin B6 and C, and even a little magnesium and iron.

Peanut Butter: This is definitely one of the more surprising foods to make it on this list, but according to Elite Daily, peanut butter is actually pretty good for you, as long as you eat the no added sugar variety. Peanut butter is also high in fat, so the key is to eat it in moderation, and according to Dr. Walter Willett, a professor of nutrition at Harvard University, those who eat nuts, or peanut butter, are apparently less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Still, it’s probably best to go easy on this one.

Avocado: The jury is out on this one, but avocado contains a lot of nutrients, it’s high in antioxidants, and despite the fact that it’s high in fat, it’s also rich in vitamins K, E, B, C, and potassium.

Oats: Rather than crunching down on sugary cereals or granola, opt for oats, which contain beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that reportedly slows down the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. They are also packed with magnesium and are reportedly a fantastic food for regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart muscles.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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