10 THINGS WE SHOULD ALL BE EATING MORE OF
They’re known as functional foods, explains Alex Ruani, doctoral researcher on nutrition science education at University College London and chief science educator at The Health Sciences Academy. “These foods provide an additional physiological benefit, which is why they’re studied for their health-promoting properties.”
Adding the following foods to your diet can be a simple way to reap big potential health benefits.
1 DARK CHOCOLATE
A regular square or two of dark chocolate has an array of benefits, growing evidence suggests. Last year, researchers found it’s an ‘excellent’ source of magnesium, iron, manganese and copper. They also confirmed it contains beneficial antioxidants – compounds that protect cells against damage.
Other recent studies show that the polyphenols (good-for-you plant compounds) in cocoa might help reduce blood pressure, improve concentration and even protect your heart. It’s unclear how much dark chocolate is effective, however, and more research is needed.