The Top 10 Healthiest Foods on Earth

The Top 10 Healthiest Foods on Earth (And How to Eat Them)

Eating healthy has many positive benefits - for body and mind alike. When we eat well we feel good, when we feel good we are happy, when we are happy we are more productive... and the wonderful cycle continues. Increasingly, shops and restaurants around the world are boarding the healthy eating bandwagon – making it easier for people to treat their bodies right. This list of the world's 10 healthiest foods is just a beginner's guide - a way to understand the vitamins and minerals the human body needs to function at its best. And as an added boost – these healthy foods are absolutely delicious!

1. Spinach

This nutrient-packed green superfood is readily available – fresh, frozen or even canned. One of the healthiest foods on the planet, spinach is rich in energy while low in calories, and provides vitamin A, vitamin K, and essential folate.

Easy Eating Tip: Sauté with onions and add to omelets for an easy, healthy meal.

2. Black Beans

Filled with super healthy antioxidants, black beans digest slowly – keeping you feeling fuller for longer. These little beauties are packed with calcium, protein, and fiber, and they taste great too!

Handy Eating Tip: Think Mexican food! Burritos, nachos, tacos... whatever tickles your fancy.

3. Walnuts

With more antioxidants than any other nut, walnuts are also rich in vitamin E, and rich in plant serum, omega 3 oils and healthy fats.

Easy Eating Tip: Keep a few in your bag for an easy, healthy snack on the go.

4. Beets

Good for the brain and efficient at lowering blood pressure, the humble beetroot is often overlooked as one of the healthiest foods on earth. The brightly colored root vegetable is packed with folate, magnesium and vitamin C.

Easy Eating Tip: Toss them into salads for a sweet, crunchy boost.

5. Avocado

Eating just one or two avocados a week gives you the benefits of loads of healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin B6 and folate. Check with your local grocer to find out when this spreadable fruit is in season in your area.

Easy Eating Tip: On toast with salt and pepper, or a slice of cheese if you're that way inclined.

6. Dark Chocolate

According to recent research, chocolate contains more antioxidants, gram-per-gram, than most fruit juices — great news for chocoholics! Apart from helping to protect the body from diseases and prevent heart conditions, dark chocolate is a natural mood-booster.

Easy Eating Tip: Eat this healthy food in moderation – just one or two squares per day is enough to reap the benefits.

7. Raspberry

Like most berries, raspberries are packed with antioxidants to help keep the body healthy and disease-free. Fresh or frozen, they also provide vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Easy Eating Tip: Sprinkle them on yogurt or oatmeal in the morning for a sweet and delicious way to start your day.

8. Garlic

This pungent bulb has been used for centuries to ward off illness, as it inhibits bacterial growth, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and has some serious anti-inflammatory power.

Easy Eating Tip: Crush it and cook it. Garlic tastes great in everything from dressings and sauces to curries and soups.

9. Lemon

Often touted as the world's healthiest food, lemons have strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent the growth of cancer cells. They also contain as much vitamin C as oranges.

Simple Eating Tip: Add a slice of lemon to your tea or water bottle to stay healthy and hydrated at the same time.

10. Lentils

Last but not least, this mighty fruit is high in fiber and protein and adds great flavor and texture to any meal. Vegetarians and vegans are often fans of using lentils as a substitute for meat in traditional dishes.

Easy Eating Tip: Add to salads, soups and stews for some added enjoyment.