Unless you have been stuck in a cave or have lived in a well for the past few years, you have been exposed to the constant obsession over healthy foods. This global phenomenon is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon. While the importance of a healthy diet cannot be disputed, most of the food options available tend to be off-putting.

Many of us prescribe by the “live to eat” philosophy and would not compromise when it comes to the taste of food. This is why most delicacies around the world are not known for their nutritional value. Nonetheless, if you are trying to adopt a healthy diet, you would have read countless of articles that advocate the importance of achieving a balanced variation of food.

To dispel the notion that variety in healthy foods is limited, we explore some of the most surprising, yet, healthy food choices below.

9 Surprisingly Healthy Foods For a Healthy Life

1.Dark Chocolate

If you are a chocolate lover, rejoice at the fact that your favorite food managed to sneak into the list. However, do not get carried away with the enthusiasm as an accompanying condition applies. Only dark chocolate with more than 70% of the cocoa content can be considered healthy.

A study conducted in 2004 showed that flavonoid content in dark chocolates helps to improve blood vessel structures and also contains antioxidant properties. A separate study in 2005 also found that dark chocolates are capable of reducing blood pressure and also enhance the insulin sensitivity in each.

2. Beef

Common opinion suggests eating meat may have harmful effects to our body. But with the right knowledge, you should be able to differentiate between the different types of beef and choose only the healthiest parts.

Beef tenderloin satisfies this criterion as it is rich in protein and relatively low in fat and calorie content. It also provides a healthy dose of selenium, zinc and iron.

3. Pork

Pork offers more variation when it comes to the right cuts than beef. You have the privilege of choosing from the tenderloin, center-cut bacon, boneless or loin chop. Similar to beef, pork is an excellent source of protein and also offers other vital nutrients such as vitamin B, thiamine, and riboflavin.

4. Coffee

If you religiously start the day off with a hot cup of coffee, you might be delighted to know that not only does it help to give you a mental boost, it also provides your body with some advantages.

While some health experts might discourage regular consumption, studies have shown that coffee contains high levels of antioxidants that are greatly beneficial towards maintaining a healthy body system. It also offers benefits such as lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease and improved metabolism. Nonetheless, the key with healthy coffee consumption is to drink in moderation.

5. Tea

Any variation of tea that is extracted from the Camellia Sinensis plant contains a varying degree of benefits to the body. Other than reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, regular tea consumption can also aid in cancer prevention.

However, health experts warn of the dangers of adding full-cream milk or excessive sugar to your tea as it can potentially overwrite the health benefits and have you drinking a very high-calorie drink instead.

6. Eggs

Eggs have been considered unhealthy for a good part of the century. After initial reports had surfaced to highlight its high cholesterol content, many people have avoided eggs in their diet as if their lives depended on it.

Fortunately, the change in poultry feeding means that the cholesterol content in eggs is no longer as harmful as before. However, it is still packed with nutrients such as protein. It also contains a healthy dose of lutein and zeaxanthin that can help to improve eye health.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes can be an ideal ingredient in any high fiber diet as long as they are prepared at home. Other than offering lots of fiber, it is also high in potassium content. The most attractive characteristic of potatoes lies in its versatility. It can be easily incorporated into any dish, providing a much-needed variation for your meal while maintaining the same nutrient level.

8. Mushrooms

This food item might surprise some of you, but mushrooms have been an essential ingredient in many Chinese recipes. Many of us are suffering from slight vitamin D deficiency, and mushrooms are a good source of this nutrient.

In addition to its health benefits, mushrooms are also categorized as nootropics which can help to boost your mental capacity.

9. Pistachios

When compared to other variations of nuts, pistachios are lower in calorie and fat content. Ironically, it makes up for the lack of calorie and fat by offering an extensive range of nutrients that include phosphorous, copper, vitamin B6 and fiber.

Have these handy so that the next time you crave a snack look no further than the packet of pistachios sitting on your kitchen table.

If you are resisting the change towards healthier diets due to the lack of variety, these nine food items listed above will give you no excuses to start today. If you are already faithfully eating healthy foods, the options above are bound to expand your dietary choices and make your meals more interesting.

Regardless of which category you fall under, keeping the list of foods above handy would serve you well the next time you feel hungry.

What are your favorite healthy foods?