Nine surprisingly delicious foods that are healthier than you think

These nine foods that are often considered guilty pleasures or eaten in moderation are healthier than you might think, according to a new report.

Treats like chocolate, cheese, or even a cup of coffee contain nutrients that the human body needs, Dr. Stephen Dahmer, Director at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, told Vogue magazine. Potatoes, eggs, butter, whole milk, nuts and oily fish can also be beneficial, according to the doctor.

Many Americans lack knowledge about what standards qualify as healthy foods, which has led to long-standing misconceptions about what we eat, Dahmer said.

Potatoes, for example, have a reputation for being carb loaded.

However, what is often overlooked about starchy vegetables is that they are high in flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids that all play a role in protecting against heart disease and cancer, according to Science Daily.

Research has also found that potatoes improve insulin sensitivity and can benefit the gut microbiome.

Eggs can be hit or miss for dieters and are sometimes avoided for being high in cholesterol.

But when it comes to this food, it’s low risk for high reward, as eggs provide an excellent source of protein while being packed with nutrients like choline, biotin, and vitamin A.

Cheese and butter have also been added to the list, both of which share the same label of providing a person with healthy fats and strengthening functions.

These foods are rich in probiotics that support gut health and immune function. Fermented foods have been overlooked or avoided, despite their ability to promote digestive health and well-being, Dahmer told Vogue.

Cheese contains the nutrients vitamin B12 and phosphorus.

Vitamin B12 is important for the body as it helps keep the blood and nerve cells strong.

Some researchers believe that high-quality cheese can even reduce the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol in the body and reduce the risk of stroke.

Another dairy product, whole milk, made the list despite the growing popularity of non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk and oat milk.

Whole milk is rich in nutrients and has been linked to a reduced risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, recent studies have shown.

Fish was named as a healthier food than is commonly believed.

Oily fish provide the body with all the healthy fats and proteins it needs.

But, it goes deeper than that, according to Dahmer.

I always advise patients to reconsider certain foods that are demonized inappropriately, and one such group includes fats, especially those found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, he said.

These foods contain healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and well-being.

Another fat-rich, protein-rich food that’s good for you is nuts.

It is a simple food that provides a lot of nutrients with fat, fiber, and other important vitamins for the body.

But more than that, nuts can help control blood sugar levels.

“Regular use has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, better blood sugar control, and support for weight management,” said Dahmer.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on the list is chocolate.

Chocolate in its pure form is rich in polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that improve blood flow to the heart and reduce inflammation.

Research shows that chocolate also helps brain function and boosts the immune system.

Coffee is the last straw of healthy things to eat.

While it can be said that drinking too much cup ‘o joe is not good for the body, it can have benefits for drinkers if consumed in moderation.

If not consumed in excess, coffee is said to be rich in antioxidants that help reduce the risk of several diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, according to the report.

So with that said more coffee please!