The Most Nutritious Food on the Planet

The human body requires 90 essential nutrients to ensure optimum health and longevity, made up of:

60 minerals
16 vitamins
12 amino acids
2 essential fatty acids

The law of ‘conservation of mass’ states that “matter can neither be created nor destroyed.” Based on this law, we can deduce that the 90 essential nutrients must come from somewhere.

Yes, you guessed right...it comes from the food we eat and the water we drink.

Making the correct eating choices is therefore pertinent to our well being. Picking the best foods give the most amount of nutrients per mouthful, minimizing unnecessary empty calories which contribute to weight gain.

Here is a list of some of the most healthy nutrient dense foods on the planet.

Eggs:

1. Raises “good” cholesterol.

2. Contains fat-soluble vitamin A, D, E and K, which are vital nutrients for bone and immune health.

3. High source of complete protein (contains at least nine amino acids).

4. High in essential fatty acids.

Salmon:

1. Contains astaxanthin, found in the pink pigment of its meat, shown to be a powerful antioxidant which is beneficial for eye health.

2. High levels of DHA, which is a substrate of the Omega three fatty acids. Our brains are predominantly made of DHA.

3. High levels of EPA, another substrate of the Omega three fatty acids, which promotes an anti-inflammatory effect in the body.

4. High source of complete protein​.

5. Rich in vitamins A, B6, B12 and niacin.

6. High in Selenium, a mineral associated with lower overall mortality according to (Rayman, 2012).

Kale:

1. Very high in antioxidants.

2. Contains more than double the vitamin C found in oranges per 100g.

3. Rich in Vitamin A, and K1.

4. High in Manganese, Copper, and magnesium.

Coconut:

1. Contains medium chain fats, a good energy source for the brain. It is for this reason that doctors prescribe it to Alzheimer's patients.
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2. Contains Lauric acid which helps the body fight infections (Enig, 2010).

3. Contains high amounts of the minerals: Iron, Phosphorus, potassium, copper manganese, zinc, and selenium.

Cocoa:

1. Contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants similar to those found in fruits and vegetables. There has recently been much research done on their potential disease-fighting ability (Wollgast and
   Anklam, 2000) as cited in (Araujo et al., 2016).

2. May help delay the onset of dementia.

3. Fights depression, as it contains tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin in the body, making us happier!

4. Rich in minerals: magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.

5. Contains 1/3 of the caffeine content found in instant coffee, making it an excellent candidate for your morning brew.

Liver:

1. Liver meat is a rich source of natural vitamin A, a superior source than the supplemental form, (Razaitis, 2005).

2. Gives the body all the raw materials needed for the removal of toxins through vitamins A, D, E, and K.

3. B12 and folic acid, as well as the minerals: copper and iron.​

4. Contains large amounts of vitamin B12. Deficiency in this vitamin has become widespread and is directly related to Anaemia.

Mineral water:

Most bioavailable source of minerals and trace elements.

Our bottled and tap water may not contain all the benefits it should. For more details on this subject ​read The Hard Truth about water.

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