These mouthwatering treats are actually good for you...in moderation. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the foods and drinks with surprising health benefits.
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00:00When you hear pasta isn't healthy, how do you react?
00:03I react that people do not know the facts.
00:06Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the foods and drinks with
00:11surprising health benefits.
00:13You can just transfer yourself to dark chocolate.
00:16You may not even miss milk chocolate.
00:19Number 20, graham crackers.
00:22All right, no, graham crackers aren't so healthy when they're used in a pie.
00:26They're probably even worse when they're used as bread between marshmallows and chocolate.
00:31Heaven, right in the heart.
00:33Imagine that.
00:38But graham crackers on their own are surprisingly okay for you.
00:41The worst thing about these snacks is the added sugar.
00:44However, they have less sugar than your average cookie,
00:47so they make for a much healthier option, especially when paired with a good protein.
00:51Furthermore, graham crackers are made primarily with graham flour,
00:55which is fairly high in protein and has good nutritional value.
00:58There are certainly worse foods out there.
01:01It's named after the American Presbyterian minister, Reverend Sylvester Graham.
01:06He was an early advocate for dietary reform,
01:09and he had high hopes of diverting people away from the less healthy, refined white flour.
01:15Number 19, honey.
01:17Tell us, can billions of bees be wrong?
01:19Probably the best thing ever produced by an insect, especially a flying insect,
01:24honey has a ton of health benefits.
01:27Oh my god, that is delicious.
01:31It's abundant in antioxidants,
01:33helping to curb things like premature aging and various diseases.
01:36It's also very good on the heart, with benefits like lowering blood pressure,
01:40improving fat levels in the blood,
01:43and regulating cholesterol thanks to the presence of propolis.
01:46And as any parent will tell you, it's also a natural cough suppressant
01:50and tastes much better than traditional medicine.
01:53Maybe try putting honey in your tea instead of sugar and reap the rewards.
01:57Your heart will thank you later.
01:59The upside to honey is its more powerful flavor profile.
02:02Although a teaspoon of honey has slightly more calories than a teaspoon of sugar,
02:06it's also sweeter and more flavorful.
02:09So a little bit goes a long way.
02:11Number 18, sour cream.
02:13No baked potato is complete without a dollop or five of sour cream.
02:17Of course, some dollops of sour cream, very important on a mashed potato or creme fraiche.
02:22Oops.
02:23Nice big dollop.
02:25Make a mess in our cheddar cheese.
02:27And then you could also put some cheddar cheese on top if you like.
02:30That's a good thing to eat.
02:33But is it healthy?
02:35Well, yes and no.
02:36Like all cream, it's very high in fat and packs quite a bit of calories.
02:41But it also has a number of surprising benefits.
02:44The fat in sour cream is not all bad,
02:46as it can promote digestion of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
02:50It also contains probiotics, as sour cream is made with lactic acid bacteria.
02:55These probiotics are great for the immune system and are often cited with aiding in digestion.
03:00There you go.
03:01Lovely, thick, homemade sour cream.
03:04Perfect for all of your baking.
03:06Now this will last in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
03:10Unfortunately, most commercially available sour creams have been pasteurized for safety.
03:14But a few specific brands still contain this bacteria.
03:18Seek those out for a healthier option.
03:21Number 17.
03:22Pork rinds.
03:23All right, we understand that snacking on fried pig skin doesn't sound like the most appetizing
03:28option.
03:29But hey, they're a lot better than potato chips.
03:31So maybe give them a try the next time you're in the snack aisle.
03:34It's one of the world's oldest snack foods and dates all the way back to ancient China.
03:39As long as people have been raising pigs, they've been eating pork rinds.
03:43Pork rinds are very popular among people on various diets like
03:47keto, as they have no carbohydrates and are high in protein and fat.
03:51They're also much healthier when compared to normal chips,
03:55containing less fat content and nine times the amount of protein.
03:59Furthermore, the fats in pork rinds, like unsaturated fats and stearic acid,
04:04are generally considered to be safer options.
04:07In England, they're called scratchings.
04:09In Mexico, they're called chicharrones.
04:12Whatever you call them, there may be no better snack to reach for
04:15as you settle in for the opening whistle.
04:18Number 16. Chili
04:20Originating in northern Mexico, chili is a regional variation on the traditional stew
04:24and a very popular dish in its own right.
04:27You take a look at that, ladies and gentlemen.
04:29Tell me that is not gorgeous.
04:31Now we can argue all day about the ingredients and what constitutes a proper chili.
04:36But for the most part, this is a healthy dish containing solid foods like tomatoes,
04:40onions, meat, and kidney beans.
04:42It's cheap, it's filling, and it's good for you.
04:44What's not to love?
04:46Of course, you can always make your chili even healthier,
04:48like eliminating the beef in favor of more beans,
04:51squeezing some lime juice over the food, or even adding some pumpkin to the mix.
04:56Yes, it's a thing, and it is delicious.
04:58It has heat and then sort of like a floral note.
05:01It's really good and really flavorful.
05:03I think you're really going to enjoy this.
05:05Number 15. Potato salad
05:08Despite originating in Central Europe, potato salad is enormously popular in the United States
05:13and is often served as a cold side dish.
05:15Oh yeah.
05:16There we go.
05:17Picnic style.
05:23Really, really cool texture, I have to say.
05:26Most of that creaminess is the potato.
05:28You taste tons of potato in this.
05:30Due to its association with meals like fried chicken,
05:33some may think that potato salad isn't very healthy, but it is.
05:37Of course, the main ingredient is potatoes, and you can never go wrong with potatoes.
05:41The salad is also accompanied by various vegetables, usually onions and celery,
05:46and some variations may include eggs for a nice added dose of protein.
05:50And yes, the mayo that accompanies potato salad is not the healthiest option,
05:54but this can be replaced with a low-fat version
05:56or even swapped altogether for yogurt or sour cream.
05:59It's the perfect potato salad, and this is the perfect bite.
06:08Sometimes I impress myself.
06:10Number 14.
06:11Oysters.
06:12Yeah, we know.
06:13They're smelly, they're slimy, and they come in a can.
06:16Surely, oysters should be avoided at all costs.
06:19Actually, oysters could be considered a superfood,
06:22and it's highly recommended that they become a normal part of your diet.
06:25Oh my god.
06:27Try that.
06:27Thank you.
06:28Just look at the color.
06:30My god.
06:31They're nice and thick, dense, creamy.
06:35Cheers, look at that.
06:36Cheers, cheers.
06:37Oysters have been eaten throughout human history,
06:40and these things pack a ton of nutrition in their little bodies.
06:43They are an excellent source of vitamins A and B12,
06:46not to mention important nutrients like zinc, selenium, and iron.
06:51They also contain a very powerful antioxidant called DHMBA
06:55and are rich in protein, even containing all nine essential amino acids.
07:00If you eat one canned food, make it oysters.
07:03Cheers, buddy.
07:04Pretty sure I could eat about four dozen of those.
07:06Absolutely.
07:08Number 13, beef jerky.
07:10You wouldn't think beef jerky is healthy,
07:12considering it's red meat absolutely slathered in salt.
07:16But generally speaking, it's actually quite good for you.
07:18For one thing, jerky is packed with protein,
07:21containing nearly 10 grams per ounce of meat.
07:23That's good.
07:24Yeah.
07:24It's got a good bit of chew.
07:26Right.
07:27But it's not like...
07:28It's not cardboard by any means.
07:29It's reflective.
07:30That's for sure is something.
07:31It's so good, right?
07:33And unlike some other snacks that are high in protein,
07:35beef jerky is also low in carbs,
07:38making it highly suitable for various diets.
07:40Finally, jerky packs a ton of vitamins and minerals,
07:43including zinc, iron, and B12,
07:46all of which contributes to healthy immune functions
07:48and boosting energy levels.
07:50The salt content is indeed a deal breaker for some.
07:53But when eaten in moderation,
07:55beef jerky makes for a wonderful snack.
07:57I can definitely tell you that I'm not a fan of beef jerky.
08:00I can definitely taste like burning wood.
08:03It's very smoky.
08:04And it's tender.
08:06Like, this is not a gristle fest.
08:09Yeah, all these pieces look very high quality.
08:11It's a nice thick cut.
08:12Number 12, Nutella.
08:15The favorite of children everywhere,
08:16Nutella is a popular hazelnut spread
08:18that may veer a little too close to candy for some.
08:22Because Nutella always adds something tasty.
08:25Nutella, it's good to be together.
08:27Nutella is absolutely loaded with sugar,
08:30with its 10 grams per tablespoon
08:32making up 57% of the spread's makeup.
08:35That said, it's probably one of the healthier dessert spreads
08:38and certainly better than most processed frostings.
08:41Most of its ingredients are natural
08:43and it does not contain the likes
08:44of artificial food colorings or high fructose corn syrup.
08:48It also contains a soy extract called lecithin
08:51that is a good source of protein and calcium.
08:54So maybe forego the frostings and chocolate for dessert
08:56and opt instead for a nice spread of Nutella.
09:00100% flaky, Nutella-y goodness is what's in here.
09:06Number 11, ice cream.
09:09Okay, no, ice cream isn't healthy per se.
09:12Like most desserts of its kind,
09:13ice cream is loaded with sugar and fat
09:16and is quite dense in calories.
09:18Sweet mother Mary, that is so good.
09:22I love this.
09:23Also, the supposedly healthier options
09:25like low-fat or sugar-free versions
09:27are actually less healthy
09:29owing to the presence of additives
09:30and artificial sweeteners.
09:32If your body can handle it, go for regular ice cream.
09:36Despite its reputation,
09:37the treat also has some surprising health benefits.
09:40For example, ice cream is highly beneficial
09:43in promoting muscle and skeletal health
09:45owing to the presence of phosphorus and calcium.
09:48So good.
09:51I love when places get the classic flavors right.
09:55Number 10, red wine.
09:58When consumed in moderation,
09:59red wine has a number of health benefits
10:01that make it the healthiest alcoholic option.
10:04You wanna drink a little wine?
10:05Goddamn right I do.
10:06Most of the benefits can be sourced
10:07to the antioxidants found in the grapes,
10:10including proanthocyanidins
10:12that can prevent diseases like cancer.
10:14Multiple studies have shown
10:16that moderate consumption of red wine,
10:18that is one to two glasses per day,
10:20is linked to lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
10:24Furthermore, red wine reduces the risk of dementia,
10:27depression, and even COVID-19.
10:29Of course, this isn't to encourage drinking,
10:32and we certainly don't recommend picking up red wine
10:34if you don't already drink.
10:37There's some sugar there.
10:38This is delicious.
10:40Number nine, nuts.
10:42Sometimes nuts get a bad reputation
10:44as they are very high in calories.
10:46And while yes, they are high in calories,
10:48that doesn't make them unhealthy.
10:51Amazon nuts.
10:52In fact, nuts are one of the healthier options
10:54when it comes to snacking.
10:56And they're a godsend
10:57if you're looking to put on some muscle.
10:59Nuts are full of fiber, antioxidants,
11:01protein, and healthy fats.
11:03Of course, each kind of nut
11:05comes with its own unique benefits.
11:07Almonds are rich in vitamin E,
11:09cashews in protein and magnesium,
11:12and walnuts are by far the greatest source
11:14of omega-3 fatty acids.
11:16Walnuts are known for their buttery flavor,
11:18they're a little bit bitter,
11:19and they're high in omega-3s,
11:20which are really great for your brain.
11:22Don't even get us started on peanuts,
11:24which lowers the risk of multiple diseases.
11:26Versatile, cheap, and healthy,
11:29nuts are the perfect snack.
11:31Number eight, potatoes.
11:33And speaking of versatile foods,
11:35potatoes are basically the most versatile of them all.
11:38In the fine words of Samwise Gamgee,
11:41boil them, mash them, stick them in a stew.
11:43Potatoes.
11:45Boil them, mash them, stick them in a stew.
11:47Of course, some potatoes are healthier than others.
11:50Frying them in oil or slathering them in butter,
11:53sour cream, and bacon probably isn't the best idea,
11:56but potatoes have a ton of important health benefits.
11:59They are rich in antioxidants and fiber,
12:01and they lower the risk of multiple diseases,
12:03like cancer.
12:04Furthermore, potatoes are great for digestive health,
12:07thanks to the resistant starch,
12:09and the potassium-rich skins decreases blood pressure
12:12and lowers the risk of stroke.
12:14Nice and creamy on the inside,
12:15really nice and moist,
12:16but with a really nice crunchy layer on that outside.
12:18It's not a pure Parmesan crust,
12:19it's not a pure potato crust,
12:20it's this kind of slurry of potato and Parmesan.
12:23So it's got really nice crunchiness from the potato starch,
12:25but then a lot of really nice flavor from the Parmesan.
12:28Number seven, tortilla chips.
12:30No, by tortilla chips, we do not mean Doritos.
12:34These are delightful in every possible way.
12:36They're so crunchy, not greasy.
12:38Lots and lots and lots of air bubbles,
12:40so there's such a incredible, light, crisp texture.
12:42Most of the tortilla chips you find in stores
12:44are just as bad as potato chips,
12:46but even then, they have some health benefits.
12:49For example, the blue variety contains some antioxidants
12:52that potato chips do not,
12:54making them a vaguely healthier option.
12:56But if you make your own lightly salted tortilla chips at home
13:00and opt for baked instead of fried,
13:02then they can be a very solid snack.
13:05Furthermore, you can find healthier options in certain stores,
13:08including bean or quinoa chips
13:10that pack far more nutrients than your usual potato chip.
13:14These chips taste like corn.
13:16The freshness is there.
13:18Number six, coffee.
13:20For many, the day doesn't start
13:21until they've had that first cup of hot coffee.
13:24They got some pretty delicious coffee.
13:26Caleb, how's the coffee, my brother?
13:28What's up?
13:29It's some of the best coffee in New York City right here.
13:31And turns out the delicious drink has way more benefits
13:34than simply jolting you awake.
13:36Coffee is very good for the liver,
13:38helping to stabilize enzyme levels
13:41and keeping them within a healthy range.
13:43But aside from that,
13:44coffee is great for holding back a ton of different afflictions.
13:48The risk of getting debilitating health conditions
13:50like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, strokes, and cancer
13:53goes down for regular coffee drinkers.
13:56Furthermore, coffee has shown to lower the risk of premature death
13:59by protecting drinkers from the likes of cardiovascular disease
14:02and congestive heart failure.
14:04So drink that coffee guilt-free.
14:07Just don't add a ton of cream and sugar.
14:09This coffee's clear.
14:11It's sweet.
14:11It's an exciting coffee.
14:13It has really great sweetness.
14:14It has really good flavors.
14:16This is the kind of coffee that I'd really want to just enjoy on its own black.
14:19Number five, red meat.
14:22If there's one food that gets it worse wrapped than it deserves, it's red meat.
14:25Often linked to the likes of cancer and heart disease,
14:28red meat has been stigmatized and widely shunned in recent years.
14:32A new study from Northwestern Medicine and Cornell University
14:35found that people who eat red and processed meat
14:38have a small but significant increase in the risk of heart disease
14:42and death from any cause.
14:43But when eaten in moderation, red meat contributes wonderfully to a balanced diet
14:48and provides many essential nutrients, so it shouldn't be ignored altogether.
14:52Red meat is packed with complete protein,
14:55and it's fantastic for both your immune and nervous systems,
14:58owing to high amounts of zinc and vitamin B12.
15:01It can also be a great source of omega-3 fatty acids
15:04and has been shown to lower cholesterol when eaten in small amounts.
15:08That a low but not zero consumption of meat might be beneficial for health.
15:13This is understandable as meat is an important source of protein,
15:17iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids.
15:22Number four, pasta.
15:24Okay, yes, pasta is quite a vague term.
15:27This could mean anything from noodles with garlic and oil
15:30to noodles slathered in alfredo sauce and topped with bacon and cheese.
15:33This is delicious.
15:34Oh, thank you.
15:35A little bit saltiness, good amount of meat on there too.
15:39It's not too fatty.
15:40Heck, you could even copy Buddy the Elf and top your noodles with maple syrup and candy,
15:45but we would advise against it.
15:47There's nothing inherently wrong with pasta,
15:49provided you use quality ingredients and don't go crazy with the toppings.
15:54Things like whole grain noodles and olive oil are very healthy,
15:57and pasta tends to keep you full for longer,
16:00ensuring that you don't immediately reach for the cupcakes.
16:03It carries complex carbohydrate,
16:05which will provide you with fantastic source of energy to carry through the day.
16:09Number three, popcorn.
16:12This movie theater snack also gets a bad rap because of, well, movie theaters.
16:17Let's do it.
16:19Oh, man.
16:22That is punchy.
16:23It's punchy.
16:24I love it.
16:24Very punchy.
16:25That popcorn and certain kinds you find at the supermarket
16:28are often slathered in chemicals and artificial flavorings,
16:31but if it's prepared correctly, popcorn can make for a very special and very healthy treat.
16:37Air-popped popcorn is full of nutrients like vitamin B and magnesium,
16:41while also containing some important antioxidants.
16:44Popcorn is also a very fibrous snack,
16:46promoting gut health and ensuring that you remain full for longer.
16:50Just go easy on the salt and try to avoid butter altogether.
16:54So the lighter you go, the better benefits you get.
16:58If you do, you'll find a very healthy and very filling snack waiting for you.
17:02Number two, peanut butter.
17:04This has always seemed like the type of food that should not be healthy.
17:08It's cheap, it's delicious, and it's very fatty,
17:11all of which are typical red flags when it comes to proper eating.
17:14This one surprised me with how peanutty it was.
17:17This is the kind I grew up with.
17:19It was very messy sandwiches on whole wheat bread with, you know, low sugar homemade jam, right?
17:24But peanut butter is the bomb, and in some regards could be considered a superfood.
17:29This stuff is packed to the brim with essential vitamins and nutrients,
17:32including fiber, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium.
17:36It's also a very rich source of protein, making it a great option for vegetarians.
17:41Easy to eat and high in protein,
17:42there's no doubt peanut butter is a popular item to spread on bread.
17:46And even though the fat content gets a bit of flack,
17:49these are typically considered healthy fats that the body craves and loves.
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18:101. Chocolate
18:12Like pasta, chocolate can mean a wide variety of things.
18:16And like pasta, it can get unhealthy very quickly.
18:19Unfortunately, you can't gorge on five Milky Way bars and call it a healthy meal.
18:30But dark chocolate, when eaten in small amounts,
18:33contains many surprising health benefits that defy its status as candy.
18:38Dark chocolate has less sugar and more cocoa than other kinds,
18:41and the flavonoids inside cocoa are great for your heart.
18:44They contain many beneficial antioxidants, they lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels,
18:50and they also improve blood flow throughout the body,
18:53ensuring a decreased risk of heart disease.
18:55It improves your blood flow, lowers your blood pressure.
18:59It can even reduce your risk for heart disease. So it's a really good supplement.
19:03Chocolate is perhaps the most counterintuitive food out there.
19:07Candy, but good for you.
19:09Are you a regular consumer of any of these foods? Let us know in the comments below.
19:14All right, so that's great to hear because that's my go-to snack at home.
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