7. Dark chocolate
Cocoa is a powerful health booster, particularly because it is among the top highest ranking polyphenol-containing foods in the world (it comes in at #4 in a recent review published in Nature. Extra-virgin olive oil, by comparison, comes in at #61). These benevolent plant compounds have been found to boost cardiovascular health, brain health, cognitive function, and even athletic performance. (R) Cocoa is also a top source of magnesium, a powerful and critically important mineral that most people under-consume.
The problem is, finding high quality cocoa in its most common form—the chocolate bar—is like a skipping through a junk food minefield. Milk chocolate or white chocolate are straight-up candy—avoid. Dark chocolate is a safer bet, but even here there are some important things to know. For one, make sure the cocoa in your bar has not been processed by alkali, also known as “Dutch” processing. (Usually labels will say.) Two: Opt for 85% or higher cocoa content. Below this and not only do cocoa levels decline, but sugar levels increase. And lastly, spring for organic, which may ensure higher levels of polyphenols.
Green & Black’s is my go-to choice which also happens to be easily found at many drugstore chains and supermarkets.
8. Kelp noodles
Kelp noodles are the top source of iodine, which is needed to build myelin in the brain, helping you think faster. It’s also critical for healthy thyroid hormone production. And—what do you know—they are also very low in carbohydrates.
I like throwing some on salads, and if you’re ever in LA, Erewhon’s kelp noodle Pad Thai is impossibly delicious.
9. Hummus
Hummus is a traditional food made by combining chickpeas with garlic, tahini (which are whole, ground sesame seeds), olive oil, and lemon. It is a very low glycemic load food, meaning, it doesn’t flood your blood with glucose, and yet provides a nice blast of prebiotic fiber to feed the bacteria that live in your large intestine. It’s also a great vehicle for extra-virgin olive oil, mentioned above.
I use hummus as a condiment on everything from grass-fed “bun-less” burgers (instead of ketchup, which is loaded with sugar) to grilled chicken. Be sure when purchasing to read the ingredients: Many cheaper brands use soybean oil or canola oil instead of the traditional extra-virgin olive oil—avoid these.
