How many people out there will actually eat anything? By that I mean, there isn’t a single food they aren’t intolerant to, allergic to, or simply dislike. My guess is: very few. In fact, I can only think of one — my husband.
It’s not unusual to have a short list of foods you don’t like. Around the office, coconut tends to be a common one, and Camille admits she is not a fan of pâté. That said, we’re willing to bet that out of the list below, more than one food item falls on your short list.
Do sardines make you sick? Does kimchi make you cringe?
If so, you’re certainly not alone, but it may be time to put your aversion aside in lieu of the major health benefits of these oft-avoided foods. Keep reading and let us know: did your absolutely-can’t-stand-least-favorite food make the cut?
photo by Julia Gartland
1. Mushrooms
It seems like mushrooms are all that anyone’s talking about in health food circles right now. According to Whole Foods trend forecast, the fungi should be on your radar, with varieties like reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and lion’s mane getting street cred as wellness ingredients in dietary supplements and coffee, tea, snack bars, and broth.
Try: 10 Mushroom Recipes with Major Health Benefits
photo by Winnie Au
2. Canned Fish
Ever considered eating a power bowl of sardines, pumpkin seeds, quinoa and turmeric for breakfast? Korean beauty expert Alicia Yoon swears by the good-for-you savory dish for it’s amazing skin benefits and energy boosting properties.
In general, canned fish is known to have all the same health benefits of fresh fish, if not more! Think Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium galore… just make sure you’re purchasing wild caught options to ensure great quality.
photo from Sew Historically
3. Wheatgrass
Is there anything this sprouted green can’t do? The cancer-fighting, weight loss-promoting, inflammation-alleviating, cholesterol-reducing wheatgrass certainly isn’t new on the health food scene, but we’re still singing its praises. The taste can be an acquired one, which is why we recommend downing it quickly in the form of a juiced shot, or mixing a wheatgrass powder into salad dressings or smoothies.
photo by Kate LeSueur
4. Algae
Have you heard of spirulina or chlorella? Even if not, you’ve likely enjoyed nori — the seaweed paper used to wrap sushi rolls. Well turns out, you’re doing your body a big favor while enjoying that spicy tuna roll. According to McKel Kooienga of Nutrition Stripped, “Just one tablespoon of spirulina or chlorella (blue-green algae) provides four grams of protein, along with a healthy dose of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. You’ll also get B vitamins and vitamin A (beta-carotene), along with essential fats. All of these vitamins and minerals help energize your body and help it run more efficiently, from protecting your immune system to fighting off diseases.”
photo from My Fermented Foods
5. Kimchi
Kimchi — fermented vegetables — is a staple at the Korean dinner table, and we can see why. Look no further than this probiotic food to help promote gut health, which we know is correlated to the well-being of the rest of the body as well, like brain health, immunity, and skin health. Think you don’t like Kimchi? Give it a try with some steamed rice. We promise, the health benefits of this food make the funky smell in your fridge worth it.
photo by Thomas Winslow
6. Liver
Vegetarians, skip ahead. Controversial healthy food no. 6 is none other than liver. While traditional Western diets eat primarily animal muscle meat, when prepared properly, organ meats are rich sources of nutrients and vitamins, with liver ranking highest of them all. Dense in Vitamin A, folic acid, iron and zinc, liver is known to be particularly good for the heart, brain function, and hemoglobin formation in blood.
photo by Lucy Cuneo
7. Oysters
Oysters – love ’em or hate ’em, they deserve a spot on this list. While the shellfish is rich in nutrients like protein, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and iron, its the sky-high level of zinc found in oysters that makes them a nutrition superstar. The mineral is key in healing and immunity for people of all ages, so even if you’re not a fan, load on the tartar sauce and lemon, close your eyes, and throw one back.
Try: A raw seafood bar at your next party.
photo from Vegetarian Ventures
8. Cottage Cheese
We get it – curdled cheese, as a concept, is kind of off putting. But if you can move past that and enjoy a serving of cottage cheese, you’re in for a surprising range of health benefits. For pregnant women and athletes, the calcium in cottage cheese can’t be beat, while minerals like magnesium, potassium and selenium play a vital role in healthy body function. To round it out, high amounts of protein, B Complex vitamins and healthy fats make this one of our favorite sweet-or-savory snack foods.
