mindbodygreen – Fad diets pretty much always end in disappointment.
Instead, try to go back to basics with whole and natural foods.
- Grass-fed beef
You may not suspect beef to have “healing” powers, but Shapiro clarifies that grass-fed meat can benefit your overall health.
In fact, several studies suggest that diets rich in grass-fed animal sources elevate precursors for vitamins A and E1, as well as cancer fighting antioxidants, such as glutathione, compared to grain-fed.
2. Cruciferous veggies
All vegetables are great to have in your diet, but cruciferous veggies hold a special place in Shapiro’s heart. She notes that this kind of veggie is especially beneficial for the liver.
Some examples of cruciferous veggies include:
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
3. Ghee
Shapiro also uses ghee in many of her recipes, which she views as a healthier alternative than traditional butter. According to the USDA3, ghee (aka, clarified butter) contains less fat, more vitamin A, and more vitamin E than traditional butter4.
This ingredient has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, but its many health benefits have also been studied in recent years.
4. Sweet potato
Next up, Shapiro praises a crowd-pleaser: sweet potatoes. There are many benefits that come with adding sweet potatoes to your plate, so we’ve highlighted just a few important ones to note:
- They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium.
- Purple sweet potatoes have been shown to protect the brain7 and improve learning8.
- They contain two types of fiber9, which is great for digestive health.
- Orange and purple sweet potatoes10 are packed with antioxidants.
5. Bone broth
Finally, Shapiro always has bone broth in her house. Another super-healing food, bone broth has benefits for both your gut and your skin.
Part of the reason it’s so beloved by beauty lovers is because it contains collagen—a building block of your skin that decreases with age, resulting in fine lines and sagging skin …
