The science behind what we eat reveals new information every day, so it can be tough to keep up with which eating habits are giving us the most health benefits. But once you're accustomed to eating healthy, sometimes small tweaks in your food prep and consumption can unlock big additional benefits. Check out these healthy foods that can get a little healthier when eaten the right way.
You're peeling your apples.
Many people peel fruits and vegetables to make them easier to eat, but skip the skin on apples and you could be peeling away nutrients, too. According to The Huffington Post, apples pack most of their vitamins in the skin, including vitamins A, C and D. The skin holds the majority of the apple's fiber, which can help with digestion and weight loss, and studies have shown that the colorful casing to this filling fruit can stave off cancer and memory loss, too. So put the peeler down and eat your apples, peel and all.
You only consume dairy in its low-fat and non-fat varieties.
Picking up the version of your favorite cheesy snack with the lowest fat content should be a no-brainer, but removing that fat comes at a price. According to NPR, studies have linked consumption of full-fat dairy products with lower body weight. It's not completely crazy, though: often, removing fat from a menu item requires that makers add sugar to maintain the food's taste. Besides, full-fat items are more likely to keep eaters feeling fuller for longer, which helps cut down on overeating over time.
You take your tea with milk.
It's not about cutting calories — adding dairy to your hot tea can neutralize the benefits of your beverage. "The milk proteins called caseins decrease a compound in tea called catechins, which boost protection against heart disease," explains Dr. Susan Albers to Eat This, Not That!. Instead, she says, add a splash of lemon for a bit of added flavor.
You're slicing your strawberries.
Usually in the meal prep world, slicing and dicing your snacks ahead of time is a great way to keep healthy fare on hand. But strawberrys and certain other fruits can lose health benefits the longer they're sliced open. According to Men's Health, Vitamin C begins to break down when it is exposed to light and oxygen, and whole strawberries retain 8 to 12 percent more Vitamin C than their sliced counterparts. For maximum benefits, store and eat your strawberries whole.
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