It’s all too often that we shrug off healthy eating because it’s too expensive or too much of a hassle. The fact is that some of the foods you have on a daily basis may have more benefits to your health than you would have ever imagined. This article will teach you, how a little bit of tweaking to some of your favorite foods can significantly benefit your health.

Coffee

Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. It is proven to improve your energy levels, burn fat, and drastically improve physical performance. Studies show that people who drink coffee on a regular basis have a 23-50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Risks of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease are also known to be lowered among coffee drinkers that follow an overall healthy lifestyle. Read more here about the health benefits of coffee.

Potatoes

Potatoes are loaded with vitamin B6, a vitamin that is involved in more than 100 enzymatic reactions, is capable of increasing nervous system activity, provides cardiovascular protection, and boosts athletic performance. Potato are also rich in potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid. Surprisingly enough, potatoes are actually fat free.

Beer

Wine seems to get all the credit for health benefits when it comes to alcohol, but beer really should not be overlooked. Studies show that moderate beer drinkers had a 42% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-drinkers. For best results keep it to a pint a day. Beer is also known to increase creative thinking, be a preventative for type 2 diabetes, lower men’s risk of developing kidney stones, and is a great recovery post-workout drink.

Chocolate

Chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that increase cardiovascular health, assist in weightloss, fight depression, decrease risk of diabetes, reduces stress, and boosts neural performance. Chocolate’s benefits are limitless. Don’t be afraid to drop so extra change on the good stuff, because you won’t be getting any of these health benefits from a Hershey’s Chocolate bar. Although, chocolate is known to cause breakouts, so don’t hesitate to splurge on a good facial cleansing brush to avoid breakouts.

Cheese

Cheese contains many nutrients, including, calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B12. Surprisingly enough, calcium is one of the nutrients most lacking in the American diet. So don’t be afraid to indulge in some good cheese but be sure to reach for the ones made from organic dairy. Studies show that organic dairy has 62% more healthy omega-3s than non-organic dairy. And if you’re afraid of the amount of fat found in dairy, don’t be afraid to reach for the low fat options. However, let it be known that recent studies have shown that the fatty acids found in cheese have been shown to have promoting effects on metabolic health.

Now that you know how easy it is to eat healthy, don’t be afraid to commit to healthy eating. It only takes a few changes in upping the quality in everything you eat, whether it’s dropping a few more dollars on a real chocolate bar or spending a bit extra for organic dairy. The price is worth the benefit in your health. And don’t be afraid to indulge in your cravings. Just keep mindful of your intake and take everything in moderation!