LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA) – Food is life, and for many of us, we truly enjoy the pleasure that comes with eating well and nourishing our bodies with the right nutrients.
Healthy eating has become more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. But while that’s great news, most of us still want to enjoy our favorite foods without guilt.
I’m not here to judge your eating habits. Instead, I’d like to share a few comparisons: foods that are rich in specific nutrients your body needs, and their popular counterparts that offer far fewer benefits.
Here’s what you should know:
1. Guess what? The food with the highest calorie content is Peanut Butter, thick, creamy, and indulgent, perfect on toast or straight from the jar.
Cucumber, on the other hand, is crisp, refreshing, and contains the least amount of calories.
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2. The food that contains the most protein is Steak, rich, juicy, and satisfying.
White Bread, has the least amount of protein, even though it often finds its way into our daily meals.
3. You might be surprised, but the food with the highest sugar content isn’t sugar—it’s Honey, golden, sticky, and naturally sweet.
Spinach, including Efo Shoko and Efo Tete/Green has the least amount of sugar, and packs in plenty of nutrients.
4. Chia Seeds have the most fiber content, tiny but mighty, often added to smoothies or overnight oats.
Rice Noodles are the food that contains the least amount of fiber. They are light in texture but really low in roughage.
5. Bell Pepper, known as “Tatase” in Yoruba, has the highest amount of Vitamin C, vibrant, juicy, and slightly sweet.
Mushrooms, our beloved fungi, contain the least Vitamin C, even though they bring depth to many dishes.
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6. Want your skin to glow? Salmon is your best friend, rich in omega-3s and nutrients essential for radiant skin.
Sausages, while flavorful and tempting, offer the least skin benefits and can even work against your skin health.
7. For easy digestion, reach for Yogurt, smooth, creamy, and full of gut-friendly probiotics.
Fries, crispy and golden, are less associated with healthy digestion and can weigh you down.
8. Sip in style with Matcha Green Tea, loaded with antioxidants that protect your body from the inside out.
Refined Sugar, though sweet and addictive, offers the lowest amount of antioxidants—none, to be exact.
9. Beef Liver is packed with iron, nutrient-dense and powerful for your blood and energy levels.
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Dairy Milk, while comforting and creamy, gives you the least iron in comparison.
10. Looking for magnesium? Eat Pumpkin Seeds, crunchy, flavorful, and great on salads or in snacks.
Soda, though bubbly and fun, offers the least magnesium and lots of added sugars instead.
11. To maintain your desired weight, fall in love with Broccoli— vibrant green, slightly crunchy, and nutrient-packed.
And those glossy, golden rings that come in a variety of flavors and sometimes drip with warm, browny goodness? They’re called Donuts.
“Do-Nut” eat them if you really want to manage your weight.
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Knowing which foods fuel your body best empowers you to make smarter choices without giving up the joys of eating.
So go ahead, enjoy your favorites treats, but let the nutrient-rich options lead the way. Your body will thank you for treating it well.
