This is the 'World's Healthiest Meal', According to Science
Eating better should be a simple task, but with the sheer volume of information out there, it can be hard to know what foods to choose. From expensive superfood supplements to low-carb diets, everyone claims their preferred way of eating is the best route to health.
While everyone's needs are different, there are some simple science-based hacks to eating well, like including plenty of fibre, plants and protein in your diet, while making sure it tastes good too. Now, a scientist has put all of those tips together to create what he claims is the healthiest meal ever.
Dr Paul Berryman, chief of Leatherhead Food Research, critically assessed over 4,000 health claims in search of the healthiest way to eat. He distilled them down to a credible 222, then created a three-course meal that packed in all of the nutrition you need.
The World's Healthiest Starter
To begin, Dr Berryman suggests a salmon terrine and a side salad dressed with olive oil.
Salmon is a fish high in omega-3s which help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, support heart health and even boost your strength. Olive oil is also a health hero, packed with polyphenols: plant compounds that are associated with good health outcomes.
The World's Healthiest Main Course
The main event is a chicken and lentil casserole. Packed with both animal and plant proteins, this dish is great for muscle and bone health while also providing a big dose of fibre thanks to the vegetables and pulses.
Fibre is associated with good digestion, but also helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while helping to reduce the likelihood of some diseases like cancer and diabetes.
The meal is served with a wholegrain roll for extra fibre and some slow-releasing carbohydrates for energy.
The World's Healthiest Dessert
If you think you can't eat dessert while eating healthy, think again. Dr Berryman suggests eating a live yoghurt 'blancmange' that's packed full of probiotics to support your gut while also being high in calcium and protein.
The yoghurt pudding is topped with walnuts, a superfood in their own right thanks to their high levels of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants.
Is This the Healthiest Meal Ever?
The meal is definitely full of goodness that we all need to thrive, including protein, fats and carbs as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. It's also a great way to remember that healthy doesn't mean restrictive. 'Healthy foods do not have to be dull,' agrees Dr Berryman.
Most people probably don't need a three-course meal every day, though you could break this up into lunch, dinner and dessert. While everyone does require different types of foods, this meal idea is definitely a great place to start if you're looking to eat better. Delicious, satisfying and nutritious – what's not to like?
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