A dietitian has revealed why it’s worth ‘splurging’ money on three health food items including extra Virgin olive oil, fish and nuts.
Chloe McLeod, from Sydney, said while you don’t need to waste your money on the ‘latest superfoods’ and supplements, there are three things where it pays to spend a little bit more.
Chloe revealed exactly where she spends her money at the supermarket, and why spending more on these three foods has so many nutritional benefits.
A dietitian has revealed why it’s worth ‘splurging’ money on three health food items including extra Virgin olive oil, fish and nuts (Chloe McLeod pictured)
The first food that Chloe spends more on is extra Virgin olive oil, and this is because it comes with a range of health benefits (stock image)
1. Extra Virgin olive oil
The first food that Chloe spends more on is extra Virgin olive oil, and this is because it comes with a range of health benefits.
‘Olive oil is an extremely potent source of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants known to reduce inflammation and protect against various chronic diseases and minimise cognitive decline with age,’ Chloe posted on Instagram.
But, what you might not realise is that not all olive oils are created equally.
‘There are three main grades of olive oil: extra Virgin olive oil, Virgin olive oil and refined,’ the dietitian said.
‘Extra Virgin olive oil is the highest grade of the three; it uses better quality fruit and more minimal processing methods to extract the oil from the olives versus chemical or heat extraction.’
The result is a superior quality oil with many more of the nutrients retained, and a far better taste as well.
Some of the best extra Virgin olive oils include those from Cobram Estate, Moro and Red Island.
The second food where it pays to spend more is with your nuts, as while Chloe (pictured) said it might feel like a surprise that a bag of nuts can cost more than $10, it is worth forking out
2. Nuts
The second food where it pays to spend more is with your nuts, as while Chloe said it might feel like a surprise that a bag of nuts can cost more than $10, it is worth forking out.
‘Not only are nuts incredibly accessible, but they’re a very quick and easy way to boost your nutrition on the go or at work,’ she explained.
‘The fat and protein content in nuts aids in maintaining more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day, which in turn gives you longer-lasting energy.’
Nuts are also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin E, certain B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, selenium and phosphorous.
While all nuts are good for you, those that are particularly beneficial include Brazil nuts, cashews and almonds.
‘Fish has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and depression,’ Chloe said (stock image)
3. Fish
Finally, the dietitian said fish is also worth spending money on.
‘Fish has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and depression,’ Chloe said.
‘The nutrients found in fish also help to optimise brain function in developing children, as well as maintaining cognitive capacity as we age.’
Chloe highlighted that fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which our body can’t produce by itself.
‘Fish also contains vitamin D, calcium and iodine, and is an excellent source of protein,’ Chloe added.