Is this even possible nowadays? Surely the only foods that cost less than a dollar is a burger from McDonald’s or other fast food outlets?
This article is mainly written based on figures in the United States of America, but they should be of similar value in local currency worldwide. It costs a minimum of US$10.51 per day in the USA for Western food, which translates to $325.73 per *month. For Asian food, it costs US$8.30 daily, making the *monthly spend $257.38.
Hold your horses, Clint. I feel lucky today. Ten healthy foods cost under US $1. You can get these at the local market, nutrition store, corner shop or smaller grocery store. You clamor, “Go ahead, make my day.”
Here are 10 healthy foods you can get for less than $1:
1. Two cage-free organic eggs – US$0.84
You can taste the difference between eggs laid by truly free-range hens and commercially-farmed ones. How? It is in their diet. The free range hens eat seeds, plants, worms, and insects. The others peck away at soy, corn, and cottonseed. Do not forget that free range means outside on grass, not on a cement courtyard, therefore the food received by the hens is not the same.
2. Raw organic milk, 8 oz – US$0.62
Despite having been slated in the past, raw milk has a plethora of nutrients in it. The bad news is that this particular milk can be difficult to obtain. It tastes better than pasteurized milk and is healthier for you. Here are five health benefits of raw milk: 1) Reduces allergies; 2) Aids in improvement of skin health; 3) Fights nutrient deficiencies; 4) Can be used to make probiotic foods, such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir; 5) No added sugar or other refined ingredients or products.
3. Raw Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, raw, 1 oz – US$0.82 & Mixed raw nuts, 1/2 oz – US$1.00
Nuts are not good if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, or excess weight. However, they have high protein levels, perfect for vegetarians or vegans as a substitute for meat. Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts are the best choice, and peanuts are to be avoided due to their content of pesticides. Brazil nuts are good for testosterone levels and sperm production, thyroid protection, Vitamin E, fighting against acne, and nice-looking skin. They also have other properties, such as riboflavin, and manganese, and are high in fiber. Seeds are a little better than nuts due to the lower carbohydrate intake. Take a particular interest in flax and chia seeds. Grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder to get the best results from fibers and the healthiest fats. Plant the seed of going nuts for a healthier life!
4. Berries: 1 cup fresh organic blueberries – US$0.95
Berries are very good for you. Blueberries contain Vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium, and the substance that gives them that dark colour, anthocyanin. They protect us from harmful ailments, such as cancer, brain damage from strokes, urinary tract infections, and health problems onset by age. Other organic berries that can help you are: strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries. Be very pro-berry!
5. One-pound slice watermelon – US$0.59
Harry, look no further than the watermelon for these health benefits: beta-carotene, lycopene, and citrulline. This means that it is good for the circulatory, immune, and even the reproductive system. In other words, it works just like Viagra but without harmful chemicals. “You’ve got to ask yourself one question. ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?” With watermelon as your tool, you are at least well-equipped for some luck!
6. Coconut milk, 7 oz – US$0.98
Go loco for coco! Used in Thai cuisine for centuries, this article could never do coconut milk enough justice. It has medium-chain fatty acids, known in the medical world as triglycerides, which help raise the body’s metabolism, fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi, promote thyroid function, and help digestion. Only human breast milk has more triglyceride content.
7. Fresh organic spinach, 5 oz – US$0.95
High in those trusted anti-oxidants and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), you can immediately tell spinach is one of the, if not the best veggie out there. ORAC is a measurement to determine how well a food can destroy something potentially harmful in your body. Spinach may be what you have been looking for to improve memory and fight Alzheimer’s disease. It also has folic acid in spades and lutein and zeaxanthin, which lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration. You expected the article to mention Popeye, right? Oops!
8. Garlic, two cloves – US$0.05
Forgive its strong taste and bad smell. Garlic is a big player in the healthy food stakes. When garlic makes a move, everyone notices. Its trademark is an antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent, as smooth as 007 himself. The risk of many forms of cancer is decreased, and osteoporosis and hypertension do not stand a chance. Do be aware, however, that garlic has a Cinderella effect on it, with its active ingredient, allicin vanishing after approximately an hour after going under your kitchen knife. And please, do not even waste your time on garlic pills. Fresh garlic only, Mr. Bond!
9. Wild rice, one serving – US$0.99
Would you normally eat grass? No? Do not be fooled by the name of wild rice; it is actually a grass. It comes from the seed Zizania aquatica, indigenous to the Great Lake area of North America. Enough of names from an almost dead language and geographic locations; how can eating wild rice benefit you? Where do we even begin? Niacin, protein, fibre, magnesium, B vitamins, potassium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus are all present and correct here.
10. Krill oil, two capsules – US$0.84
Are you left wondering, “What on earth is that?” Fear not, dear friends! Krill is a minuscule shrimp or prawn which is normally the food of the great whale, consuming roughly 8,000 pounds of krill EVERY DAY! On to its health benefits for you, how does a healthy heart sound for starters? Or healthy joints? What about fighting aging and having healthy skin? Does being in a better mood sound appetising? And help for the brain and nervous system? For icing on a very healthy cake, how about having a more optimal level of cholesterol?
Total spent = US$8.63
* Assuming the month has thirty-one days.
