AI's list of the top ten healthiest foods in the world (keep alive)

I recently ranked the ten healthiest foods in the world and made the case that eating them is necessary if you want to, you know, survive.

My idea was straightforward: I conducted some research and discovered several studies and articles from reliable sources that listed the "healthiest meals in the world."

I then created my list by ranking the items according to how many times they were mentioned.

The whole piece is available here, but this is how my story turned out:

Dark green leaves: Dark green leaves of some form were featured in every article I read on "the healthiest meals in the world," and each one included at least one of the following: Broccoli, spinach, and kale.

Nuts: Specifically, each item specified either walnuts or almonds. The third-highest number of references were for Brazil nuts.

My particular favorite is berries.

Sweet potatoes are delicious root vegetables that are rich in important vitamins.

Another satisfying, healthful treat that is high in fiber and good fats is avocado. (tie)

Oats/Oatmeal: Oats high in antioxidants are known to promote heart health. (tie)

7. Beans with pumpkin seeds (tie)

9. Wheat germ, dark chocolate, and garlic (tie)

I decided to try this again and ask ChatGPT to rate the top 10 healthiest foods in the world and compare it to my own list since AI is such a big subject right now and it is surely much...better than me at accumulating facts.

AI's list of the top ten healthiest meals

Depending on personal nutritional requirements and tastes, different people may have different ideas on the "top 10 healthiest foods." Nonetheless, because of their advantageous qualities, certain foods are always regarded as being very nutrient-dense. The following foods are often considered to be among the healthiest:

Spinach Rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate, spinach is low in calories and abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Another leafy green that is high in antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and the vitamins A, C, and K is kale.

Blueberries: Blueberries are high in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, and also include fiber, vitamins C and K, and may have a number of health advantages, including as improving cognitive function and lowering oxidative stress.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are found in abundance in salmon, a fatty fish that is vital for heart and brain health. In addition, salmon is a fantastic source of protein, as well as a number of vitamins and minerals, including selenium and B vitamins.

Quinoa: A grain that is free of gluten and high in fiber, protein, and vital elements like manganese, iron, and magnesium. It contains all nine of the necessary amino acids, making it a complete protein.

A cruciferous vegetable that is high in vitamins C, K, and folate is broccoli. Antioxidants found in broccoli have been linked to a number of health advantages, including a lower chance of developing several types of cancer.

Almonds: Packed in protein, fiber, and good fats, as well as vital elements like manganese, magnesium, and vitamin E. They are known to improve heart health as well.

Greek yogurt is a wonderful source of calcium, protein, probiotics (good bacteria for gut health), and other vitamins and minerals. To stay away from additional sugars, use plain Greek yogurt.

Olive Oil: Olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants including oleic acid and oleocanthal, offers anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy advantages.

Sweet potatoes: Rich in fiber, minerals including manganese and potassium, and vitamins, particularly A and C. Beta-carotene and other antioxidants are abundant in them as well.

Although these meals are thought to be nutrient-dense and provide a number of health advantages, a balanced diet that consists of a broad range of foods is crucial to ensuring you get all the nutrients you need for optimum health.

No dairy or meat

I am pleased to say that I eat all three of the top three every single day.

I usually have spinach in my lunch wraps and a blueberry and kale smoothie first thing in the morning.

The inclusion of Greek yogurt on the list caught me off guard.

Since my original list had no dairy or meat, I re-asked with those categories eliminated since I am doing all in my power to switch to a plant-based diet.

Indeed, with an emphasis on plant-based diets, the following is a list of some of the healthiest foods on the market:

Iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, are all abundant in spinach.

Kale: Packed in nutrients like calcium and potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K.

Antioxidants, fiber, vitamins C and K, and other health-promoting phytochemicals are all abundant in blueberries.

Quinoa: Packed with fiber, complete protein, and vital elements including manganese, iron, and magnesium.

Broccoli: Provides antioxidants, possible cancer-fighting chemicals, and vitamins C, K, and folate.

Almonds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, healthy fats, and other minerals.

Chia seeds: Packed in antioxidants, fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals.

Lentils: An excellent source of iron, fiber, folate, plant-based protein, and other vital minerals.

Avocado: Rich in fiber, potassium, vitamins, antioxidants, and good monounsaturated fats.

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, minerals including potassium and manganese, vitamins (particularly A and C), and antioxidants.

Seeing how the responses change from question to question is sort of fascinating.

In the second ranking, for instance, avocado unexpectedly surpasses sweet potatoes, while chia seeds and lentils also make it into the top 10.

However, the top three—blueberries, kale, and spinach—do not differ.

It may be time to add them to your rotation if you do not eat them every day!

Identifying the final list

As you can see, there are many similarities at the top and a lot of overlap overall.

Honestly, if you base your diet on any of the items mentioned above (taking into consideration food sensitivities, of course), you can not go wrong.

What is the reason for my renewed obsession with listing the world's healthiest foods?

I am beginning to see that I have reached a point in my life when I can no longer outrun my diet as I approach my 40s.

Despite working out daily, I am beginning to see that even modest outcomes need more labor.

I published an article a while back on Bruce Springsteen's remarks about remaining trim after 70, as the infamously fit septuagenarian put it.

The statement, "The major issue is diet, diet, diet," caught my attention. With the exception of occasional indulgences, I do not overeat or eat unhealthy food. "So I believe anyone that is wanting to stay in shape, exercise is always vital of course, but nutrition is 90% of the game," the speaker said.

Right now, I like creating a diet around things that help me stay healthy and trim more than I do consuming hefty meats and sugary, transient meals.

The nutrients mentioned in this tale will continue to become more important in my daily diet as I continue my journey toward 50.