10 Healthy Foods You NEED to Fall in Love With

Here's 10 of the healthiest foods you can find. Have additional foods you would like to add? I would love to hear from you!


1. Bananas
According to The Georgia State of Health "What's for dinner tonight?" program, Bananas are a remedy for upset stomachs and help strengthen stomach lining against excess acid and ulcers. The pectin in bananas may be helpful in fighting colon cancer as well as lowering blood cholesterol.

2. Potatoes
According to the CDC, potatoes are a rich source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. Like other fruits and vegetables, potatoes are a low calorie food and are free of fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

3. Acai Berry
They are calling it a "miracle food" and its benefits range from being high in protein and omega 6 and 9, to having dietary fiber and antioxidants.....and most importantly the Acai Berry is becoming a popular anti-aging source.

4. Brocolli
Broccoli is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and folate. Cup for cup, broccoli has as much Vitamin C as an orange and almost as much calcium as milk. Including broccoli in your low-fat diet along with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables will help you to maintain a lower risk of some cancers, vision health, and strong bones and teeth. TIP: Purchase tight, compact florets with an even green or purple-green color. The size of broccoli heads does not indicate eating quality. Avoid yellowing florets and tough or woody stems.

5. Flaxseed
According to GA Healthinfo.gov, flaxseed is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans. Flaxseed can help reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels - and, as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, but it doesn't have the beneficial fiber that the seeds have.

TIP: Most nutrition experts recommend ground flaxseed because your body is better able to digest it. Whole flaxseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you won't get the health benefits of flaxseed.

6. Whole Grains
No other food group delivers numbers the same way whole grains do:

• Up to 36 percent lower risk of stroke
• Up to 30 percent drop in type 2 diabetes risk
• Up to 28 percent drop in heart disease risk

Plus, whole grains reduce the risk of colon cancer and obesity, maintain healthy gums, and reduce the buildup of dental plaque. (Source: The Whole Grains Council)

7. Quinoa
The 2,000yr-old "Mother Grain." Pronounced (Kin-Wa) Quinoa is highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12-18%) making it a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans. It is a good source of dietary fiber, phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. (Source: California School Board for Nutritional Education)

INTERESTING FACT: Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long duration manned spaceflights.

8. Fennel
Fennel, the "sleeper" vegetable, is an excellent source of potassium, making it effective for lowering blood pressure. Typically associated with spicing up an Italian or Mediterranean dish, Fennel is also a very good source of fiber, and may help to reduce elevated cholesterol levels. Since fiber also removes potentially carcinogenic toxins from the colon, fennel bulb may also be useful in preventing colon cancer.

9. Avocado
Avocados are loaded with nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and folate. They're also cholesterol and sodium free. This fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat, which is good for heart health. Including avocados in your low-fat diet along with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables will help you to maintain a lower risk of some cancers, vision health, and strong bones and teeth.

TIP: A ripe avocado is firm, yet yields to gentle pressure.

10. Soy
Eating 25 grams or more of soy protein daily can help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Plus since it's low in saturated fat, soy is also a great source of lean protein. Look for natural sources of soy protein, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. (Source: KingCounty.gov)

TIP: But watch the amount of salt in your soy. Some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure.

by Jeff Hopeck | ezinearticles