Category: Grub Garage
The 29 Healthiest Foods on the Planet
The following is a "healthy food hot list" consisting of the 29 food that
will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as
decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart
disease. Along with each description is a suggestion as to how to
incorporate these power-foods into your diet.
FRUITS
01. Apricots
The Power: Beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and
protect the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which
may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17
calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snacks on them dried, or if you prefer
fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients.
02. Avocados
The Power: Oleic acid, an unsaturated fat that helps lower overall
cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, plus a good dose of fiber. One slice
has 81 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber. Try a few slices
instead of mayonnaise to dress up your next burger.
03. Raspberries
The Power: Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These
berries are also packed with vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps
prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup has only 60 calories, 1
gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. Top plain low-fat yogurt or oatmeal
(another high fiber food) with fresh berries.
04. Mango
The Power: A medium mango packs 57mg of vitamin C, almost your
whole-recommended daily dose. This antioxidant helps prevent arthritis and
boosts wound healing and your immune system. Mangoes also boast more than
8,000 IU of vitamin A (as beta-carotene). One mango has 135 calories, 1 gram
of fat and 4 grams of fiber. Cut on up and serve it over leafy greens.
Bonus: Your salad will taste like dessert!
05. Cantaloupe
The Power: Vitamin C (117mg in half a melon, almost twice the recommended
daily dose) and beta-carotene - both powerful antioxidants that help protect
cells from free-radical damage. Plus, half a melon has 853mg of potassium -
almost twice as much as a banana, which helps lower blood pressure. Half a
melon has 97 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Cut into cubes
and freeze, then blend into an icy smoothie.
06. Cranberry Juice
The Power: Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria
from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Buy 100
percent juice concentrate and use it to spice up your daily H20 without
adding sugar.
07. Tomato
The Power: Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an
antioxidant. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder,
stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. A tomato has 26 calories,
0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Drizzle fresh slices with olive oil, because
lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.
08. Raisins
The Power: These little gems are a great source of iron, which helps the
blood transport oxygen and which many women are short on. A half-cup has 218
calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Sprinkle raisins on your morning
oatmeal or bran cereal - women, consider this especially during your period.
09. Figs
The Power: A good source of potassium and fiber, figs also contain vitamin
B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering
cholesterol and preventing water retention. The Pill depletes B6, so if you
use this method of birth control, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet.
One fig has 37 to 48 calories, 0 fat and 2 grams of fiber. (Cookie lovers -
fig bars have around 56 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber per
cookie). Fresh figs are delicious simmered alongside a pork tenderloin and
the dried variety make a great portable gym snack.
10. Lemons/Limes
The Power: Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which help prevent
cancer. A wedge has 2 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Buy a few of each and
squeeze over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor.
VEGETABLES
11. Onions
The Power: Quercetin is one of the most powerful flavonoids (natural plant
antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer. A cup (chopped)
has 61 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Chop onions for the maximum
phyto-nutrient boost, or if you hate to cry, roast them with a little olive
oil and serve with rice or other vegetables.
12. Artichokes
The Power: These odd-looking vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant
that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol. One
medium artichoke has 60 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of fiber. Steam over
boiling water for 30 to 40 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice on top, then pluck
the leaves off with your fingers and use your teeth to scrape off the
rich-tasting skin. When you get to the heart, you have found the best part!
13. Ginger
The Power: Gingerols may help reduce queasiness; other compounds may help
ward off migraines and arthritis pain by blocking inflammation-causing
prostaglandins. A teaspoon of fresh gingerroot has only 1 calorie, 0 fat and
0 fiber. Peel the tough brown skin and slice or grate into a stir-fry.
14. Broccoli
The Power: Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which help protect against
breast cancer. Broccoli also has lots of vitamin C and beta-carotene. One
cup (chopped) has 25 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Don't overcook
broccoli - instead, microwave or steam lightly to preserve phytonutrients.
Squeeze fresh lemon on top for a zesty and taste, added nutrients and some
vitamin C.
15. Spinach
The Power: Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help fend off macular
degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people. Plus, studies show
this green fountain of youth may help reverse some signs of aging. One cup
has 7 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Add raw leaves to a salad or
sauté with a little olive oil and garlic.
16. Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage)
The Power: Brassinin, which some research suggests may help prevent breast
tumors, plus indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen,
make this vegetable a double-barreled weapon against breast cancer. A cup
will also give you 158mg of calcium (16 percent of your daily recommended
requirement) to help beat osteoporosis. A cup (cooked) has 20 calories, 0
fat and 3 grams of fiber. Find it in your grocer's produce section or an
Asian market. Slice the greens and juicy white stalks, then sauté like
spinach or toss into a stir-fry just before serving.
17. Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Acorn)
The Power: Winter squash has huge amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene,
which may help protect against endometrial cancer. One cup (cooked) has 80
calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Cut on in half, scoop out the
seeds and bake or microwave until soft, then dust with cinnamon.
18. Watercress and Arugula
The Power: Phenethyl isothiocyanate, which, along with beta-carotene and
vitamins C and E, may help keep cancer cells at bay. One cup has around 4
calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Do not cook these leafy greens;
instead, use them to garnish a sandwich or add a pungent, peppery taste to
salad.
19. Garlic
The Power: The sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavor can
also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even reduce
your risk of stomach and colon cancer. A clove has 4 calories, 0 fat and 0
fiber. Bake a whole head for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft and sweet and
spread on bread instead of butter.
GRAINS/BEANS/NUTS
20. Quinoa
The Power: A half cup of cooked quinoa has 5 grams of protein, more than
any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium. A half-cup has 318
calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber. Add to soup for a protein
boost. Rinse first, or it will taste bitter.
21. Wheat Germ
The Power: A tablespoon gives you about 7 percent of your daily magnesium,
which helps prevent muscle cramps; it is also a good source of vitamin E.
One tablespoon has 27 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber. Sprinkle
some over yogurt, fruit or cereal.
22. Lentils
The Power: Isoflavones, which may inhibit estrogen-promoted breast cancers,
plus fiber for heart health and an impressive 9 grams of protein per half
cup. A half-cup (cooked) has 115 calories, 0 fat and 8 grams of fiber.
Isoflavones hold up through processing, so buy lentils canned, dried or
already in soup. Take them to work, and you will have a protein packed
lunch.
23. Peanuts
The Power: Studies show that peanuts or other nuts (which contain mostly
unsaturated "good" fat) can lower your heart-disease risk by over 20
percent. One ounce has 166 calories, 14 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber.
Keep a packet in your briefcase, gym bag or purse for a protein-packed
post-workout nosh or an afternoon pick me up that will satisfy you until
supper, or chop a few into a stir-fry for a Thai accent.
24. Pinto Beans
The Power: A half cup has more than 25 percent of your daily requirement of
folate, which helps protect against heart disease and reduces the risk of
birth defects. A half-cup (canned) has 103 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6
grams of fiber. Drain a can, rinse and toss into a pot of vegetarian chili.
Low fat Yogurt
25. The Power: Bacteria in active-culture yogurt helps prevent yeast
infections; calcium strengthens bones. A cup has 155 calories, 4 grams of
fat, 0 grams of fiber. Get the plain kind and mix in your own fruit to keep
calories and sugar down. If you are lactose intolerant, never fear - yogurt
should not bother your tummy.
26. Skim Milk
The Power: Riboflavin (a.k.a. vitamin B2) is important for good vision and
along with vitamin A might help improve eczema and allergies. Plus, you get
calcium and vitamin D, too. One cup has 86 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. If
you are used to high fat milk, don't go cold turkey; instead, mix the two
together at first. Trust this fact: In a week or two you won't miss it!
SEAFOOD
27. Shellfish (Clams, Mussels)
The Power: Vitamin B12 to support nerve and brain function, plus iron and
hard-to-get minerals like magnesium and potassium. Three ounces has 126 to
146 calories, 2 to 4 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Try a bowl of tomato-based
(and low fat) Manhattan clam chowder.
28. Salmon
The Power: Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna are the best
sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiac
disease. A 3-ounce portion (cooked) has 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0
fiber. Brush fillets with ginger-soy marinade and grill or broil until fish
flakes easily with a fork.
29. Crab
The Power: A great source of vitamin B12 and immunity-boosting zinc. A
3-ounce portion has 84 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 fiber. The "crab" in sushi
is usually made from fish; buy it canned instead and make your own crab
cakes.
Wow, that was very helpful, where did you get it? I prefer being told what to eat, rather than what not to eat. Are you really into cooking or in training to become a nutritionist, or what? Maybe you could give me some advice. I'm good at cooking vegetables, and other people seem to love the ways in which i prepare them, but I really don't care for most vegetables. perhaps you might have some recipes I should try to make them more palatable for myself. Thanks for the informative board topic and post.
I don't know why more people don't visit your posts. That's rather rude and close minded of them. Close minded not to pay a visit, and rude not to leave a message. I was wondering if it would be all right with you if I coppied and pasted the information and printed it out?
of course you can, I post these because I know there are some who do look at them. I don't care if they reply or not. There is an email list called cooking in the dark. It's geared towards blind cooks. If you would like the subscription info, let me know and I'll send it to you.
I am a 43 year old mom and I and my hubby love to cook, the love of great food, great music, books, wine and beer is pretty much what goes on at our home.
Carla
That was an interesting post. Thanks for posting it! I agree that it's better to be told what is good to eat as opposed to being told what you shouldn't eat...
Hey - I don't cook much - lazy I suppose... but an email or web page - geared towards blind cooks - sounds good to me LOL !!
hey there, I would also like the subscription info for the mailing list if you don't mind carla.
Carla, put me down for the subscription info please. Thanks it is good to see your posts back on the boareds to.
Nem
yes thank you, i will be sending it to some people that i know will enjoy the helpful info.
i do have one question about the peanuts and corn, i was told that they are very hard on the Digestive track.
I would love some healthy recipes for both me and my girlfriend need to start eating a little healthier. again thankyou this will be a good start
Hello there can you send that information to me too thanks I am a diabetes thanks again Erica.