5 Foods working hard for your health 

All foods can be part of a healthy diet.  This saying is often quoted by most registered dietitians, unless you have a medical condition or food allergy prohibiting you from eating certain foods.  But that saying does not state that all foods are on the same level playing field in terms of nutritional value.  For instance, to compare a pop-tart to a pear is like comparing rap music to Mozart’s Rondo Allo Turca – there is really little in common.  Certain foods simply work a lot harder for your health than others.  And that’s why it’s important to focus on choosing a variety of health promoting foods each day. This increases the likelihood of obtaining adequate nutrients supporting your overall wellness.

It stands to reason that certain foods edge out others on meeting this precedent.  The following five foods are standouts when it comes to being packed with healthy nutrients that may keep your eyesight sharp, help you lose weight and protect you from conditions such as heart disease and cancer. 

Of course, there are many, many other nutrient rich foods to also include in your diet and that’s why variety is key.  Including these five foods along with the other plethora of nutrient rich foods increases your chances of optimal health.

1.      Blueberries

Bursting with healthy nutrients, this fruit is one not to skip.  Eat one cup and you’ll consume 4 grams of fiber and plenty of vitamin C. Blueberries also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid which may protect against cancer along with boosting your brain health and vision.

2.      Broccoli

If you’ve never liked broccoli, you may want to give it a second try.  This dark green vegetable is one of the richest sources of vitamin A you’ll find in the produce aisle and contains about 3.8 grams of fiber per serving.  According to the USDA Nutrient Database, broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange (51 mg in an orange; 132 mg in 1 cup broccoli) and is a good source of calcium at 70 mg in 1 cup.  Scientists at John Hopkins University of Medicine have discovered that broccoli is rich in substances called isothiocyanates, chemicals shown to stimulate the body’s production of its own cancer-fighting substances.

3.      Edamame

Such a funny name for a superstar food!  Edamame is a fancy name for boiled green soybeans.  If you’ve ever been to a Japanese restaurant you may have had this legume as an appetizer.   One half cup of this unique tasting bean provides an impressive 9 grams of fiber, 11 grams of protein, and 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C and iron.  It’s also known to help lower “bad” cholesterol, protect against colon cancer and strengthen bones.   It makes a great snack food or can be added into recipes.   Edamame is in the frozen food aisle either shelled or unshelled.  

4.      Quinoa

Pronounced “Keen-wah”, this seed was first eaten by the Incas over 3 thousand years ago.  Called “the gold of the Incas”, they believed it increased the stamina of their warriors.  It’s now called “the supergrain of the future” due to its multiple health benefits.  In a one-half cup serving, quinoa provides 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol, lowers the risk of developing hemorrhoids and aids in weight loss.  It also contains ample magnesium, zinc, riboflavin and has more iron than true grains.  Its mild flavor can easily be substituted for rice.   

5.      Salmon

If you feel like you’re swimming upstream in lowering your cholesterol, triglycerides or high blood pressure, adding salmon a couple of times a week may be the answer.  This fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which are important in combating heart disease. Studies have also shown that eating salmon may protect against age-related macular degeneration.  A study reported in the British Medical Journal showed that eating just one to two portions a week of salmon or other fatty fish rich in marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with a 14% reduced risk of breast cancer in later life.  Salmon also is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D providing 320 IU (International Units) per 3 ounce serving.  In addition, it’s also low in sodium and is a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and selenium.

Even if you currently don’t eat any of the above foods, make a goal to add one each week until they are a regular part of your diet.