Your diet is sure to get a healthy boost with these five health foods which are your best bets for eating well because they meet at least three of the following criteria -
They are excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients They are high in phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A and E and beta carotene They may help reduce risk of heart disease and other health conditions They are easily available
1. Wheat Germ
It is that part of the grain that's responsible for the development and growth of the new plant sprout and although it is only a small part, the germ contains many nutrients. An excellent source of thiamin and a good source of folate, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, wheat germ also contains protein, fiber and some fat. You can sprinkle it on your hot or cold cereal.
2. Sweet Potatoes
With their deep orange-yellow color, sweet potatoes are high in the antioxidant beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A in your body. It helps slowing down the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And like all vegetables, they're fat-free and relatively low in calories with one-half of a large sweet potato having just 81 calories.
3. Spinach
High in vitamins A and C and folate, it's also a good source of magnesium. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system while the carotenoids found in spinach — beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are protective against age-related vision diseases, such as macular degeneration and night blindness, as well as heart disease and certain cancers.
4. Beans
Small red beans and dark red kidney beans, both are a good source of iron, phosphorus and potassium. They're also an excellent low-fat source of protein and dietary fiber with red beans also containing phyto-nutrients.
5. Almonds
Packed with nutrients — fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium, one serving (about seven almonds) has more calcium than any other type of nut — 22 milligrams. This one serving also provides almost 15 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E. Almonds are also good for your heart since most of the fat in almonds being monounsaturated fat, which is a healthier type of fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels.
