Humans get the majority of their nutrients from food. The more non-nutritious options there are, the harder it is to make healthy food choices. Packing meals with the ten healthiest foods will help supply the body with long-lasting energy, keep weight at a healthy level and supply all the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants the body needs to fight off premature aging, heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
Whole Grains
The powerhouse in this category is oatmeal. The American Cancer Society suggests that eating high fiber oatmeal may lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. Oatmeal is a good source of protein, and contains vitamin E, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese and magnesium.
Leafy Greens
Diets high in fruits and vegetables lower risk for a number of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Spinach is the leading contender for best food in the leafy greens category. High in calcium, fiber and a host of other nutrients, spinach is easy to include in a daily diet. Toss a handful into salad or sauté with some garlic to make this superfood super delicious.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds take the prize in this category for being high in protein and unsaturated fats while being delicious and convenient. The nut contains calcium, potassium, vitamin E and many other essential nutrients. A study published by the American Heart Association showed almond's ability to significantly lower high cholesterol levels which may lead to heart disease.
Low-Fat Dairy
Low-fat dairy products like milk and yogurt contain essential nutrients the body needs every day like calcium and vitamin D. Low-fat yogurt can be eaten daily as part of a low-fat, high protein diet.
Broccoli
Broccoli packs a nutritional punch by being low in calories, high in fiber and full of vitamins and minerals, like calcium and vitamin C. A study at the Institute of Food Research found that men who ate broccoli weekly lowered their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Berries
Berries squeeze more antioxidants into each serving than any other food. Especially notable are acai berries from Brazil, blueberries and grapes. Eating more fruits is associated with a lower risk of cancer and other diseases.
Beans
Beans are high in protein and fiber and low in calories, making them one of the proven superfoods. Diets high in fiber can help prevent digestive diseases, heart disease and obesity.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes make the top 10 list for their high content of lycopene. A study by the Institute of Food Research found lycopene to be a powerful antioxidant, and helps prevent heart disease, as well as prostate and other cancers.
Salmon
Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat, and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies by the Columbia University Medical Center have found that a diet that includes salmon can prevent heart disease, lower the occurrence of mental illness and delay some disabilities that come with age.
Olive Oil
High in antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil takes its place among the top ten healthiest foods. A study published in "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research" found a particular antioxidant in olive oil that afforded an increase in protection from heart attack and stroke.
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