Healthful diets contribute to good health and the way you feel. Your body requires healthful foods to deliver the nutrients needed for growth and development. The essential nutrients found in foods include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. These nutrients influence energy, metabolism, healthy skin, resistance to infections and the maintenance of all body processes. Eating healthy requires emphasizing nutrient-rich foods in your diet and limiting your intake of unhealthy fats, cholesterol, added sugars and sodium.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes offer various nutritional benefits and come in many varieties. In a botanical sense, tomatoes are a type of fruit, although most people use them as vegetables in their meals. Regardless of how you like your tomatoes -- raw, pureed or in a sauce -- you can benefit from rich nutrients in every bite. Tomatoes contain rich sources of flavonols, potassium, folate, dietary fiber and vitamins A, C and E. They also contain a variety of phytonutrients including carotenoids and polyphenols, which contribute to good health. You can find red, brown, green, purple, orange and yellow varieties of tomatoes in many supermarkets.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most consumed vegetables in the U.S. and for good reasons. This dark green vegetable contains such essential nutrients as iron, calcium, potassium, folate, dietary fiber and vitamins A, C and K, among other key nutrients. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as radish and cauliflower, may be crucial to boosting the immune system as you age. Broccoli also contains a health-promoting flavonoid called kaempferol, which may have anti-inflammatory effects. When purchasing fresh broccoli, select vibrant bunches with dark coloring for more nutrients.
Salmon
Salmon provides a nutritious and delicious way to obtain vitamins, minerals and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may benefit heart health, promote healthy brain functioning, boost moods, decrease triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory effects. Along with rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon also contains good sources of vitamin D and various B vitamins, protein and magnesium. Salmon is low in calories and saturated fats. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish such as salmon at least two times or two servings a week. To add to the health benefits, enjoy salmon baked, grilled or poached rather than fried. Also, choose low-sodium and low-fat seasonings.
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