Mayo Clinic rates the top 10 healthiest foods to eat according to certain criteria. These foods are good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. The top 10 healthiest foods reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other health complications. They are easily available and low in calories. These foods are additionally high in antioxidants (such as vitamin A and E and beta carotene), which help you combat disease naturally.
Almonds
Almonds provide you nutrients including fiber, magnesium, iron, riboflavin and calcium. One serving of almonds gives you half the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E as declared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Almonds are an excellent protein source. The fat found in almonds can even help lower your blood cholesterol levels.
Apples
Apples are an excellent source of pectin: a fiber that lowers blood cholesterol. Pectin also lowers glucose (sugar) levels, which helps decrease your risk of developing diabetes. Apples contain vitamin C, which enables your body to absorb iron.
Blueberries
Blueberries have a rich source of phytonutrients that can help prevent you from developing urinary tract infections. Mayo Clinic reports that blueberries can possibly improve your short-term memory and assist in healthy aging.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source of nutrients including potassium, fiber, folate and calcium. Broccoli also has phytonutrients that, according to Mayo Clinic, may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.
Red Beans
Red beans are a good source of nutrients such as copper, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, thiamin and iron. Red beans are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. Red beans have phytonutrients in them that, according to Mayo Clinic, might prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Salmon
Salmon provides your body a type of fat the helps prevent your blood from forming clots that lead to heart attacks. This kind of fat is called omega-3 fatty acids. Mayo Clinic reports that omega-3s can protect your body from irregular heartbeats that can lead to sudden death by heart attack. Omega-3s are thought to lower your risk of developing stroke and high blood pressure.
Spinach
Spinach is a good source of iron, riboflavin, vitamins A and C, magnesium and calcium. Mayo Clinic further reports that the plant compounds in spinach may help enhance your immune system, and keep your hair and skin healthy.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, which, according to Mayo Clinic, may help slow down your aging process and reduce your risk of developing cancer. Sweet potatoes are good sources of potassium, folate, fiber and vitamins B-6, C and E.
Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juice has a majority of the same vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you get from vegetables, which makes it an easy way to include vegetables in your meals.
Wheat
Wheat germ is contained in wheat grains and is highly concentrated with nutrients, including thiamin, niacin, folate, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, iron and more.
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