14 Foods Good for Your Health
Written By: Arizona Daily Star
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Published - Jun 25, 2008
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will fill you up, not out. Feeling satisfied is important. These foods are touted to fight cancer, reduce cholesterol and prevent strokes. They may even make your coat shine.
Mushrooms: Add these to sandwiches, soups and eggs whenever you can to boost your immune system. O Onions: They can lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and relieve congestion.
Kiwi: The natural enzymes combat lots of ailments, including autoimmune diseases, allergies and cancer.
Apricots: Loaded with carotenoids, apricots offer a wealth of benefits, including protecting eyes and preventing heart diseases. Some research shows that they can help smokers give up cigarettes.
Tofu: Soy products are widely touted, but one interesting theory is that menopausal women may benefit from soy as a supplement to estrogen replacement.
Pineapple: With plenty of manganese, this tropical fruit keeps bones strong, improves digestion and relieves cold symptoms.
Cereal: Reach for whole grain with plenty of fiber to keep your colon healthy.
Corn: A fresh ear is loaded with thiamin, a B vitamin necessary to convert food to energy.
Sweet peppers: A good source of cancer-fighting antioxidants and other properties thought to stave off cataracts. Don't cook them to mush, or you'll render them nearly powerless.
Garlic: Sure, pungent garlic wards off vampires, but it can do battle with cholesterol and blood pressure, too. Some research shows garlic may contain chemicals that kill cancer cells.
Green tea: Drink a warm, comforting cup of polyphenols, which may reduce heart disease, cancer and stroke risk.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that has anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Herbs: Add flavor without calories, plus cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Dark chocolate: Contains flavonols that help boost the production of nitric oxide in blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
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