The Best Foods You Aren't Eating
Eric Reardon, MS, CNC
Adapted from The New York Times

How many of the following foods are in your house right now? These foods while they may not be the most popular are full of nutrients that promote good health. Notice the tips on how to eat these foods or be creative and use them how you'd like.

1. Beets: Beets are a great source of folate and also help cleanse the liver. The red pigments beets contain may also help fight cancer.
   How to eat: fresh, raw and grated on salads. 
2. Cabbage: Loaded with sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer fighting enzymes.
   How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.
3. Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that help protect aging eyes.
   How to eat: Chop and sauté in olive oil, use in stir fries, or steam and add lemon and olive oil.
4. Cinnamon: Shown to help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
   How to eat: Sprinkle on oatmeal or other hot cereal.
5. Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and high in magnesium; high levels of magnesium are associated with lower risk for early death.
   How to eat: Roasted as a snack or sprinkled on salad.
6. Sardines: High in omega-3's, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and B vitamins.
   How to eat: With salads, on toast, or mashed with Dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
7. Turmeric: The superstar of spices, shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
   How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.
8. Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients they are available year round and don't spoil. Blueberries are associated with better memory in animal studies.
   How to eat: Blended with yogurt, on cereals, or in smoothies.
9. Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A.
   How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.
10. Prunes: Packed with antioxidants and good for intestinal health.
    How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked, or as a snack, plain.

[ BACK ]

What's New
Understanding Probiotics

Eat to Lose
Are You Ready to Cleanse?
TNM Spring 2012 Classes

What's Popular
TNM Spring 2012  Classes
Article

Gluten Free Recipes

The Natural Market
148 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
Phone: 978-448-5075
Fax: 978-448-2535