About This Quiz
Eggs? First, they're good for you ... then bad for you ... then good for you. Potatoes? Bad, then good ... then bad again? Dairy? Good, then bad. But, some of it is good? And, don't get us started on avocado: It's good, but fatty, but fatty is ... OK?
American consumers get a lot of mixed messages when it comes to popular finds in the grocery store these days. Have you ever heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Turns out, that's probably not really true, although it's a healthful eating habit. Still eating red meat a couple times a week? Some experts agree that it's part of a nutritious diet while others say, "Cut back." And, what's the deal with all of these new grains – quinoa, millet, farro, barley? We get it if you're confused.
Luckily, you have us here to help you sort through the confusion. Of course, we had to trim the list to just 35 foods with proven health benefits so you're on your own with the rest. But, hey, we're giving you a good start to your weekly shopping list. See how many of these superfoods you can pair to why they're beneficial for your diet ... and step away from the fast-food french fries! (Sorry.)
Bananas come in their own perfectly-portable "container," the outer peel that protects the fleshy insides. In terms of health benefits, bananas are full of potassium and have been noted for helping decrease blood pressure and supporting heart health.
People following the keto diet are big fans of the avocado, thanks to its higher fat content and low carb count. Eating avocado can help lower cholesterol and protect your eye health.
Grass-fed animals such as lamb, from which this protein is derived, have much greater vitamin and mineral count (like omega-3s), making it a healthful diet choice. It has also been attached to claims of reduced cardiovascular disease, improved muscle growth and reduced inflammation.
Advertisement
Whether you call them muskmelons, rock melons or cantaloupes, this antioxidant-rich fruit has been known to aid in disease prevention including cancer, as well as improving digestion and inflammation.
Teeny-tiny chia seeds! Can you believe it? These nutrient-dense seeds have a ton of fiber and other nutrients. Researchers have said that, as part of a healthful diet, they can also contribute to helping dieters lose weight.
A fleshy fruit with a pit and seed inside, mangos have been shown to have numerous health benefits, not just limited to healthier hair and skin. They've also been related to reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Advertisement
Cartoon character Bugs Bunny is frequently seen noshing on carrots and rightfully so. This root vegetable is packed with nutrients like beta carotene and lutein, and has been associated with eye health.
Cucumbers are a pretty popular vegetable, made even more important with added health benefits. Made mostly of water, they can help keep you hydrated and are also good for your bones, heart and skin.
According to legend, vampires hate garlic, but with its numerous health benefits, they may want to reconsider. Sure, it's a bit stinky, but it has positive benefits for the body, acting as a type of antibiotic and immune booster.
Advertisement
Places you don't want oil: on your face. Places you do want oil: in your salmon. This oily fish is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids while still being lean and high in protein. These nutrients can help prevent heart disease, arthritis and some forms of cancer.
Rice is out and quinoa is in ... at least for now. It's become a favorite replacement for its plant-based protein and high fiber, while aiding in reducing diseases like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular concerns.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a Mediterranean staple that has slowly spread in popularity to other places in the world. It is a favorite of the health-conscious for its ability to improve an individual's glucose and insulin levels.
Advertisement
The long-lived slogan, "Milk: It does a body good," is more fact than fiction. The consumption of milk in a diet has been shown to help bolster the health of your teeth and bones, and contribute to increased levels of vitamin D in your system.
Here are those heart-healthy fats again! Extra virgin olive oil can have a positive impact on the inner lining of your blood vessels, but the goodness doesn't end there. Olive oil can also reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure and cholesterol.
They may get a bad rap from some for their starchy properties, but sweet potatoes have been known to help promote fertility and to protect the body against foreign invaders. Of course, we don't know if piling it high with butter and cinnamon sugar helps or hurts. (We say "helps.")
Advertisement
You may think of the tomato as a vegetable, but it is technically classified as a fruit. Regardless, this food's lycopene stores are great for preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Everyone knows that fish are a nutrient-rich protein. Tuna, specifically, is known to aid the immune system, reduce blood pressure and the risks of certain cancers and provide energy to get you through the day.
Oats are sometimes shunned because they're higher in carbs than many people following popular low-carb diets want to ingest. Regardless, they are packed with beta glucans, which can be a step toward reducing bad cholesterol.
Advertisement
You know this is the one you were waiting for! Dark chocolate! We don't need to sing its praises too much because, well, chocolate. But, it does have numerous antioxidants which, when eaten in moderation, can help with cholesterol and cardiovascular concerns.
Apple cider vinegar, known more commonly by its ACV acronym, is a favorite in health communities. It has versatile uses (salad dressing, beverage, condiment) and can help lower your blood sugar, among other benefits.
Yogurt is essentially milk that's had bacteria added to it. Sound gross? Don't fret about it! The probiotic bacteria in it is good for your digestive system and, no worries, you can't taste the "bacteria."
Advertisement
You've heard it said: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. While that may not be entirely true (you're still probably going to get sick from time to time), apples have been proven to help prevent health issues like stroke and diabetes.
Arugula is a funny-sounding leafy green with serious health cred. It has sizable levels of nitrates which can help with blood pressure, and consuming it as part of a healthful diet can assist in preventing osteoporosis.
If you're a coffee lover, you'll appreciate this one. This antioxidant-rich beverage is known for its protection against diabetes, cancer, heart disease and even Parkinson's. Of course, enjoy all things in moderation ... coffee included.
Advertisement
These bitty berries pack a punch! Full of vitamins C and E, as well as fiber, cranberries are renowned for helping to prevent urinary tract infections, but also have potency for treating things like cardiovascular disease and oral health.
Edamame, a type of young soybean, is a great nutritious snack with a plethora of health benefits, among them reduced blood pressure and properties that can help with depression and fertility issues.
There's a reason the glorious grapefruit is found in so many women's beauty products. This fruit is known for its ability to combat free radicals and help create clear and healthy-looking skin.
Advertisement
Oh, honey! This pantry staple for many is a natural health wonder with numerous benefits, including the treatment of reflux and seasonal allergies as well as antibacterial properties good for speeding burn relief. Look for the raw varieties for the greatest benefit.
Call them fungi if you must (that's technically what they are), but mushrooms are packed with nutrients like selenium, which helps provide a boost to the immune system. Mushrooms are also known to help blood pressure and stop the growth of cancerous cells.
If you're experiencing joint pain, inflammation or arthritis, reach for a pineapple. The only food known to contain bromelain, it is a natural inflammation reducer, working on sore and arthritic joints.
Advertisement
Don't make that face! Tofu is a versatile food but, more importantly, it has numerous health benefits. Made from soybean curds, isoflavones in this food has been tied to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and other nutrients may help stabilize blood sugar.
It's hard to choose just one health benefit of watermelon because of the laundry list of nutrients in this fruit, from vitamin B6 and folate to potassium and lycopene. Eat up to help reduce blood pressure and inflammation while boosting healthy hair and skin.
Cinnamon, although you don't eat it in vast quantities like a typical food, is a powerful spice that can yield tremendous health results. It is known for being an anti-inflammatory and is packed with antioxidants to protect you from free radicals.
Advertisement
You can thank Starbucks for pumpkin's resurgence as a popular fall treat, but we're not saying the Pumpkin Spice Latte is medicinal. Rather, regular pumpkin is full of nutrients that support your heart, vision and immune system.
Eggplant, notorious for its purple, bulbous shape, is full of iron, a mineral we need in our bodies to help carry oxygen. Consuming foods that are high in iron can help combat issues with anemia in addition to other health benefits such as aiding in digestion and feeding your brain.