As an Integrative Medicine physician, using food and nutrition to help keep the mind and body functioning appropriately, is what we like to teach to our patients. Below are some healthy food choices and some of their benefits. Taken from the Huffington Post, I encourage you to read more on the following items.
Almonds
Almonds are a rich source of fiber, protein, heart-healthy fat, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, making them a one-stop food. Almonds however are high in calories, so eat them in moderation.
Apples
Apples are an excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol. The fruit is also high in fiber and its peel contains ursolic acid, which has been shown in some studies to lower the incidence of obesity.
Artichoke Hearts
These vegetables are high fiber, containing 12 grams per cup. They also are a vegetable with one of the highest antioxidant contents.
Avocado
Packed with cardio=healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. They are also rich sources of vitamin C, E, potassium, and lutein. The monounsaturated fat helps improve absorbtion of carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene; antioxidants found in many vegetables.
Beets
The dark red color indicates the powerful phytonutrient package of beets. Beets are rich in betalains, such as betanin and vulgaxanthin, natural substances that in addition to giving them their coloration, also provide anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties.
Beans
Beans good for your heart thanks to a high fiber content. Their fiberous quality also makes them protective against certain cancers and a top-rated food for diabetics. When combined with a grain, they comprise a high-quality vegetarian source of complete protein.
Beans are an excellent dietary source of folate and also have high levels of iron, potassium and magnesium.
Bell Peppers
The peppers are loaded with vitamin C, and unlike many other sources of the nutrient, bell peppers are relatively low in sugar. They also provide fiber and several antioxidants from the carotenoid class (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin). Carotenoids improve eye health, and are associated with a reduction in cancer risk and a lower risk of cardiovascular-related death.
Blackberries And Raspberries
Berries are low in calories and are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Some research suggests they help with such divergent health challenges as age-related mental decline, heart disease, some cancers and urinary tract infections.
Black Tea
Along with green and white teas, black tea is full of antioxidant flavonoids. Studies suggest they may have strong anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, be protective against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Blueberries
All berries provide healthful antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals, but studies show that blueberries have a particular and unique health benefit.
Among the fruits with the highest level of antioxidants, blueberries have been linked to lowering cholesterol, reducing diabetes risk, slowing the aging process, improving motor skills and supporting urinary and vision health. A natural compound called anthocynanin, which gives blueberries their color, may be the main component of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fiber, low in calories, rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene. This cruciferous vegetable is also rich in vitamins K, E, B and the minerals, calcium, iron, selenium and potassium. That means broccoli is wonder-food, promoting eye health and preventing macular degeneration with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin; protecting against cancer, heart disease, stroke and building strong bones.
Broccoli is also rich in sulforaphane that research shows may help fight breast cancer. In a recent Chinese study, women who consumed the most cruciferous vegetables were 62% less likely to die of breast cancer and, if they had a history of breast cancer, were 35% less likely to experience a recurrence.
Brown Rice
Fiber-packed and nutrient dense brown rice helps fill you up while being relatively low in calories. A recent Harvard study, found that eating two or more servings of brown rice helped protect against Type 2 diabetes, compared to five servings of white rice, which increased the risk.
Brussels Sprouts
Another cruciferous vegetable, Brussels sprouts may play a role in protecting against heart disease perhaps by reducing inflammation. They contain important nutrients like omega-6 fatty acids (in the form of ALA), vitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, and folate), and vitamin E. In addition, the antioxidant, antiestrogen and chemopreventive properties of the Brussels sprouts may make them useful in preventing recurrence of cancer.
Cherries
These fruits are packed with vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, and are a low-calorie food. They also are a good source of fiber, and have virtually no sodium or fat.
Cherries are packed with antioxidants, and emerging studies suggest that eating cherries or drinking cherry juice may promote heart health, play a role in pain management, support recovery from exercise, and even help you fall asleep faster.
Experts at the Penn Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania also note that cherries’ antioxidants help protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products known as free radicals, made normally when the body changes oxygen and food into energy.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are actually from the Salvia hispanica plant, and have been a part of the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans. The little seeds are super-rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which research has shown to be important in lowering inflammation in the body and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
One tablespoon contains 6 grams of fiber and is full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also abundant in antioxidants and contain more calcium than milk per serving, even having more calcium and fiber than flaxseed.
Coffee
The benefits of coffee have been more researched lately, with potential health benefits including the ability to protect against heart failure, lower depression risk, lower risk of some cancers, protect against diabetes and possibly even help you live longer.
Cranberries
This little red fruit is actually a powerful urinary tract infection preventer, as it’s able to stop bacteria from clinging to the urinary tract walls, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that there is not yet enough evidence to say that cranberries can actually treat UTIs.
Some studies have also shown that cranberries have lots of antioxidants and may even be able to lower the amount of dental plaque we have in our mouths (which is a risk factor for gum disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Dark Chocolate
The flavonoids in cocoa are cardio-protective, by lowering blood pressure, raising levels of good cholesterol and lowering levels of bad cholesterol, helping with blood flow and improving insulin sensitivity.
Edamame
This green soy bean is packed to the gills with important nutrients like folate, protein, magnesium, potassium and fiber. One half a cup has about 8 grams of protein.
And studies have shown that soy-containing foods — such as tofu and edamame — may even be able to protect the body from diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease, Heller says.
 Eggs
Eggs provide perfect protein in a nutrient-rich, low-calorie, low-fat package.
That’s because they are full of choline, which is good for memory, and the vision protecting phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin.
While Eggs contain about 212 mg of cholesterol per large egg, the Mayo Clinic points out that having four egg yolks a week doesn’t seem to have an effect in increasing heart disease risk.
Flax Seed
Flax seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and lignans-a phytonutrient linked with lower risks of heart disease and possibly some cancers.
The abundant amount of fiber in flax seed makes you feel full faster and keeps blood sugar stable.
Flaxseeds can be purchased ground or whole (and you can grind them on your own in a coffee grinder) and then added to foods.
Ginger
A “superstar of Traditional Chinese Medicine,” ginger root can be consumed as a tea (from boiled root) or eaten sliced as part of a dish.
Ginger has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, can help with nausea and digestive challenges and possesses anti-viral properties.
The National Institutes of Health also notes that ginger — fresh dried, and/or juiced– can also be used to treat migraines, toothache, rheumatism, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, stomach pain and burns.