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HEALTH FOODS: THE TOP 26
While most foods are good for you, some are better for you than others. Besides being a good
source of nutrition, the following foods are also good medicine.
| Health Food |
Nutrients it Contains |
Health Benefits |
| Garlic |
Allicin, allylic sulfides,
antioxidants |
antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-cancer;
lowers cholesterol |
Onions |
Similar to garlic |
similar to garlic |
| Apples |
Quercetin, flavenoids, pectin |
anti-cancer |
| Spinach |
lutein |
protects retina of eye |
| Tomatoes |
Lycopene, other carotenoids,
vitamin C, coumaric acid,
chlorophyll acid |
anti-cancer, especially prostate
cancer |
| Chili peppers |
Capsaicin, vitamin C, beta
carotene |
anti-cancer; binds carcinogens |
| Red grapes |
resveratrol |
anti-cancer; prevents sticky
platelets, lowering risk of
cardiovascular disease and stroke |
| Soy products (e.g., tofu) |
Isoflavones, genistein |
anti-cancer; reduces cholesterol |
| Green tea |
Polyphenols |
anti-cancer; lowers heart disease;
prevents gingivitis |
| Cruciferous vegetables:
broccoli, cauliflower,
brussels sprouts, kale,
cabbage |
Beta-carotene, vitamin C,
sulforaphane, indoles |
anti-cancer |
| Fish (especially salmon and
tuna) |
Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA |
lowers triglycerides and
cholesterol |
| Flax oil |
Omega-3 fatty acids |
boosts immune system; lowers
LDL (bad) cholesterol; promotes
healthy skin; anti-cancer |
| Legumes: beans, peas, lentils
|
Isoflavones |
anti-cancer |
| Pink grapefruit |
Lycopene, pectin |
anti-cancer |
| Strawberries |
Elegiac acid, quercetin |
anti-cancer |
| Blueberries |
Anthocyanins |
anti-cancer |
| Citrus fruits |
Limonene |
anti-cancer |
| Nuts and Seeds |
Omega-3 fatty acids, lignins,
vitamin E |
anti-cancer |
| Cantaloupe |
Carotenoids, vitamin C |
anti-cancer |
| Watermelon |
Lycopene |
anti-cancer |
| Papaya |
Carotenoids, vitamin C |
anti-cancer |
| Sweet potatoes |
Beta carotene, vitamin C |
anti-cancer |
| Olive oil |
monounsaturated fatty acid |
lowers cholesterol |
| Shiitake mushrooms |
Lentinen |
boosts immune system |
| Cranberry juice |
hippuric acid |
Acidifies urine and prevents
bacteria from adhering to lining of
bladder, thus reducing urinary
tract infections |
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