20 Foods That Love You Back

One of the many small luxuries ths holiday break provided was the opportunity to relax and indulge in some magazine reading. O magazine's first issue of the New Year had lots of great articles geared toward setting healthy intentions for 2010, and the recipes did not dissapoint.

The article "20 Foods That Love You Back" provided the following list of foods that everyone should add to their diets, plus corresponding recipes. Some of the foods may suprise you:

1. Avocados- Contain healthy fat; help your body to block absorption of bad fats

2. Beets- Good source of folate, which can help prevent birth defects, colon cancer, and osteoporosis.

3. Horseradish- Good source of vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

4. Sweet Potatoes- Contain phytonutrients which promote heart and eye health; boost immunity

5. Cruciferous vegetables- cabbages, broccoli, broccoli rabe- Cancer fighters

6. Blueberries- Fresh or frozen blueberries are high in antioxidants.

7. Dark, leafy greens- Excellent sources of iron, vitamin A, and lutein for eye health; great source of omega-3's

8. Alliums- Leeks, onions, garlic- have antibiotic properties, and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

9. Whole grains- Good sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

10. Spelt- See above

11. Turmeric- Can serve as an anti-inflammatory

12. Oregano- Extremely high levels of antioxidants; can also act as a decongestant and digestive aid

13. Cinnamon- One of the highest anti-oxidant levels of all herbs and spices;

14. Ginger, cayenne, black pepper- The gingerols, capsaicin, and piperine compounds found in each spice respectively can boost the metabolism.

15. Miso- Good source of B12 vitamins and zinc which help the immune system function well.

16. Yogurt- Contains probiotics, the good bacteria necessary for you digestive system to function properly 

17. Sardines- Wild caught sardines are low in mercury and high in vitamin D; top pick for sustainabiltiy.

18. Canned salmon- Wild caught Alaskan canned salmon is low in mercury, affordable, sustainable, and high in omega-3 fatty acids.

19. Sesame seeds- Contain unique compounds which can help lower cholesterol; also high in calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, as well as copper.

20. Walnuts- A great source of antioxidants, vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium. Have the highest omega-3 fatty acids of any nut.