The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

Nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden has created several lists of healthful foods people should be eating but aren’t. Dr. Bowden is the author of “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth”. The following is his list with some favorite foods that are easy to find but don’t always find their way into our shopping carts.

1. Beets: A rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.

2. Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.

3. Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.

4. Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.

5. Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.

6. Dried plums: OK, they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.

7. Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.

8. Sardines: They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.

9. Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

10. Blueberries: Frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.

11. Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie, high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.

To read more about how to incorporate these into your diet - go here:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/the-11-best-foods-you-arent-eating/

(Thanks Joan for send this along.)