Best Healthy Whole Foods

Your health is intrinsically tied to the foods you eat, and the best healthy whole foods on our list pack a real punch for great health. Even better, whole foods are usually less expensive than their processed counterparts.

Healthy Food Choices

However, some natural, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and grains are better than others. Read on to find out which healthy whole foods are the best...

1.

 Raw or cooked

 Broccoli is full of valuable phytonutrients. It also contains large amounts of vitamin C and beta carotene. It only has 25 calories per chopped cup and is rich in fiber.

2.

 Any way you like it

 Mom and Popeye knew something when they told you to eat your spinach. This green leafy vegetable is packed with lutein, carotenoids and zeaxanthin. One cup of raw spinach has only 7 calories and can help fight off macular degeneration (eye disease).

3.

 By itself, or in yogurt, cottage cheese, or recipes

 Milk has gotten a bad rap for its fat content, but skim milk offers a phenomenal dose of riboflavin, calcium, vitamins D & A. Milk products may even help with weight loss

4.

 Seasoning agent

 Garlic's pungent flavor mellows when you roast it, but it doesn't lose its cholesterol-fighting abilities. It may also help with blood pressure and stomach disorders.

5.

 Grain

 Chances are, you haven't even heard of quinoa (keen-wa). This rice-like grain is high in protein, high in fiber and has iron, riboflavin and magnesium. Oats are an excellent whole grain addition to any diet as well. Adding ground oats to all your baked goods is an easy way to increase your consumption of healthy whole foods.

6.

 Fruit. Or vegetable. Or fruit. Or...

 The antioxidants in tomatos are believed to cut the risks of several kinds of cancers. Eat them raw or cooked.

7.

 Delicious little summer berry

 These delightful berries are credited with anti-aging properties, due to their powerful anti-oxidants. And, they're blue. What more could you want?

8.

 Fall squash

 Vitamin A is the key in this lovely and healthy vegetable. It is also high in fiber and makes a darn good muffin. Don't want to cook fresh? Don't worry - the canned version actually has more vitamin A because it has been condensed.

9.

 Tofu, edamame (soy beans), or soy nuts

 The soy plant is protein rich and is a great substitute for animal products. Soy can reduce cholesterol and has other benefits for heart health.

10.

 Seafood

 Salmon is not only one of the most delicious fish, it is one of the best healthy whole foods. It is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and can reduce bad cholesterol. If you have a choice, choose wild salmon!

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