12 Foods For Optimal Health

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Cindy Holbrook

Cindy Holbrook has been interested in nutrition and weight loss her entire life. Visit her website Best Weight Loss Program 4me for unbiased reviews of weight loss programs, diet tips and articles.

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To improve your overall health and assist in weight loss consume more of the following 12 foods. They all contain many of the vitamins and nutrients needed to keep your mind and body in tip top shape. Keep in mind that you’ll want to eat a variety of foods in various combinations to get the most benefits from each type of food. (Don’t limit your diet to only these foods.)

1. Citrus Fruits should be consumed a few times daily. They are high in Vitamin C, burn fat and naturally reduces cholesterol.
   
   

2. Berries are thought to be the healthiest of fruits because they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
   
   

3. Spinach is an extremely low cost source of nutrition. 2 cups of chopped raw spinach has only 13 calories yet it's loaded with vitamins, folic acid, beta-carotene, protein, lutein (a potent anti-oxidant), and magnesium. Rather you eat it raw, steamed or sautéed you are gaining all of the benefits of this green veggie.
   
   

4. Wholegrain breads and cereals provide you with complex carbs and healthy fiber.
   
   

5. Olive Oil is a monounsaturated fat. It's healthier to use than low-fat salad dressings and cooking oil...but remember a little goes a long way.
   
   

6. Garlic has a protective quality that helps reduce fatty deposits. It also acts as a natural antibiotic, boosts our immune system, decreases blood pressure and reduces cholesterol.
   
   

7. Peanut Butter is one of those controversial foods yet if you choose one that's natural and sugar-free with no added oil - It can be as beneficial as plain nuts. It contains vitamins, minerals, protein and monounsaturated fat. Peanut Butter on celery sticks is a great snack. It helps to curb cravings and tide you over between meals.
   
   

8. Soybeans contain lecithin which helps prevent fat from forming and also helps to break down fatty deposits. Eat soybeans a couple of times a week to help your body fight and block fat from forming and building up.
   
   

9. Fish is low in fat, high in protein and also contains omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is one of the main building blocks in our cells and helps to lower blood pressure.
   Fish is not only low in calories; it helps to heal cells that were damaged due to a poor diet. Many people don't realize it is recommended that we eat fish at least three times per week.
   
   

10. Oatmeal is a great breakfast option as it is a great source for fiber and complex carbohydrates. It’s a heart healthy start for your day.
    
    

11. Low-fat milk and cheese contains calcium and protein that our bodies need without all of the saturated fat.
    
    

12. Eggs are vitamin packed and rich in protein. They are also extremely easy to prepare-just be careful what you put on them or in them. Nutritionists no longer restrict egg consumption to two a week. If you have high cholesterol or a heart condition, be sure to discuss your dietary needs with your physician, as egg yolks are high in cholesterol.