Top 10 Nutritious Foods

While some foods are obviously less healthy than others, even healthy foods can come in tiers. The following ten foods are at the top of the list of healthy foods, as they are full of nutrients and they also may help fight off disease and other effects of aging.

Almonds

The nutrients packed into an almond are numerous. By eating a serving size (about 23) you will be loading your body with protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium, riboflavin and iron. In addition, this one serving will give you half of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin E. Do not shy away from the fat content in these nuts — they are rich in a healthy (monounsaturated) fat, which may actually reduce your cholesterol.

Avocados and Spinach

Just as people fear the fat content in almonds, they may also fear the fat in avocados. The good news about avocados is that they also can help lower cholesterol. They also are full of antioxidants (among their many nutrients) and help reduce your chances of developing cancer and diabetes.

Eating plenty of spinach can help boost your immune system. It will also flood your body with much-needed nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, and folate. If you do not like eating it as a salad, sneak some into a fruit-packed smoothie and you will scarcely notice it.

Blueberries

Blueberries are low in calories and a great source of fiber and vitamin C. In addition, they are full of plant compounds (antioxidant phytonutrients) that help to neutralize bodily damage caused by free radicals. Blueberries can help reduce your chances of getting varicose veins, cataracts, peptic ulcers, heart disease, cancer and more.

Broccoli

Eating broccoli will also provide you with some phytonutrients. This green veggie also is full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, folate, fiber and potassium.

Flaxseeds and Wheat Germ

These little seeds offer you the ever-important omega-3 fats that reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Among their many other nutrients are magnesium, copper, fiber, potassium and zinc. If scooping a handful into your mouth does not sound appealing, try adding them to cereal or a smoothie.

Wheat Germ. This tiny portion of wheat seed is packed with nutrients, including folate, potassium, iron, zinc, riboflavin, and Vitamin E. It will also provide you with some protein and fiber as well as a bit of fat.