Raspberries
Blueberries are often touted as the ultimate healthy food, but raspberries contain a nutrient profile that should not be forgotten. One cup of raspberries has more than two times the fiber of one cup of blueberries. Raspberries have an antioxidant capacity — a rating scientists use to determine the amount of antioxidants in foods — greater than strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, leeks, apples and tomatoes. Research with black raspberries has shown that raspberries can fight DNA damage and the production of inflammation producing proteins in your body. Depending on where you live, raspberry season usually lasts from the end of May to August. But you don’t have to be limited to eating raspberries only during this time. Frozen raspberries are available year round and contain levels of nutrients comparable to freshly picked raspberries. Raspberries are naturally sweet and are perfect for dessert after dinner, on top of a spinach salad with sliced almonds and grilled steak during lunch, or in a smoothie for breakfast.
Kimchee
Kimchee is a traditional Korean dish consisting of fermented vegetables, mainly cabbage. The fermentation of the cabbage to make kimchee fosters the growth of probiotics such as lactobacilli, the same healthy bacteria found in yogurt. In addition to the probiotics to support healthy digestion, eating kimchee can also aid in weight loss. Researchers from Ajou University School of Medicine found that daily consumption of kimchee improved insulin levels and reduced body fat percentage. You can find kimchee in the Asian section of your local grocery store or you can make your own. Eat kimchee as a side dish or incorporate it into an Asian-inspired stir fry.
Broccoli
Perhaps you remember broccoli as one food that your parents forced you to eat as a child. But your parents were onto something: Broccoli is arguably one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It is a low-carbohydrate, high-fiber food, making it perfect for weight loss. In addition, broccoli contains two compounds — indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane — with powerful anti-cancer capabilities, especially effective against breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Fresh or frozen, raw or cooked – it doesn’t seem to matter how you eat your broccoli. Just eat it.
Spinach
Spinach is your nutrition utility player because of its broad spectrum of nutrients. Spinach contains 18 different vitamins and minerals, ranging from iron to vitamin A. When looking to get more spinach into your diet, purchase triple-washed and bagged baby spinach. Baby spinach has a sweeter taste and is more tender than regular spinach. Spinach is versatile, so don’t limit yourself to just salads. Stuff an omelet with wilted spinach and feta cheese for a nutrient-packed breakfast. You can easily increase the number of servings of vegetables in your day by adding a handful of baby spinach to a smoothie. Baby spinach has a mild flavor that blends in well with the berries found in most smoothies
