Top Health Foods

When you are trying to comprise a new diet and are thinking about the various food selections you should be making, there are some foods that are definitely nutritional powerhouses in comparison with others. The more often you choose these over less nutrient dense choices the more positive the overall health benefits will be with regards of your diet.

It is important when on a diet to ensure that you are filling the calories you have available to you with sources that do provide you with vitamins and minerals because with a limited calorie intake this could put you in a position where you comprise health if there are too many 'filler' types of foods.

Below are ten foods that you should try your best to eat on a regular basis if you are looking to get good quality out of your diet.

1. Extra Lean Ground Beef

Sometimes people think that because ground beef is high in fat it should always be avoided. This is not the case however because if you take steps and purchase the extra lean variety you will often find that it isn't as high in fat as you are led to believe. Additionally, beef is a great source of iron, zinc and vitamin B6. Women in particular are often low in iron so this is a really good food to consume at least once per week.

2. Black Beans

Beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein for anyone who is a vegetarian or is trying to reduce their intake of meat sources in their diet. Black beans in particular are also rich in iron, calcium, zinc and folic acid. Women who are pregnant will especially be in need of folic acid so this makes for a great food to include during this time.

3. Canned Salmon

Salmon is one of the best foods you can eat for its combination of protein along with omega 3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are gaining awareness for their increased importance in the diet, unfortunately many people are not getting enough. Consuming salmon 3 times per week will set you on the path to getting more and will help to give more variety to the mainstay of chicken, turkey and tuna. If you eat the bones along with it you will also be getting a good source of calcium as well.

4. Papaya

Papaya is a seasonal fruit in most places and is definitely something you should make an effort to consume when it is in season. It is a rich source of zinc, calcium and fiber, making it one of the more nutritious fruits available.

5. Spinach

If you usually have iceburg lettuce as the mainstay for your salads, you may want to consider switching to spinach. Iceburg lettuce, while definitely low in calories is generally devoid of nutrients and won't do a lot for you from a health perspective. On the other hand, spinach is full of iron, calcium, folic acid, fiber, and vitamin B6. It is also a much brighter color of leaf therefore making your meal more pleasing to the eye.