Which foods are Healthy Eating
Find new ways to enjoy healthy foods. Get breakfast and dinner ideas, plus tips for choosing healthy snacks, making healthy recipes, and more
MEDICALLY REVIEWED
Healthy Foods
Healthy Recipes
Healthy Habits
Special Diets
Featured Healthy Eating Articles
50 Healthy Foods
Introduction
The right food provides fuel for all the things you need to do, from caring for your family, to working, playing, and every moment in between.
The foods you eat not only affect your energy levels, but they can also influence how your body functions in general.
Healthy food delivers nutrients to help keep your organs, muscles, and bones working properly. Junk food, meanwhile, can do the opposite.
While you probably have a good idea of which foods your body needs to stay fit and on-the-go, we'll break down the facts about what's healthy and what's not.
Not every food, diet, or recipe is right for everyone, so if you have any questions or need help understanding what you should or shouldn't eat to meet your goals, talk with your healthcare provider (HCP).
They'll give you tips, information, and advice tailored to your specific needs.
Healthy Foods
Is red meat really that bad for you? What does it mean to eat a vegan diet? What nutrients do you need above all? Find out answers to these questions and more, plus learn about the healthy foods you might consider adding to your diet. Some are smart bites you can add to a meal or a dish, while others you can eat as snacks with little to no prep work.
Healthy Recipes
Whether you're looking for quick, healthy breakfasts for busy mornings, healthy snacks that even the kids will eat, dinner ideas to nourish the body and soul, or you just need some inspiration as you experiment in the kitchen, we're here to help. With easy-to-follow recipes and information, you can make meals you feel good about. If you have any questions about foods or diet plans for your unique health and lifestyle concerns, speak with your HCP.
Healthy Habits
Healthy Habits
Developing healthy habits can take time. To help you along the way, we have tips and information on everything from detoxes and diet plans to simple ways to reduce your salt intake. Keep reading for details that you can discuss with your HCP. Soon, you'll find new ways to develop healthy habits.
Special Diets
Whether you have diabetes, thyroid issues, or a heart condition, you may need to eat a diet that's specially tailored to your condition. Find interesting ways to incorporate the flavors you love into your recipes understand how choosing certain foods can affect your body. Be sure to talk with your HCP before making any changes to your diet.
Featured Healthy Eating Articles
Health Benefits of Reducing Meat Consumption: Could ditching meat add years to your life?
Low-Sodium Cooking Tips: How to reduce salt in your diet
High-Energy Breakfast Foods: Start your day with these tasty energy boosters
RELATED HEALTH TOPICS
Digestive Health
Maybe your stomach doesn’t quite feel right. Or you're spending too much time in the bathroom. Perhaps heartburn seems like a constant companion.
No matter the issue, this is the place to find information about digestive health.
You’ll also learn how supplements, probiotics, and hydration may play a role in your digestive health.
Because there could be many causes for digestive upset, as well as many treatments, your HCP can work with you on diagnosing your condition and developing a care plan tailored for you.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t only about looking good in your favorite clothes. It can mean a healthier overall you.
But sometimes it isn’t easy. That's why you need a weight management program that works for you to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To help you understand what's happening to your body when you try to lose weight, we’ve gathered information on these topics and put them in one convenient place.
This includes details on how obesity is defined, what body mass index (BMI) is, safe weight-loss diets, and more to help you achieve your weight management goals.
Before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, be sure to set up an appointment with your healthcare provider (HCP).
They can work with you on a plan tailored specifically for you, so you'll be more likely to achieve success in a safe and healthy way.
Heart Health
Your heart keeps blood pumping to every part of your body—from your brain to your toes and every place in between—which is why heart health is so important.
Unfortunately, though, we often take our hearts for granted until they stop working properly.
To help you better understand this vital organ, we've created a hub for all things related to the heart, including information on heart health supplements, exercises, plus tips and ideas on how to improve your health.
Here, you'll also find information on some of the most common conditions that can affect your heart, including heart disease, heart attacks, hypertension, and high cholesterol. With these insights, you can understand the causes and symptoms of heart issues, as well as the treatments available.
Explore these topics, then discuss them with your healthcare provider (HCP) to help maintain your health. By working together, you can find the care you need to take care of your heart's health now and into the future.
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50 Foods That Are Super Healthy
Fruit
Eggs
Meat
Nuts & seeds
Veggies
Seafood
Grains
Bread
Legumes
Dairy
Fats & oils
Tubers
Vinegar
Chocolate
It’s easy to wonder which foods are healthiest.
A vast number of foods are both healthy and tasty. By filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, quality protein, and other whole foods, you’ll have meals that are colorful, versatile, and good for you.
Here are 50 incredibly healthy foods. Most of them are surprisingly delicious.
1–6: Fruits and berries
Fruits and berries are among the world’s most popular health foods.
These sweet, nutritious foods are very easy to incorporate into your diet because they require little to no preparation.
1. Apples
Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and numerous antioxidants. They are very filling and make the perfect snack if you find yourself hungry between meals.
2. Avocados
Avocados are different than most fruits because they are loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs. Not only are they creamy and tasty also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
3. Bananas
Bananas are among the world’s best sources of potassium. They’re also high in vitamin B6 and fiber, as well as convenient and portable.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are not only delicious also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.
5. Oranges
Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. What’s more, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in both carbs and calories.
They are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.
Other healthy fruits
Other health fruits and berries include cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, mango, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, and raspberries.
7. Eggs
Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.
They were previously demonized for being high in cholesterol, but new studies show that they’re perfectly safe and healthy (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
8–10: Meats
Unprocessed, gently cooked meat is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat.
8. Lean beef
Lean beef is among the best sources of protein in existence and loaded with highly bioavailable iron. Choosing the fatty cuts is fine if you’re on a low-carb diet.
9. Chicken breasts
Chicken breast is low in fat and calories high in protein. It’s a great source of many nutrients. Again, feel free to eat fattier cuts of chicken if you’re not eating that many carbs.
10. Lamb
Lambs are usually grass-fed, and their meat tends to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.
11–15: Nuts and seeds
Despite being high in fat and calories, nuts and seeds may help you lose weight (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
These foods are crunchy, filling, and loaded with important nutrients that many people don’t get enough of, including magnesium and vitamin E.
They also require almost no preparation, so they’re easy to add to your routine.
11. Almonds
Almonds are a popular nuts loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber. Studies show that almonds can help you lose weight and improve metabolic health (5Trusted Source).
12. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. A single ounce (28 grams) packs 11 grams of fiber and significant amounts of magnesium, manganese, calcium, and various other nutrients.
13. Coconuts
Coconuts are loaded with fiber and powerful fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides.
14. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are very tasty. They’re much higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in omega-6 fatty acids than most other nuts.
15. Walnuts
Walnuts are highly nutritious and loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
16–25: Vegetables
Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the world’s most concentrated sources of nutrients.
There’s a wide variety available, and it’s best to eat different types every day.
16. Asparagus
Asparagus is a popular vegetable. It’s low in both carbs and calories with vitamin K.
17. Bell peppers
Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow, and green. They’re crunchy and sweet, as well as a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
18. Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that tastes great both raw and cooked. It’s an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.
19. Carrots
Carrots are a popular root vegetable. They are extremely crunchy and loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamin K.
Carrots are also very high in carotene antioxidants, which have numerous benefits.
20. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a very versatile vegetable. It can be used to make a multitude of healthy dishes — and also tastes good on its own.
21. Cucumber
Cucumbers are one of the world’s most popular vegetables. They’re very low in both carbs and calories, consisting mostly of water. However, they contain a number of nutrients in small amounts, including vitamin K.
22. Garlic
Garlic is incredibly healthy. It contains bioactive organ sulfur compounds that have powerful biological effects, including improved immune function.
23. Kale
Kale has become increasingly popular because it’s incredibly high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and a number of other nutrients. It adds a satisfying crunch to salads and other dishes.
24. Onions
Onions have a very strong flavor and are very popular in many recipes. They contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to have health benefits.
25. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and loaded with nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.
More healthy vegetables
Most vegetables are very healthy. Others worth mentioning include artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, squash, Swiss chard, turnips, and zucchini.
26–31: Fish and seafood
Fish and other seafood tend to be very healthy and nutritious.
They’re especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, two nutrients in which most people are deficient.
Studies show that people who eat the highest amounts of seafood — especially fish — tend to live longer and have a lower risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and depression.
26. Salmon
Salmon is a type of oily fish that’s incredibly popular due to its excellent taste and high amount of nutrients, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains some vitamin D.
27. Sardines
Sardines are small, oily fish that are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. They boast sizable amounts of most nutrients that your body needs.
28. Shellfish
Shellfish ranks similarly to organ meats when it comes to nutrient density. Edible shellfish include clams, mollusks, and oysters.
29. Shrimp
Shrimp is a type of crustacean related to crabs and lobsters. It tends to be low in fat and calories high in protein. It’s also loaded with various other nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12.
30. Trout
Trout is another type of delicious freshwater fish, similar to salmon.
31. Tuna
Tuna is very popular in Western countries and tends to be low in fat and calories high in protein. It’s perfect for people who need to add more protein to their diets but keep calories low.
However, you should make sure to buy low-mercury varieties.
32–34: Grains
Although grains have gotten a bad rap in recent years, some types are very healthy.
Just keep in mind that they’re relatively high in carbs, so they’re not recommended for a low-carb diet.
32. Brown rice
Rice is one of the most popular cereal grains and is currently a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. Brown rice is fairly nutritious, with a decent amount of fiber, vitamin B1, and magnesium.
33. Oats
Oats are incredibly healthy. They are loaded with nutrients and powerful fibers called beta - glucan, which provide numerous benefits.
34. Quinoa
Quinoa has become incredibly popular among health-conscious individuals in recent years. It’s a tasty grain that’s high in nutrients, such as fiber and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of plant-based protein.
35–36: Breads
Many people eat a lot of highly processed white bread.
For those trying to adopt a healthier diet, it can be extremely challenging to find healthy breads. Even so, options are available.
35. Ezekiel bread
Ezekiel bread may be the healthiest bread you can buy. It’s made from organic, sprouted whole grains, as well as several legumes.
36. Homemade low-carb breads
Overall, the best choice for bread may be that which you can make yourself. Here’s a list of 15 recipes for gluten-free, low-carb breads.
37–40: Legumes
Legumes are another food group that has been unfairly demonized.
While it’s true that legumes contain anti nutrients, which can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, they can be eliminated by soaking and proper preparation (12Trusted Source).
Therefore, legumes are a great plant-based source of protein.
37. Green beans
Green beans, also called string beans, are unripe varieties of the common bean. They are very popular in Western countries.
38. Kidney beans
Kidney beans are loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Make sure to cook them properly, as they’re toxic when raw.
39. Lentils
Lentils are another popular legume. They’re high in fiber and among the best sources of plant-based protein.
40. Peanuts
Peanuts (which are legumes, not a true nuts) are incredibly tasty and high in nutrients and antioxidants. Several studies suggest that peanuts can help you lose weight.
However, take it easy on the peanut butter, as it’s very high in calories and easy to overeat.
41–43: Dairy
For those who can tolerate them, dairy products are a healthy source of various important nutrients.
Full-fat dairy seems to be the best, and studies show that people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes (13, 14Trusted Source).
Dairy comes from grass-fed cows, it may be even more nutritious — as it’s higher in some bioactive fatty acids like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamin K2.
41. Cheese
Cheese is incredibly nutritious, as a single slice may offer about the same amount of nutrients as an entire cup (240 ml) of milk. For many, it’s also one of the most delicious foods you can eat.
42. Whole milk
Whole milk is very high in vitamins, minerals, quality animal protein, and healthy fats. What’s more, it’s one of the best dietary sources of calcium.
43. Yogurt
Yogurt is made from milk that’s fermented by adding live bacteria to it. It has many of the same health effects as milk, but yogurt with live cultures has the added benefit of friendly probiotic bacteria.
44–46: Fats and oils
Many fats and oils are now marketed as health foods, including several sources of saturated fat that were previously demonized.
44. Butter from grass-fed cows
Butter from grass-fed cows is high in many important nutrients, including vitamin K2.
45. Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains relatively high amounts of MCT, may aid Alzheimer’s disease, and has been shown to help you lose belly fat (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).
46. Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest vegetable oils you can find. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is very high in antioxidants with powerful health benefits.
47–48: Tubers
Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. They tend to contain a number of beneficial nutrients.
47. Potatoes
Potatoes are loaded with potassium and contain a little bite of almost every nutrient you need, including vitamin C.
They’ll also keep you full for long periods. One study analyzed 38 foods and found that boiled potatoes were by far the most filling (17Trusted Source).
48. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are among the most delicious starchy foods you can eat. They’re loaded with antioxidants and all sorts of healthy nutrients.
49. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular in the natural health community. Studies show that it can help lower blood sugar levels and cause modest weight loss (18, 19Trusted Source).
It’s great to use as a salad dressing or to add flavor to meals.
50. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is loaded with magnesium and serves as one of the planet’s most powerful sources of antioxidants (20).
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