Five Healthy Foods

The AOL newswire today was discussing 5 healthy foods from around the world. I found some of their choices to be instantly recognizable as good dietary selections and some of their choices to be ones that I had never considered or even heard of.

Here is the run down of the 5 Healthy Foods you should eat:

1. Olive Oil ( a big hit in Spain) – No big surpirse here. The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels. Olive oil is common at every meal in a typical Spanish home, and for good reason: The country makes more than 40 percent of the world’s supply.

2. Soy (a big hit in Japan) – Soybeans are a big hit in my household too so I can understand why soybeans are used in everything in Japan from soy sauce, to vegetable oil, tofu, and the fermented soybean paste called miso. Soy beans contain high amounts of protein, including all essential amino acids (the only such vegetable source). Soy beans are also a rich source of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B-vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. Soybeans are usually a big component of vegetarian diets becuase they are a protein powerhouse.

3. Yogurt (a big hit in Greece) – This has always been a big hit in my household too , although I never considered it to be one of the best foods for health. I remember my mother making yogurt cups for dessert with plain yogurt, pineapple chunks, cinammon, and a bit of sweetener, delicious. Yogurt in Greece has been integral to the Grecians’ healthy diet for thousands of years. Yogurt improves lactose intolerance, builds stronger bones, enhances immunity, lowers blood pressure, promotes intestinal and vaginal health and may even have anticancer and weight-loss effects.

4. Lentils (a big hit in India) – India is the world’s biggest producer and consumer of lentils and they are typically served at every meal with steamed rice or bread. Lentils, like beans, are a good source of protein. Lentils also provide calcium and phosphorus, vitamin B and iron.

4. Kimchi (a big hit in Korea) – I had never heard of this one before. Kimchi is nothing if not healthy. It combines the world’s healthiest ingredients in a tasty treat, and uses the combination of vinegar, oil, salt, and spices to make an all-natural preservative. Kimchi eliminates cholesterol and promotes intestinal health.

So what do you think? Are these selections some of your picks for the healthiest foods or way off base? Leave me a comment and tell me about your healthiest food choices.