Healthy Foods A-Z: Choosing a advice.

Eating living foods, foods closest to nature, has become the buzz word of health conscious people. We are looking in the organic sections of the grocery, going out  of our way to find whole food sources, and finding tasty treasures at local farmers markets. We want to spend wisely and get the best food for our money, because buying healthily is not cheap. There are so many foods out there...one article I read suggested that we are "exposed to 30,000 products and choices each time we visit a grocery store!
Now obviously a lot of those choices are not healthy...tempting, but not healthy.....so what can we buy that will be delicious, nutritious and beneficial?
Each of the following foods fits that criterion, and just as easily fits into a healthy diet.
So here's a list roughly covering the alphabet from A to (almost) Z
1. Avocados.....rich in folic acid/vitamin B (stimulates red blood cell production, lowers heart attack and stroke), beta carotene (strengthens the immune system), magnesium (regulates blood pressure), and monosaturated fat (helps lower LDL/bad cholesterol).

Live healthy.

2. Broccoli- full of vitamins C, K, folate…can help fight certain cancers (bladder, ovarian, prostate)...Also aids promotion of stronger bones and decreases risk of heart disease.
3. Cabbage- great detoxifier, promotes gastrointestinal health, high consumption seems to provide some protection from breast cancer, it aides peptic ulcers, and red cabbage adds cardiovascular protection and may slow Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Dill- protects against carcinogens and free radicals, especially as related to cigarette and charcoal grill smoke.  Dill rates as high as garlic, in its ability to prevent and inhibit bacterial overgrowth.
5. Eggs…an economical source of great protein at 5.5 grams/egg, also provides choline for a brain boost and anti-inflammatory properties.  Eggs promote weight loss, and contrary to years of bad publicity, eggs can actually help your cholesterol levels, help your heart’s health, prevent blood clots, and protect your eyesight. Choose free range eggs if at all possible.
6. Flaxseeds- rich in ALA and omega3 fats, help with bone health, protect againstcancer, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, are anti-inflammatory, 
provide cholesterol lowering properties comparable to statin drugs, slow the growth of prostate cancers, and decrease hot flashes by 60%
7. Green tea-least processed of all teas is literally the elixir of life.  A 2006 study in Japan found that drinking green tea decreased death due to all causes…decreasing dramatically the chance of dying from stroke and heart disease.  It also appears to minimize the damage of a heart attack and maximize the recovery from heart attacks. It also keeps you mentally sharp and may ward off the flu.
8. Honey - is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal…helps promote wound healing, may help promote better blood sugar levels, assists with soothing coughs, assists athletic performances. Source of vitamins B2, B6, and iron.
9. Kiwi- has more Vitamin C than oranges, its phytonutrients protect your DNA, protects against asthma and macular degeneration, and bolsters cardiovascular health.
10. Lamb- an excellent source of protein and is rich in selenium, zinc, Vitamin B12, promotes red blood cell production, and provides protection against Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.  
11. Mint- soothes the stomach from irritable bowel syndrome to common tummy aches.  Potential anti-cancer properties, especially promising with pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors.  Useful anti-microbial oil…good source of dietary fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and calcium, vitamin B2.
12. Navy Beans- rich in dietary fiber, lower heart attack risks, provides energy, great source of iron, copper, magnesium, maintains memory with B1, source of protein (15 grams/cup).13. Onions- rich in chromium and Vitamin C, onions lower blood sugars, support gastrointestinal and cardiac health, protect against cancers, boost bone health, and have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
14. Pears- great source of Vitamin C and copper… least likely to cause any allergic or adverse reactions of all fruits.  Pears promote cardiovascular and colon health, and may prevent post menopausal breast cancer as well as macular degeneration.
15. Rosemary- contains substances useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion.  Also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks, has been shown to increase blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration.
16. Strawberries- chock full of Vitamin C, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B5& B6, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, magnesium, and copper.  Strawberries topped a list of eight foods most linked to lower rates of cancer deaths among a group of over 1,000 elderly people. Those eating the most strawberries were 3X’s less likely to develop cancer compared to those eating few or no strawberries. Also protect against macular degeneration and rheumatoid arthritis.
17.  Turmeric- a potent anti-inflammatory, effective treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, and ulcerative colitis, helps cystic fibrosis, lowers rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers; inhibits cancer cell growth and metastases, helps prevent colon and prostate cancers, reduces risk of childhood leukemia, improves liver and cardiovascular systems, lowers bad cholesterol, and may prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.
18. Venison- good source of protein, iron and Vitamins B6, B2, B3, and B12…low in fats, great alternative to beef.
19. Walnuts- high in omega 3 fatty acids, manganese, and copper, improve cardiovascular health,  can help your heart, lower cardiovascular disease, drop cholesterol, increase ALA levels, control blood pressure, assist with Type 2 diabetes, reduce atherosclerosis, assist brain functions, prevent gallstones, a source of melatonin, assist with bone health, and lowers risk of weight gain.
20. Yams- good source of Vitamin C, B6, potassium, and manganese…yams assist with blood sugar levels and help with weight control.
21. “Z” and feel the difference in your life by eating healthily and not forgetting your best source of multivitamins!