Healthiest foods on the planet Earth, Part 2

And now, the conclusion.

A couple weeks ago, I listed six of the healthiest foods on the planet. They also do a pretty amazing job of helping people lose weight and actually feel younger. They were spinach, salmon, tomatoes, olive oil, green tea, nuts and seeds, especially walnuts. Here are eight other super-healthy foods that will help combat that nasty trifecta of hypertension, obesity, and potential heart disease.

• • Blueberries and raspberries. These fruits are so high in antioxidants that I can't even express my joy in words. Watch for when the grocery store puts them on sale this summer, and then stack up. Just freeze them and you'll have a huge supply.

• • Yogurt. High in calcium, protein, low in sugar (don't buy if it has more than 15 grams of sugar). This is the perfect breakfast. Add a bunch of fruit and seeds to it.

• • Goji berries. This superfruit is small, red, chewy, dried like raisins, and has an earthy-tangy taste to them. It has 15 times the antioxidants of blueberries, and 3 times that of pomegranate. I get them in bulk at Whole Foods for $12.99/pound, which sounds expensive, but a pound lasts a while. Just snack on them! Stir them into yogurt. Bake them into muffins and breads. On a related note, the Asian fruit called mangosteen is really high in antioxidants as well. It's finally finding its way into America. At Whole Foods I was surprised to find a liter of mangosteen juice, but for $16.99. Gah. Or was it a quart? I forget. The variety of exotic, healthy fruits in the world is astounding, people. For those who have been to Southeast Asia, or tropical countries around the world, you know what I'm talking about. Some stuff you'd never find in American grocery stores. Like cherimoyas from Peru. Durians from Hawaii. Delicious, they say!

• • Quinoa (pronounced KEE-no-uh). This small grain from South America looks like couscous. Super-high in protein for such a little grain. Just boil them in water or add them to soup on the stove. It'll soften up, adding a subtle nutty flavor. They're ready when most of the grain has turned translucent. Before then, they're crunchy. Quinoa is perfect for vegans who need more complete proteins in their diet.

• • Coconut water. This is nature's Gatorade. After long, intense workouts, it replenishes your body with potassium and magnesium, which were depleted during the workout. Also, it helps rebalance the electrolytes in your bloodstream (that's a good thing). Just drink a tall can after running your 6 miles at the park, along with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (for the protein and carbs), and you'll be like, "Damn, I feel great!" The perfect recovery. Don't exercise? Coconut water is a delicious summer drink.

• • Red wine. Studies shows that the resveratrol and polyphenols in red wine are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory (good for your bloodstream). Don't like red wine? You can get the some of the same antioxidants from grapes or red/purple grape juice (sugar-free, of course).

And finally...
• • Whole-grains. All-purpose white flour, of course, comes from pulverizing (or refining) wheat, probably Earth's most ancient grain. But during this refining process, the nutrients of the wheat's bran and germ are lost. On the other hand, when you eat breads and pastas made from whole wheat, the nutrients remain. So now eating that double-decker BLT with 100% whole grain bread won't induce so much guilt. Eat breads, pastas, and cereals made from 100% whole wheat or whole grain. They are high in fiber, which will make you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Ever have a delicious white sugary pastry for breakfast and feel ravenously hungry an hour later? Switch to whole wheat alternatives and you won't have those hunger pangs so soon. More importantly, the nutrients from whole grains help protect against a whole host of cancers. Many many studies show that excessive consumption of bleached white flour products are linked to weight gain, and even the precursors to diabetes.



Since my last blog (a couple weeks ago?), I've lost another 3 pounds. That's not much, but I'm convinced that along with moderate exercise and portion control, taking advantage of the healthiest foods out there plays a huge role in how long, and how well, you live. Investing in your health has a huge payoff. You live longer!

And your outlook on life will probably be on the brighter side. Yes, we are mortal humans with back problems and ice cream isn't going to kill us, and the inner beast of man will eventually destroy us all because we're barbarian animals obsessed with territorial control and possessions, and there's probably another planet-pulverizing asteroid hurdling through the depths of cold, heartless space and headed straight for Nebraska, but hey! That doesn't mean we can't enjoy the fruits of this palatable planet and prolong the inevitable lifelessness. Try gojiberries and tell me how you feel. You will feel alive.

You can find much more information on all the healthiest foods at The World Healthiest Foods. No need to memorize what the chemical differences are between zinc, Vitamin A, and folate. But rather, know the reasons why fruits, vegetables, Cheetos, and whole grains are the cornerstones of the healthiest cuisines around the world. Mmmmm..... now go.