Food to love, if you don't then learn to love

Eating well is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself.  Enjoying food that's good for you may take some training of the taste buds, but it's worth it both healthwise and weightwise.

Learn to love these foods:

• Avocados - yes they're fatty but it's monounsaturated fat which is still fat but it's the 'good' fat.  You still have to moderate how much you can eat.
• Beets - Betacyanin loaded along with other phytonutrients help to fight several diseases. Beets also have folate, and are high in fiber and beta-carotene.
• Horseradish - Rich in glucosinolate which helps fights cancer. Horseradishes also are a good source of calcium, potassium and vitamin C.
• Sweet potatoes - High in phytonutrients that promote heart and eye health and boost immunity, these buds are super rich in beta-carotene(thought to lower breast cancer risk) and vitamin A (which may reduce the effects of smoking.
• Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli rabe - all contain a powerful range of disease fighters.  One of these, sulforaphane may increase enzymes that lower the incidence of colon and lung cancers.
• Blueberries - count on high levels of antioxidants that combat inflammation.  Anthocyanins may have antidiabetic effects. 
• Spinach, kale, seaweed and swiss chard - excellent sources of iron, vitamin A and lutein for eye health. Plus they've got omega-3s.
• Leeks, onions and garlic - They can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Research shows they may inhibit the growth of prostate, stomach and colon cancer cells. 
• Whole grains - Tasting great while coming in with high levels of magnesium, B vitamins, and fiber.  And, they may help you to not over eat.  One study shows that people feel fuller after eating buckwheat than after eating other grains.
• Spelt - Good source of manganese and copper.
• Turmeric - Used in holistic medicine as a digestive aid, it can also serve as an anti-inflammatory.  Ordering curry takeout (turmeric a key ingredient) helps nurse a toothache or sprain.
• Oregano - Super high levels of antioxidants.  A half teaspoon has the benefits of a spinach salad.Oregano can also work as an expectorant, cleaning congestion and improve digestion.
• Cinnamon - It has the highest antioxidant level of all herbs and spices with positive effect on blood glucose levels.  Adding it to foods can keep you feeling full.
• Ginger, cayenne, black pepper - The heat on your tongue shows that their gingerols, capaicin and piperine are at work boost metabolism.
• Miso -  A fermented soybean paste is a great source of low-calorie protein. Also count on it for B12 and zinc.
• Yogurt -  A good source of calcium, phosphorus and protein. Unlike mild it also contains probiotics, the good bacteria your digestive system needs.
• Sardines - High in vitamin D and calcium.  Buy wild-caught to get the lowest in mercury.
• Canned salmon - It has more DHA plus EPA omega-3 fatty acids than almost any other seafood.  Nutritionally canned is just as good as fresh.
• Sesame seeds - Tasty seeds contain lignans or plant compounds which can help lower cholesterol. Also good sources of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc.
• Walnuts -  Walnuts have the most alpha-linolenic omega-3 fatty acids which lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and may reduce inflammation in arteries.

Source: Oprah magazine 1/2010 pages 150-154