Earlier this year, we saw our own lists of both the worst foods you can eat and the best foods you can eat, and now Forbes is taking a turn with their list of surprisingly healthy foods. Their list is based on the theory that most people still associate healthy foods with things that don't taste good, and while it is true that eating a giant bowl of undressed, unseasoned lettuce is boring, that doesn't mean that there are no foods that both taste good and can be good for you. If you're already into healthy eating, this might not be a complete news flash, but a reminder to keep us on track - especially with the holidays coming up - never hurts. Don't go overboard on any of these, but don't feel guilty for enjoying them, either:
- Chocolate - both milk and dark chocolates have been shown to have health benefits when eaten in moderation.
- Vegetable oil - low in saturated fats and high in vitamin E, which is good for the skin and can help protect against heart disease. The recommended maximum is only a few teaspoons each day.
- Potatoes - they are versatile and one of the foods richest in antioxidants. Frying can cancel out some of the benefits, so try baking them.
- Nuts and nut butters - high in monounsaturated fat and protein. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and are very filling.
- Coffee - it may help the liver, increase brain function and has been linked to a decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Use skim milk , rather than cream.
- Bruschetta - tomatoes, onions, garlic and olive oil, often with a touch of Parmesan, it is a snack that has the benefits of oil (see above) and a lot of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease.
- Spices - in large amounts, some have been shown to have healthy benefits, but in general it is hard to argue with anything that makes food taste better without adding fat or calories.
- Tea - both green and black tea can have healthy benefits as long as you aren't loading them up with sugar.
- Soups - vegetable and broth-based soups can pack a lot of nutrients into one serving with relatively few calories. Avoid cream soups, though, as they can be very high in fat and calories.














