Should I Be Eating… ?

food-index-165Choose from hundreds of foods, from almonds to zucchini, and find out their effects on your health.

Find out the hidden health benefits in your favorite foods. Browse the index from A to Z and discover the powerful nutrients, vitamins, and minerals each food contains — plus the medical conditions and concerns these foods can help treat.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V W Y Z
  • Edamame
    Edamame are green soybeans that grow inside an inedible outer pod. They are a very good source of high-quality carbohydrates and lean protein, which makes them a good food to enjoy if you are trying to lose weight or if you are at risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Edamame are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and folate, nutrients that help protect against arthritis and memory loss, moderate mood, and maintain healthy eyes, skin, and hair. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium in edamame help maintain strong bones, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate PMS symptoms. Soy protein also contains plant estro...
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  • Eggplant
    Eggplant is a vegetable with a firm and meaty texture. Like other nonstarchy vegetables, eggplant is low in calories and has a high water and fiber content, making it a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight or prevent or manage heart disease or type 2 diabetes. There are different types of eggplants, but most have a deep purple-black color that comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent arthritis and memory loss. When getting prepared eggplant, make sure to ask how it is prepared, as eggplant is often served breaded and fried, making it higher in calor...
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  • Eggs
    Eggs are an excellent source of protein, as well as multiple B vitamins and selenium. These nutrients are involved in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, cataracts, mood disorders, migraine headaches, and PMS symptoms. Eggs also provide biotin, another B vitamin essential for hairgrowth. The egg yolk is one of the few food sources of vitamin D; however, it is the part that contains all the egg’s fat, dietary cholesterol, and the bulk of its calories. To take advantage of the protein in the whites and the nutrients in the yolks while minimizing their fat and cholesterol, whip 1 whole egg with 2 to 3 egg whites f...
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  • Endive
    Endive is a bitter leafy vegetable that is often used in salads or eaten as a side dish. There are multiple varieties of endive, including Belgian endive, escarole, and curly endive (frisée). Like other greens, endive is very low in calories, which makes it a great addition to any weight-loss plan. Endive is a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. It is also a potent source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.
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  • Escarole
    Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that can be used in salads or eaten as a side dish. Like other salad greens, escarole is very low in calories, which makes it a great addition to any weight-loss plan. Escarole is a good source of potassium, a mineral involved in managing blood pressure and preventing osteoporosis. It is also a very good source of vitamin K, which may prevent bone fractures.
    Read more about leafy green vegetables
  • Espresso
    Espresso is stronger and more concentrated than brewed coffee. It is often the base of lattes, cappuccinos, and many other coffee drinks. Ounce for ounce, espresso has more caffeine than regular coffee, although it's served in smaller sizes. For comparison, a single shot of espresso (about an ounce) has 40 to 75 mg caffeine, while an ounce of coffee has only 12 to 25 mg caffeine. But most people drink at least an eight-ounce cup of coffee, which then provides a total of 100 to 200 mg caffeine. Caffeine may exacerbate IBS, insomnia, and PMS symptoms and is a common trigger for migraine headaches. Espresso is unfiltered...
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  • Extracts
    Extracts, such as vanilla, almond, maple, and mint, are great choices for adding calorie-free flavor to foods. Using these flavorings to add sweetness while cutting back on the amount of added sugar can help you lose weight and, ultimately, help prevent type 2 diabetes. Try them mixed in oatmeal, plain nonfat yogurt, low-calorie smoothies, or any other dish you want to add flavor to without the calorie cost.
    Read more about condiments, sauces, and flavorings