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
  • Halibut
    Halibut is a firm, white-fleshed fish and is a terrific, low-calorie source of lean protein, making it a great food to enjoy for weight loss or if you are at risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Protein found in halibut can also help moderate your moodby slowing the absorption of carbohydrates and keeping blood-sugar levels stable. To maintain the health benefits of halibut, bake, grill, or roast the fish rather than frying it. (Note: Pacific halibut is the most sustainable choice.)
    Read more about fish and shellfish
  • Ham, Lean
    Lean ham is a healthier way to enjoy red meat. It’s a good source of protein, which is a key part of any weight-loss plan because protein helps to fill you up when included as part of meals and snacks. That said, ham roasts and deli meats are often very high in sodium, which can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease and even trigger migraines in sensitive individuals. Look for low-sodium ham, which is readily available at supermarkets and deli counters, and enjoy it in moderation.
    Read more about beef and pork
  • Hazelnuts
    Hazelnuts are a good source of monounsaturated fat, a healthy fat that can improve cardiovascular health and help to manage type 2 diabetes. They are also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that may prevent cataracts and macular degeneration as well as maintain healthy skin. Like other nuts, hazelnuts should be eaten in moderation since they're calorie-dense (stick with just one handful of nuts per day). Nuts may also trigger migraines and IBS in people who are sensitive.
    Read more about nuts and seeds
  • Herring
    The fish oil in herring contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation, decrease triglycerides, and may help to lower high blood pressure and raise good cholesterol. Omega-3s can also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, help maintain healthy skin, and slow memory decline. Herring is one of the best food sources of vitamin D, a key nutrient that helps to maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of hypertension.
    Read more about omega-3 fatty acids
  • Honey
    Honey is a sweetener with approximately the same sweetness as sugar. Sugar intake from sugary foods and sweeteners like honey cause blood sugar to spike and then tumble, which can result in moodiness and low energy. A diet high in added sugar can also lead to weight gain and promote cavities and tooth decay. Individuals with diabetes should dramatically limit their intake of all caloric sweeteners, including honey, as well as sugary foods. Scientists are currently exploring whether a high-sugar diet promotes acne and contributes to premature aging and wrinkles by causing inflammation in skin cells. If you must add sug...
    Read more about sweeteners
  • Honeydew Melon
    Honeydew melon is the sweetest and most delicious when it is in season in the summer. Honeydew, like other melons, has a high water content, making it a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight. It is also a very good source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
    Read more about fruits
  • Horseradish Root
    Horseradish is a root vegetable that has a bitter, spicy flavor when grated. It is a very good source of quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with arthritis and age-related memory loss. Horseradish is commonly sold jarred, grated, and mixed with vinegar or beet juice and used as a condiment on beef or fish.
    Read more about vegetables
  • Hot Red Pepper Flakes
    Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, are a spice made from hot dried red peppers. They are commonly found on tables in pizza parlors, but can also be added in cooking to give your food a "kick." Like other spices, red pepper flakes add flavor to food without adding sodium, calories, and fat. IBS sufferers take note: Some people with IBS are sensitive to spicy foods and experience discomfort after eating them, so be careful when using hot red pepper flakes.
    Read more about herbs and spices
  • Hot Sauce
    If you like kicking up the heat, hot sauce is a low-calorie condiment that can be added to intensify taste or used to replace other higher-calorie condiments like mayonnaise and creamy dressings. One teaspoon of hot pepper sauce has only about one calorie, so it’s an especially good flavor booster for people looking to lose weight. Be aware that some people with IBS are sensitive to spicy foods like hot sauce and may experience discomfort after eating them.
    Read more about condiments, sauces, and flavorings
  • Hummus
    Hummus is a spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas (garbanzo beans), olive oil, and some herbs and spices. Because its primary ingredient is chickpeas, hummus is packed with nutrients and can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease; aid in weight management; and improve mood, memory, and PMS symptoms. IBS sufferers take note: Hummus is made from beans, a food that some people with IBS are especially sensitive to and experience discomfort after eating. Find out more about be...
    Read more about beans and other healthy legumes