Kale: Provides a daily dose of vitamin A, more vitamin C than an orange, vitamin K to support bone health, more calcium than an 8-ounce glass of milk and omega-3 fatty acids! By including kale in your diet you are giving your brain a boost and helping to fight depression! Add to your morning shakes!
Bell Peppers: An excellent source of vitamin B6 (which regulates metabolism), one red bell pepper provides almost twice your daily allowance of vitamin C. On top of that they are sweet and delicious and great on salads, raw with dip or in a sandwich!
Garlic: One of my favorites! Known for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, boosting the immune system, regulating blood sugar levels and protecting against breast cancer, I find garlic a necessity in all my cooking!
Mushrooms: Another tool for fighting many cancers such as breast, colon, prostate and stomach, research has shown that mushrooms improve the body's immune system. To top it off they contain vitamin D! Stir-fry with chicken, avocado oil, quinoa and kale!
Celery: A natural diuretic, the phtalides contained in celery support the circulatory system, and can help to reduce high blood pressure. Great in my morning smoothies!
Onions: High in vitamin C, providing calcium, iron, folic acid, and dietary fiber, onions have compounds called thiosulfinates which can prevent you from having a stroke. Add to anything and everything for taste!
Tomatoes: Often referred to as a fruit and containing of tons of vitamins from A to K, tomatoes are known to help reduce the number of free radicals in our bodies, fight cancer and for assisting with low blood pressure levels. Love adding them to my eggs, pasta or on top of my salads.
Carrots: Aside from being great for your eyesight and protecting you from glaucoma, eating carrots can also prevent infection and help wounds to heal more quickly. I love mixing carrots with a cup of coconut milk and cinnamon for a refreshing morning juice!
Broccoli: This disease-fighting vegetable is one of my favorites year around! Packed with antioxidants that help reduce the risk of stomach, lung and rectal cancers, broccoli is rich in the amazing beta-cartone, vitamin C and folate which is a great immune system booster! Steam for dinner and dice up for your morning egg white omelet.
Eggplant: Loaded with fiber and potassium and rich in antioxidants, eggplants assist in controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol and protecting your digestive tract (which protects against colon cancer!). Try using instead of pasta in your next lasagna or baking with a touch of olive oil and spices!