10 Best Food

The Center for Science in Public Interest or CSPI, an independent science-based organization dedicated to educate the public on nutrition, health and food safety, has the lists of 10 Worst and Best Food. As Moms, it is vital to nurture our knowledge on food from time to time because what our children eat and the nutritional values they get from the food depends on what we feed them. This great info is not only for our kids but also for us, adults. When it comes to food, everyone in the family is involve.

According to a research conducted by CSPI, the 10 best food are:

1. Sweet potatoes - Sweet-tasting vegetable known for its richness in beta carotene, potassium, dietary fibers, vitamin A, vitamin C. I usually boil this tuber in whole, cut into cubes when cooked and serve it to my daughter for an afternoon snack.
2. Mangoes - Do you know that when you eat one cup of mangoes a day you already get 3 quarters of vitamin C and a quarter of vitamin A that you need every single day? Aside from that, mangoes also consist fiber and a good dose of potassium that helps lower blood pressure.
3. Unsweetened yogurt - Who loves unsweetened yogurt? Probably, if you ask this question to 20 children, no one will raise a hand. How about the parents? Maybe one or two, or none at all. Unsweetened yogurt is not popular in a household. The name itself doesn't sound yummy. Nonetheless, this type of yogurt contains more nutritional benefits like potassium, zinc, protein, and vitamins B6 and B12 compared to the popular fruit-flavored ones. The organization suggested to eat unsweetened yogurt with your favorite fresh fruits (or cereal). The fruit's natural sweetness, blends with the tartness of the yogurt concocts a delectable breakfast filled with hearty, nutritious bites.
4. Broccoli - We heard a lot that broccolis make babies gassy. I admit it myself that we refrain giving this vegetable to our daughter for that reason. We have tried giving her broccoli before, and yes, it made her pass gas. But, the smell was not as worse as brussel sprouts. This info helps me open my mind of giving our daughter some dose of broccoli again specially knowing that this veggie is wealthy in folic acid, vitamin C, and carotenoids.
5. Wild salmon - Who says that fats are bad? Well, not omega-3, a kind of fat that helps us maintain a healthy heart which is abundantly found in salmon. Compared to salmon that are raised in farms, wild salmon contains less PCB or polychlorinated biphenyl, a highly toxic industrial compound—a much safer choice.
6. Crispbreads - This type of bread is packed in fiber made from whole grain rye flour. It usually comes in a form of crackers which is great to snack on. The next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to find and bring home crispbreads for everyone.
7. Garbanzo beans - Abounding in zinc, potassium, iron, magnesium, fiber, and iron, garbanzo beans can be serve in various kinds of food preparation—from salad to soup!
8. Watermelon - My first choice of fruit for summer because of its juiciness, watermelons supplies vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. I usually put it in the fridge and eat it cold. Perfect for the summer heat.
9. Butternut squash - Coming from the gourd family, butternut squash is sweet and rich when fully ripened. This vegetable is generous in vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and manganese.
10. Green-leafy vegetables - When I was young my elders would always tell me to eat green-leafy veggies because it makes me strong and healthy. Well, they are absolutely right, except that, I didn't like to eat these veggies back then. Leafy greens specially the dark greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, are great sources of potassium, magnesium, Vitamins A, K, E, D, folate, iron, and calcium.

(Source of information: CSPI)