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It's time to stop dishing out mucho moola for impractical and funny-tasting “nutritional” foods. Once you evaluate some of the natural items that pervade grocery stores nowadays, it's not difficult to find real gems of nature. Add a little more of these to your life, and resolve to be a healthier you:

1. Blueberries. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber for minimal calories. Fresh or frozen are likely to help protect against heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Blueberry PopTarts don't count.

2. Quinoa. Quinoa looks (and cooks) like the distant relative of rice and cous cous, but it's really the seed from a leafy plant related to spinach. It's easy to prepare, gluten-free, and is a better source of complete protein than many foods it can be used to replace (like rice or pasta). Look for it in the dry goods section of your local grocer.

3. Lentils. Lentils are part of the legume family and come in a broad variety of colors (all of roughly the same nutritional value). They're chock-full of folic acid, which is a commonly under-consumed nutrient in America that helps prevent anemia, relieves hot flashes, and is crucial for fetal development for women who are pregnant. Commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian foods, and can be slow cooked for a great stew.

4. Eggs (organic!). Wait, what? Eggs got a bad rap for their cholesterol, but recent research has shown the complete protein and other nutrients in eggs far outweigh any risks for most people. Eggs are a great source of choline, which helps brain functioning, including memory, intelligence, and mood, and may help prevent heart disease.

Catch the full ten (and recipes too) at The Seattle Times.

Ever wonder how much those advertised health foods really help you live longer?

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