The 6 Healthiest Foods on the Planet

These 6 super foods are proven, expert-beloved disease fighters and energy boosters. Add them to your meals and get on the fast track to a super-healthy body.

Healthy Food #1: Lemons

 Why They're Healthy: — Just one lemon has more than 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, which may help increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels and strengthen bones. — Citrus flavonoids found in lemons may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and act as an anti-inflammatory. Quick Tip: Add a slice of lemon to your green tea. One study found that citrus increases your body's ability to absorb the antioxidants in the tea by about 80 percent.

Healthy Food #2: Broccoli 

Why It's Healthy: — One medium stalk of broccoli contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement and almost 200 percent of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C — two essential bone-building nutrients. — The same serving also helps stave off numerous cancers. Quick Tip: Zap it! Preserve up to 90 percent of broccoli's vitamin C by microwaving. (Steaming or boiling holds on to just 66 percent of the nutrient.)

Healthy Food #3: Dark Chocolate 

Why It's Healthy: — Just one-fourth of an ounce daily can reduce blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals. — Cocoa powder is rich in flavoring, antioxidants shown to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL levels. Quick Tip: A dark chocolate bar contains about 53.5 milligrams of flavonoids; a milk chocolate bar has fewer than 14.

Healthy Food #4: Potatoes 

Why They're Healthy: — One red potato contains 66 micrograms of cell-building folate — about the same amount found in one cup of spinach or broccoli. — One sweet potato has almost eight times the amount of cancer-fighting and immune-boosting vitamin A you need daily. Quick Tip: Let your potato cool before eating. Research shows that doing so can help you burn close to 25 percent more fat after a meal, thanks to a fat-resistant starch.

Healthy Food #5: Salmon 

Why It's Healthy: — A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of depression, heart disease, and cancer. — A 3-ounce serving contains almost 50 percent of your daily dose of niacin, which may protect against Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. Quick Tip: Opt for wild over farm-raised, which contains 16 times as much toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) as wild salmon.

Healthy Food #6: Walnuts 

Why They're Healthy: — Contain the most omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce cholesterol, of all nuts. — Omega-3s have been shown to improve mood and fight cancer; they may protect against sun damage, too (but don't skip the SPF!). Quick Tip: Eat a few for dessert: The antioxidant melanin, found in walnuts, helps to regulate sleep.

Source: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com