“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.” ~ Jim Davis

Wouldn`t it be wonderful if just by eating a slice of carrot cake suddenly you were enriched with all the wonderful benefits of carrots; their antioxidants and rich display of vitamin A. Instead we get the sugar high and an extra five pounds. So it seems we need to drop the cake and eat the carrots bare.

This may be a totally depressing fact to some (I know it is to me) as a self proclaimed Dessert Connoisseur it hurts no one more then me to say bye to my favourite desserts and say hello to carrot sticks. But, what got me through my slump was a little research.

Since the beginning of my internship, I have been introduced to the world of farming here at Sunshine Farms, and am surrounded by yummy, delicious Asparagus; A family favourite in my house! So that got me thinking, what are some of the best foods that you can eat? And, what kind of benefits are they providing you?

What I discovered was that the Asparagus I eat so much of is full of absolutely wonderful benefits, like Vitamin K and Folate, Folate in particular is excellent for maintaining a Healthy Cardiovascular System. (Check out the rest of the benefits of Asparagus here: www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=12)

So not only did I discover the benefits of one of my favourite foods, I also
discovered a list of 51 other foods that are good for your health.

Another personal favourite produce item of mine; the pineapple, made the list as well. The Bromelain contained in pineapple can aid as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid. As well, as the old saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” seems to not be a lie; apples contain cardio-protective fibers. (Find all 51 foods and their benefits here: http://www.diethealthclub.com/51-power-packed-foods-healthy-diet.html)

So with my new found knowledge, I walk away from my research a little less of a Dessert Queen and a newbie to the world of extraordinarily healthy food. So, hopefully next time I am tempted with raspberry cheesecake, I can just settle for the raspberries.

~Pickle Blogger

Sound Off! What are your favourite foods, and their benefits?