Fuzzy78

Mushrooms have been used as medicine by many cultures around the world. Mushroom compounds may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. Studies have shown that mushrooms can stimulate the activity of immune cells and macrophages. These help stop the growth and spread of tumor cells and kill existing tumor cells.

Avocados are rich in healthy fats and fiber, which can help you feel full longer. Because of their healthy fat content, they can help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins. They're also high in nutrients, including:

Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family that is a key ingredient in curry powder. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Turmeric contains curcumin, which gives it its bright yellow color. Many studies suggest curcumin may help prevent and fight cancer. It may also play a role in preventing or fighting other disorders, including:

Eat nuts and seeds regularly to help control your weight and protect against chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Nuts and seeds are:

Green tea contains polyphenols, beneficial plant compounds that are also found in dark berries, vegetables, chocolate, and red wine. Drinking green tea may help:

Legumes include beans, lentils, split peas, green peas, and peanuts. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend people eat one to three cups weekly. Legumes are rich in protein and fiber. They provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Eating a diet high in legumes has been associated with:

Berries are among the healthiest fruits partly because of their dark colors. They have almost 10 times as many antioxidants as other fruits and vegetables. A study of nearly 100,000 people found that those who ate the most berries were significantly less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. Berries boost your levels of a type of white blood cell that helps your immune system fight diseases. Berries may also reduce and repair cell damage as well as slow cognitive decline.

Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and salad greens are sources of many health-promoting phytochemicals and nutrients. Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that help fight diseases. The nutrients and phytochemicals in dark green leafy vegetables may help:

Orange peels have an incredible amount of vitamin C -- twice the amount that's inside the fruit. They're also packed with vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin (a B vitamin). Orange peels are hard to digest and they can be bitter. So, use a grater to make orange zest. You can zest in salad dressings or sprinkle it directly on top of a salad. The flavor of the zest also goes well with chocolate and ice cream.

Bananas have a peel that's tough to eat and tastes bitter. Still, the peel has some great health benefits. It has potassium and antioxidants, like lutein. Lutein is good for eye health. Banana peels also have something called tryptophan, an amino acid. Since the skin is tough and bitter, you can boil it for a few minutes, then bake in the oven to dry it out for a tea or a smoothie.

Zucchini peels can taste a little bitter, but they're extremely nutritious. You'll get fiber, potassium, and some extra vitamin C. The skin of a zucchini also has loads of antioxidants, like lutein, carotenoids, and zeaxanthin. You can reap the benefits of this veggie skin by combining them with other flavors, like in a salad, or by cooking them.