The 7 Healthiest Foods You're Probably Not Eating | HuffPost Post 50

Its hard to keep up with the ever-growing list of foods that keep us happy, healthy and, lets face it, alive the longest. Here are our favorites.

Sardines

The Healthiest Food Youre (Probably) Not Eating

There are a plenty of fish in the sea, but not all of them pack as much of a nutritional punch as the tiny sardine. Although small in size, sardines are packed to the gills (literally!) with essential vitamins and minerals that sharpen the mind, keep the heart healthy, and bring your energy up, up, up! Plus, their bones are easy to digest, which makes these scaly superstars one of the most calcium-rich, non-dairy foods out there.

Canned Pumpkin

Best Food for Weight Loss

Peter, Peter pumpkin eater may have been on to something. Pumpkin is more than just a delicious pie filling. Its low in calories (only 80 per cup) and high in dietary fiber with a side of protein to boot, which means its a great tool for weight loss. Whats more, its also a nutritional powerhouse thats chock full of beta-carotene key for healthy eyes and a strong immune system.

Peanuts

Most Underrated Health Food

Almonds and walnuts may be the hippest nuts on the block, but the peanut deserves some respect. This lowly legume contains just as many heart-healthy fats as its tree-hugging brethren and boasts more protein than any other nut. Whats more, the peanut has one of the highest concentrations of biotin, which may help boost keratin production to strengthen hair and nails .

Learn more about the health benefits of nuts.

Oysters

Best Food to Help You Win a Beauty Contest

Sure, theyre slimy and can be moderately dubious if you dont get them from a trusted source, but the high zinc content in oysters may help keep hair full, nails strong, and skin clear.

Seaweed

Best Food for a Good Nights Sleep

Just because Thanksgiving turkey feast only happens once a year, it doesnt mean you cant sleep like a baby every night. Next to turkey, seaweed has one of the highest levels of the amino acid tryptophan compared to any other food. Whats more, it contains high levels of iodine, which helps keeps the thyroid functioning properly and hormones in check.

Blackcurrants

Best Food to Beat Disease

Move over blueberries. Blackcurrants have the highest levels of the disease-fighting antioxidant anthocyanin (the pigment that makes berries dark blue and red) compared to any other fruit. Whats more, this unassuming berry contains more than three times the amount of vitamin C found in oranges, making it an immunity-boosting powerhouse.

Teff

The Healthiest Food Youve Never Heard Of

This smallest, ancient grain (teff seeds were found in a pyramid dating to 3359 BC!) proves that big things do come in small packages. With as much calcium as cooked spinach, high levels of vitamin C and a new kind of dietary fiber that helps maintain blood sugar and healthy weight, teff is poised to be the next superfood.

Also From Grandparents.com:

5 Easy Exercises For People Who Hate Working Out

The Health Dangers Of Soda

8 Surprising Ways To Lower Your Diabetes Risk