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The 100 Healthiest Foods on the Planet

Discover the foods with the most protein, healthiest fats and most vitamins ever.

The next time you drop by the market or order up a food delivery, make sure your grocery list contains as many of these foods as possible.

Each of these 100 healthiest, most nutritious foods on the planet possesses special health-promoting powers to lead to your healthiest and happiest life.

Fruits & Vegetables

Okay, okay, we admit that’s not exactly breaking news, but did you know that when it comes to rapid weight loss some veggies reign supreme while others fall fairly flat in comparison? It’s true! Thanks to their specific nutritional profiles, certain produce-aisle picks can help you trim down by revving your metabolism, turning off belly fat genes, and frying flab—and that’s on top of all their other health-boosting benefits. Read on to learn which delicious picks fit the bill and discover delicious ways to incorporate them into your diet.

Spinach

Popeye’s favorite veggie is a great source of not only protein, but also vitamins A and C, antioxidants and heart-healthy folate. One cup of the green superfood has nearly as much protein as a hard-boiled egg—for half the calories. Looking to get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck? Be sure to steam your spinach instead of eating it raw. This cooking method helps retain vitamins and makes it easier for the body to absorb the green’s calcium content. Add a handful to soups, protein shakes, omelets, pasta dishes, and veggie stir-fries, or simply steam it and top with pepper, garlic, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

Mustard Greens

Another veggie worthy of a spot in your diet is mustard greens. When steamed, they provide a whopping 922 percent of your RDI for vitamin K, 96 percent of your vitamin A, and 47 percent of your vitamin C per cup, and they have a host of disease-fighting properties thanks to their high glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are plant chemicals that your body converts into isothiocyanates, which have been shown to ward off cancer. In fact, according to a review in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design, glucosinolates may protect against and may even represent a therapeutic strategy against several forms of the deadly illness.

Kale

Kale has definitely had its moment in the sun (and then some) but as far as healthy veggies go, it’s certainly worthy of praise. The cruciferous green (which is even available in McDonald’s these days) is loaded with health-boosting nutrients like vitamin A, phosphorus, and B vitamins like folate, and it boasts twice the vitamin C as spinach, another nutritional superstar. Furthermore, a study in the journal JRSM Cardiovascular Disease found that a high daily consumption of green leafy and cruciferous veggies (such as kale) significantly reduced incidence of several types of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. And since the veggie is as versatile as they come, feel free to add some kale to an array of meals ranging from egg dishes to tacos, and drinks such as juices and smoothies.

Watercress

The next time you’re making a salad, why not throw some watercress in there? The green veggie is an excellent source of folate, which has been shown to stimulate weight loss. In fact, a study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that those with the highest folate levels lose about 8.5 times more weight when dieting than those with the lowest levels of folate. What’s more? A separate study in the British Journal of Cancer found that higher dietary folate intake reduces breast cancer risk. In addition to watercress, other good sources of folate include spinach, asparagus, and papaya.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with the antioxidant lycopene, which studies show can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Just one cup of the sun-dried version will lend you 6 grams of satiating protein, 7 grams of fiber and 75 percent of your RDA of potassium, which is essential for heart health and tissue repair. They’re also rich in vitamins A and K. Use them as a pizza topping, a tangy addition to salads, or snack on them right out of the bag.

Artichokes

Ghrelin is your body’s “I’m hungry” hormone, which is suppressed when your stomach is full, so eating satiating high-fiber and high-protein foods is a no-brainer. The humble artichoke is a winner on both counts: It has almost twice as much fiber as kale (10.3 g per medium artichoke, or 40 percent of the daily fiber the average woman needs) and one of the highest protein counts among vegetables. Boil and eat the whole shebang as a self-contained salad (why not add a little goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes?), toss the leaves with your favorite greens and dressing, or peel and pop the hearts onto healthy pizzas and flatbreads and lose belly fat.

Peas

It’s enough to make Popeye do a spit take: Despite their wimpy reputation, a cup of green peas contains eight times the protein of a cup of spinach. And with almost 100 percent of your daily value of vitamin C in a single cup, they’ll help keep your immune system up to snuff. Layer them into a mason jar salad or add them to an omelet to boost eggs’ satiating power.8

Peppers

You may have heard that spicy hot peppers can help you scorch calories, but did you know that mild peppers can have the same effect? Thanks to a metabolism-boosting compound, dihydrocapsiate, and their high vitamin-C content, sweet red and green peppers can help you lose weight. A cup of these bell-shaped veggies serves up to three times the day’s recommended vitamin C—a nutrient that counteracts stress hormones which trigger fat storage around the midsection.

Broccoli

In addition to warding off prostate, breast, lung and skin cancers, this flowery vegetable can also help you whittle your middle. According to experts, broccoli contains a phytonutrient called sulforaphane that increases testosterone and fights off body fat storage. It’s also rich in vitamin C ( a mere cup of the stuff can help you hit your daily mark), a nutrient that can lower levels of cortisol during stressful situations. The only downside? It can make some people with sensitive stomachs a bit gassy and bloated—which isn’t a good look if you’re planning to hit the beach or rock a tight-fitting outfit. That’s no reason to steer clear of this veggie on a day-to-day basis, though. Whip up our parmesan roasted broccoli recipe to reap the belly-flattening benefits—just maybe not the day before you need to look your leanest.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber, and that’s just the tip of the nutritional iceberg. Beta-carotene—the compound that gives carrots their orange hue—has been linked to a decreased risk for developing certain types of cancer. Per an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study of over 3,000 women, those who had higher levels of beta-carotene in their blood had a 59 percent lower risk of a certain type of breast cancer (ER-negative breast cancer) than women with lower levels. Another related compound also found in carrots, alpha-carotene, reduced the cancer risk by about 39 percent.

Another study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer suggested beta-carotene may ward off lung cancer. According to scientists, beta-carotene and alpha-carotene are carotenoids that our bodies convert to vitamin A, which is important for immune function, maintaining healthy cells, and activating carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes.

Pickles

Pickles are low-cal, filled with fiber and covered in vinegar—which is all good news for your waistline. In fact, just one large pickle has 15 calories and 2 grams of belly-filling fiber, so eating three or four can actually leave you feeling pretty satiated for less than 100 calories! Every dieter knows that eating filling snacks are paramount to weight-loss success, but how does the vinegar help the fat-fighting cause? Studies show acidic foods help increase the rate at which the body burns off carbs by up to 40 percent—and the faster you burn off carbs, the sooner your body starts incinerating fat, which can help you get that lean look you crave. Add these tangy, pickled cucumbers to sandwiches and burgers or munch on them solo to start feeling more confident in your skivvies.

Potatoes

If you typically eat your potatoes warm out of the oven, you’re missing out on the spud’s fat-fighting superpowers. When you throw potatoes in the refrigerator and eat them cold, their digestible starches turn into resistant starches through a process called retrogradation. As the name implies, resistant starch, well, resists digestion, which promotes fat oxidation and reduces abdominal fat. Since eating cold baked potatoes doesn’t sound too appetizing, why not use the cooled spuds to make a potato salad instead? Here’s how: Bake red potatoes in the oven until they’re cooked through and allow them to fully cool. Then, cut them into small slices and dress them with Dijon mustard, fresh pepper, chopped green onions (more on this veggie next), dill and plain Greek yogurt. Mix everything together and put in the refrigerator to cool before consuming.

Sweet Potatoes

Although white potatoes offer some potassium and fiber, sweet potatoes actually reign supreme in the nutrition department. A large sweet potato contains around 4 grams of satiety-boosting protein, 25 percent of the day’s belly-filling fiber, and 11 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. A Taiwan-based study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher consumption of vitamin A-rich vegetables, especially garland chrysanthemum and sweet potato leaves, might provide potential protection from lung cancer. All that nutrition and protection for less than 200 calories? Count us in!

Onions

Onions are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid that increases blood flow and activates a protein in the body that helps regulate glucose levels, torches stored fat and keeps new fat cells from forming. Not to mention, onions are basically the unsung hero of cardiovascular health—an important area of wellness for everyone, but especially those who hit the gym hard to accelerate their weight-loss efforts. The culinary staple can help lower cholesterol, ward off hardening of the arteries and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. The best part? Onions are super low-cal and easy to throw into just about anything, from soups, homemade burgers, sandwiches and tacos to pastas, salads, veggie sides, rice and omelets.

Spaghetti Squash

The average American consumes approximately 15.5 pounds of pasta each year—and most of it is the refined white stuff. Unfortunately, this type of noodle is usually void of fiber and micronutrients. Spaghetti squash, on the other hand, boasts only about 40 calories per cup—more than 75 percent fewer calories than a cup of plain pasta—and is an excellent source of vitamin A and potassium, which will keep your muscles toned and strong. The gourd also contains cancer-fighting beta carotene, and double the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in butternut squash.

Mushrooms

Fungi are considered health food all-stars because they are a great source of potassium, which is vital for muscle health and recovery and can also lower blood pressure and decrease the effects of a high-sodium meal. In addition to being low-cal and fat-free, research has shown eating fungi can lead to increased immunity and protect against cancer. One study printed in the journal 3Biotech that compared the effects of mushroom extract on mice found that those treated with the extract experienced reductions in prostate tumor size and tumor cell proliferation compared to the control group of mice that were not treated.

Asparagus

It’s a natural diuretic, so asparagus, which contains less than 5 grams of sugar per serving, can help relieve bloating and other unpleasant feelings. The green veggie’s balance of amino acids and minerals may also help to alleviate hangover symptoms, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science.

Beets

These ruby-red roots contain a type of antioxidant called betalains that help repair and regenerate cells in the liver, your body’s primary detox organ. Beets are also high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium, which allows for healthy nerve and muscle function, and manganese, which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. What’s more? Beets also contain nitrates which, according to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, lowers blood pressure and helps those with chronic kidney disease.

Celery

According to a 2014 study published in the journal Obesity, chewing until your food is lump-less increases the number of calories the body burns during digestion: about 10 extra calories for a 300-calorie meal, meaning that just by slowing down the rate at which you chew, you could potentially burn approximately 2,000 extra calories each month. The study also found that chewing food more thoroughly increases blood flow to the stomach and gut, which may help to improve digestion and absorption of more nutrients from your food. Considering celery has long been lauded as one of the chewiest veggies around, making it virtually calorie-free, it’s worthwhile to add some to your diet. Try tossing the hydrating veggie into a tomato or chicken soup for an added crunch that will easily lower the overall calorie count of your meal. Aside from being super chewy, celery is also low-carb and relatively high in fiber—just one cup of the chopped veggie has 1.6 grams of the satiating nutrient.

Eggplant

According to a review published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research anthocyanins, flavonoids that give eggplants their unique color, will provide you with an array of impressive benefits. Said perks include but are not limited to obesity control, diabetes control, cardiovascular disease prevention, and improvement of visual and brain functions such as a sharper short-term memory and reduced inflammation. Go ahead and toss some of this yummy veggie into a stir-fry or make some babaganoush—an eggplant-based spread with fewer calories than hummus.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a high-protein seaweed supplement that’s typically dried and sold in powdered form. The dried stuff is about 60 percent protein, and, like quinoa, it’s a complete protein, meaning it can be converted directly into muscle in the body and is thus a great weight loss tool. A tablespoon of the blue-green algae delivers 8 grams of metabolism-boosting protein for just 43 calories, plus half a day’s allotment of vitamin B12, which in and of itself can give you more energy and boost your metabolism. Try tossing some spirulina into a smoothie and watching the pounds melt off.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut isn’t just for hot dogs; this lacto-fermented cabbage, which contains natural compounds, may have potent cancer-fighting and belly-slimming properties. When unpasteurized, sauerkraut is rich in Lactobacillus bacteria—even more so than yogurt—which boosts the healthy flora in your intestinal tract, bolsters your immune system, and even improves your overall health. A 2013 study published in the World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology found that mice fed a probiotic-rich sauerkraut extract had reduced cholesterol levels.

Avocado

Though somewhat villainized for being high in calories, avocados are more than worthy of a role in your diet. Just half of an avocado contains 4.6 grams of belly-filling fiber, and the green fruit’s satiating powers are so potent that a study in Nutrition Journal discovered that folks who added half a fresh avocado to their meal reported a 40 percent decreased desire to eat for hours afterward. Furthermore, avocados contain metabolism-enhancing monounsaturated fats that have been shown to reduce hunger, and unsaturated fats, which seem to prevent the storage of belly fat. In fact, according to a review that appeared in the journal Phytotherapy Research, avocados may help combat metabolic syndrome, which is a clustering of risk factors including high blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index that may then lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Black Sapote

Known as the “chocolate pudding fruit,” black sapote tastes like … chocolate pudding. No wonder it’s an Eat This, Not That! favorite! Deceptively rich and creamy, a 100-gram serving has 130 calories and 191 mg of vitamin C, or twice that of an orange. (That’s a mic drop, chocolate pudding.) A study published in Food Research International found black sapote to be a good source of carotenoids and catechins, which spur the release of fat from fat cells and helps the liver convert fat into energy.

How to Enjoy It: Originating in South America, black sapotes can be found in Florida and Hawaii, and certain growers online will ship them within the U.S. Devotees swear by them for low-cal pies and smoothies.

Ruby Red Grapefruit

A 2012 study printed in the journal Metabolism found the eating half a grapefruit before meals may help reduce visceral (belly) fat and lower cholesterol levels. Participants of the six-week study who ate grapefruit with every meal saw their waists shrink by up to an inch! Researchers attribute the effects to a combination of phytochemicals and vitamin C in the grapefruit. Consider having half of a grapefruit before your morning oatmeal, and slicing a few segments to a starter salad.

Tart Cherries

Tart cherries have been shown to benefit heart health as well as body weight, in a study on obese rats. A 12-week study by the University of Michigan researchers found that rats fed antioxidant-rich tart cherries showed a 9 percent belly fat reduction compared to rats fed a “Western diet.” Moreover, the researchers noted that the cherry consumption had profound ability to alter the expression of fat genes. Enjoy some along with these best breakfast foods for weight loss.

Berries

Berries—raspberries, strawberries, blueberries—are packed with polyphenols, powerful natural chemicals that can help you lose weight–and even stop fat from forming! In a recent Texas Woman’s University study, researchers found that feeding mice three daily servings of berries decreased the formation of fat cells by up to 73 percent!

Açai Berries

Açai berries are such superstars, they deserve an entry all to themselves. Need proof? A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry discovered that the black-purple berries contain higher levels of antioxidants than pomegranates and blueberries. And a University of Florida study found that an açai extract triggered a self-destruction response in up to 86 percent of the leukemia cells it came in contact with—a promising finding for scientists working to cure cancer.

Kiwi

Backed up and bloated? Snack on kiwi. The green fruit can help you get in tip-top shape thanks to its ability to aid digestion. Though small, kiwifruit contains a hefty amount of actinidin, a natural enzyme that helps facilitate digestion by breaking down protein in the body. The tropical fruit also contains prebiotic fiber, which primes the gut for healthy digestion. In fact, according to a 2015 study published in Nutrition Research, a daily serving of green kiwifruit helps increase bowel movements.

Pink Lady Apples

Apples are a great fruit source of fiber, which studies have proven to be integral to reducing visceral fat. A recent study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that for every 10-gram increase in soluble fiber eaten per day, visceral fat was reduced by 3.7 percent over five years. A study conducted by University of Western Australia researchers found that the Pink Lady variety had the highest level of antioxidant flavonoids.

Watermelon

Watermelon sometimes gets a bad rap for being high in sugar, but the fruit has some impressive health benefits. Eating watermelon may improve lipid profiles and lower fat accumulation, according to University of Kentucky researchers. Better yet, a study of athletes by the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena in Spain found watermelon juice to help reduce the level of muscle soreness. And staying hydrated with foods like watermelon is just one of the ways to eat your water.

Grapes

Grapes are another fruit that’s often overlooked because of their high sugar content, but don’t let that deter you from snacking on a handful of these babies every now and again. That’s because both grapes and grape juice are rich sources of resveratrol, a phytochemical well studied for anti-cancer effects. Research suggests polyphenols in general, and resveratrol in particular, possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and in laboratory studies resveratrol prevented the kind of damage known to trigger the cancer process in cell, tissue, and animal models. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, resveratrol was found to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells via apoptosis and by exerting anti-estrogenic effects, and reductions in breast cancer cell migration and invasion were observed after resveratrol supplementation.

Bananas

The humble fruit—botanically, actually a berry!—is perhaps the least-heralded supermarket staple. But its powers are proven, and to investigate just how impactful they can be, Eat This, Not That! consulted our team of nutritionists to determine exactly what eating one banana does to your body.

Pomegranates

Not only are pomegranates packed with protein and belly-filling fiber (which is found in the fruit’s edible seeds) but they also contain anthocyanins, tannins, and high levels of antioxidants, which research published in the International Journal of Obesity says can help fight weight gain. Toss some pomegranate seeds onto a salad for a burst of flavor, or mix them into a smoothie to boost the beverage’s nutrient content.

Lemons

In addition to smelling nice and looking pretty, lemon can also help encourage weight loss. Just one of the bright citrus fruits contains an entire day’s worth of vitamin C, a nutrient that has the power to reduce levels of a stress hormone called cortisol that triggers hunger and fat storage. Additionally, lemons also contain polyphenols, which researchers say may ward off fat accumulation and weight gain. Believe it or not, even the peel is beneficial because it is a potent source of pectin—a soluble fiber that’s been proven to help people feel fuller, longer. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, participants who ate just 5 grams of pectin experienced more satiety.

Oranges

Like their yellow relatives, oranges are chock-full of vitamin C—just one of the tasty fruits provides a staggering 130 percent of your vitamin C needs for the day. However, what sets oranges apart from lemons is their apparent ability to lower women’s stroke risk. According to research reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association in 2012, eating higher amounts of a flavonoid called flavanone (which is abundant in oranges and grapefruits) may lower one’s chances of having an ischemic stroke. The study found that women who ate high amounts of flavanone had a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke than women who consumed the least amount.

Teas

For most Americans, tea is tea. However, in places like Japan, the UK, and large swaths of Southeast Asia, tea leaves are as diverse and nuanced as wine grapes. Not only does the flavor profile change dramatically between one tea variety and the next, but so do the health benefits. Not only can certain brews fight off various diseases, select teas have also been shown to rev the metabolism, quell hunger, slash waist-widening stress and shrink fat cells. When Taiwanese researchers studied more than 1,100 people over a 10-year period, they determined that those who drank tea had nearly 20 percent less body fat than those who drank none!

To ensure you brew the best cups for your weight loss goals, we’ve rounded up the most potent waist-whittling teas from around the world.

Green Tea

Get this: Green tea literally blasts away flab! Researchers attribute the fat-burning properties of green tea to catechins, specifically EGCG — the name of a group of antioxidative compounds that blast adipose tissue by revving the metabolism, increasing the release of fat from fat cells (particularly in the belly), and then speeding up the liver’s fat burning capacity. It gets better: Research suggests that combining regular green-tea drinking with exercise may maximize the weight loss benefits. A study in The Journal of Nutrition found that participants who combined a daily habit of 4-5 cups of green tea with a 25-minute workout lost 2 more pounds than the non-tea-drinking exercisers.

White Tea

Generally speaking, tea is an excellent no-sugar alternative to sickeningly sweet sodas and juices, and, as you will soon learn, each variety of tea comes with its own weight loss benefits. For example, a study in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism found white tea can simultaneously stimulate the breakdown of fat in the body while blocking the formation of new fat cells—a belly-blasting double whammy!

Black Tea

Italian researchers found that drinking a cup of black tea per day improves cardiovascular function—and the more cups you drink, the more you benefit! Better cardiovascular function means you can breeze through that 5K you signed up for. And a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that drinking 20 ounces of black tea daily causes the body to secrete five times more interferon, a key element of your body’s infection-protection arsenal.

Red Tea

Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of the “red bush” plant, grown exclusively in the small Cederberg region of South Africa, near Cape Town. What makes rooibos tea particularly good for your belly is a unique and powerful flavonoid called Aspalathin. According to South African researchers, polyphenols and flavonoids found in the plant inhibit adipogenesis–the formation of new fat cells–by as much as 22 percent. The chemicals also help aid fat metabolism. Plus, Rooibos is naturally sweet, so you won’t need to add sugar. It’s also not technically a tea—it’s an herbal infusion.

Pu-erh Tea

Another star of The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse, this fermented Chinese tea can literally shrink the size of your fat cells! To discover the brew’s fat-crusading powers Chinese researchers divided rats into five groups and fed them varying diets over a two month period. In addition to a control group, there was a group given a high-fat diet with no tea supplementation and three additional groups that were fed a high-fat diet with varying doses of pu-erh tea extract. The researchers found that the tea significantly lowered triglyceride concentrations (potentially dangerous fat found in the blood) and belly fat in the high-fat diet groups.

Oolong Tea

Not to be outdone, oolong tea—a Chinese beverage—can help those who drink it shed up to a pound per week. According to a 2009 study in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, participants who regularly sipped oolong tea lost six pounds over the course of six weeks. What’s more? The tea’s antioxidants are thought to remove harmful free radicals and improve bone health.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a slightly effervescent fermented drink made with black or green tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, known as a SCOBY. This fermented tea is filled with gut-healthy probiotics which can help balance good gut bacteria and help boost your immune system. In fact, researchers at Cornell University discovered that the trendy beverage may promote immunity on account of its powerful anti-microbial properties, which can fight off pathogenic bacteria. What’s more? Kombucha still has the healthy properties of tea, including superstar antioxidants.

Red Meat & Pork

Although the chicken breast is the gold standard of healthy grilling that can aid weight loss—low fat, high protein—the key to any successful eating plan is variety, and research indicates that you now have options. While you still want to steer away from traditional supermarket ground chuck, there are ways to enjoy a beef burger knowing you’re doing right by your waistline. And you can open up your grill to more creative choices, too—all packed with nutrients and protein that’ll keep your fitness goals on track without sacrificing flavor.44

Grass-Fed Beef

When it comes to steak or burgers, go grass-fed. It may ding your wallet, but it’ll dent your abs. Grass-fed beef is naturally leaner and has fewer calories than conventional meat: A lean seven-ounce conventional strip steak has 386 calories and 16 grams of fat. But a seven-ounce grass-fed strip steak has only 234 calories and five grams of fat. Grass-fed meat also contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.45

Bison

While grass-fed beef is an excellent choice, bison’s profile has been rising in recent years, and for good reason: It has half the fat of and fewer calories than red meat. According to the USDA, while a 90%-lean hamburger may average 10 grams of fat, a comparatively sized buffalo burger rings in at 2 grams of fat with 24 grams of protein, making it one of the leanest meats around. But wait, taking a chance on this unexpected meat will earn you two healthy bonuses: In just one serving you’ll get a full day’s allowance of vitamin B-12, which has been shown to boost energy and help shut down the genes responsible for insulin resistance and the formation of fat cells; additionally, since bison are naturally grass-fed, you can confidently down your burger knowing it’s free of the hormones and pollutants than can manifest themselves in your belly fat.

Ostrich

Lower that eyebrow you’re raising. Ostrich meat is the rising star of the grill. While it’s technically red and has the rich taste of beef, it has less fat than turkey or chicken. A four-ounce patty contains nearly 30 grams of the muscle building nutrient and just six grams of fat. Plus, one serving has 200% of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin B-12. This exotic meat can also help whittle your middle: Ostrich contains 55 milligrams of choline, one of these essential nutrients for fat loss. And it’s not as hard to find as it sounds—ostrich is increasingly available in supermarkets around the country.

Bone Broth

While bone broth might not be for everyone, it’s hard to deny the warm beverage’s numerous health benefits. The broth is made when animal bones (usually beef or chicken) are left to simmer in water for an extended period of time, which breaks down their collagen and other nutrients. Some of that broken down material from the cartilage and tendons is glucosamine (which you may have seen sold as a supplement for arthritis and joint pain). According to a study published in the journal PLOS One, when overweight, middle-aged adults took a glucosamine supplement, they were able to decrease serum CRP (inflammation biomarker) levels by 23 percent more than those who didn’t take a supplement. The stock is also full of anti-inflammatory amino acids (glycine and proline), and the ample levels of gelatin will help rebuild your gut lining to further assist with your anti-inflammatory gut microbes. In other words, drink up!

Pork

A longtime enemy of doctors and dieters, pork has been coming around as a healthier alternative of late—as long as you choose the right cut. Your best bet is pork tenderloin: A University of Wisconsin study found that a three-ounce serving of pork tenderloin has slightly less fat than a skinless chicken breast. It has 24 grams of protein per serving and 83 milligrams of waist-whittling choline (in the latter case, about the same as a medium egg). In a study published in the journal Nutrients, scientists asked 144 overweight people to eat a diet rich in fresh lean pork. After three months, the group saw a significant reduction in waist size, BMI and belly fat, with no reduction in muscle mass! They speculate that the amino acid profile of pork protein may contribute to greater fat burning.

Seafood

Regularly eating seafood as part of a healthy diet can do wonders for your weight loss goals—so long as you choose the right kind. That’s where the waters get murky again. So we had our research team here at Eat This, Not That! dive into the science behind your seafood. Let’s see if we can’t clear things up with this list of the best fish for losing weight.49

Halibut

You already knew fish was rich in protein but you might be surprised to learn that halibut tops fiber-rich oatmeal and vegetables in the satiety department. The Satiety Index of Common Foods ranks it the number two most filling food—bested only by boiled potatoes for its fullness factor. Study authors attribute the filling factor of white fish like halibut to its impressive protein content and influence on serotonin, one of the key hormones responsible for appetite signals.50

Wild Salmon

Don’t let salmon’s relatively high calorie and fat content fool you; studies suggest the oily fish may be one of the best for weight loss. In one study, participants were divided into groups and assigned one of three equi-caloric weight loss diets that included no seafood (the control group), lean white fish, or salmon. Everyone lost weight, but the salmon eaters had the lowest fasting insulin levels and a marked reduction in inflammation. It’s likely due to salmon’s high levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Light Canned Tuna

As a primo source of protein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), canned light tuna is one of the best and most affordable fish for weight loss, especially from your belly! One study in the Journal of Lipid Research showed that omega 3 fatty acid supplementation had the profound ability to turn off abdominal fat genes. And while you’ll find two types of fatty acids in cold water fish and fish oils—DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—researchers say DHA can be 40 to 70 percent more effective than EPA at down-regulating fat genes in the abdomen, preventing belly fat cells from expanding in size. Canned chunk light tuna, harvested from the smallest fish, is considered a “low mercury fish” and can be enjoyed two to three times a week (or up to 12 ounces), according to the FDA’s most recent guidelines.

Pacific Cod

Fish and chips won’t help you lose weight, at least not out of the fryer. But research suggests a regular serving of Pacific cod, the fish that’s typical of fish sticks, may keep you stick thin. One study in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases found that eating five servings of cod per week as part of a low-calorie diet for eight weeks resulted in an extra 3.8 pounds of weight loss compared to a diet with the same amount of calories but no fish. Researchers attribute the satiating and slimming properties to cod’s high protein content and amino acid profile, which can help regulate the metabolism. No wonder Captain Birdseye looks so smug!53

Oysters

Speaking of weight loss oysters have also been shown to contribute to help you shed pounds thanks to their impressive zinc content. One study found that obese people who consumed 30 milligrams of zinc per day—the equivalent of just six raw oysters—had lower BMIs, weighed less, and showed improvements in blood cholesterol levels. What’s more? That same six-oyster helping will give you 28 g of protein and 2,064 mg of omega-3s.

Canned Sardines In Oil

The smaller the fish, the smaller the amount of harmful mercury. These tiny fish typically come from the Pacific. Despite their diminutive size, they pack a nutritional punch. A mere 3 ounces provides 12 percent your recommended daily intake of vitamin D, 835 mg of omega-3s, and 64 percent of selenium, a mineral that plays a key role in metabolism, immunity, and reproductive health. Plus, they’re packed with bone-building calcium. Canned versions are known to be high in sodium, so be sure to consume them in moderation or look for low-sodium canned versions.

Poultry & Eggs

Although there are numerous sources of protein available, ranging from beans and veggies to fish and beef, chicken is by far one of the most popular sources—and it’s easy to see why: it’s affordable, easy to prepare and lower in fat than many other types of meat. But you don’t want to miss out on all the other good-for-you poultry sources!

Turkey

Lean and protein-rich, turkey is no longer an automatic substitute for red meat–this bird deserves props on its own. A quarter-pound turkey burger patty contains 140 calories, 16 grams of protein and eight grams of fat. Additionally, turkey is rich in DHA omega-3 acids—18 mg per serving, the highest on this list—which has been shown to boost brain function, improve your mood and turn off fat genes, preventing fat cells from growing in size. Just make sure you buy white meat only; dark contains too much fat. And know that you’re doing your health a double solid by grilling at home: Restaurant versions can be packed with fatty add-ins to increase flavor. Not your problem, since it’s going straight from the grill to your plate (ideally with the best spices to burn fat and peppers mixed in).

Chicken

A 3 oz. cooked chicken breast contains only 142 calories and 3 grams of fat, but packs a whopping 26 grams of protein — more than half of the day’s recommended allowance. But the go-to protein can be a fail on the taste front. (Our casual poll on the taste of plain breast elicited answers ranging from “air you cut with a knife” to “wet sock.”) The good news: With just a little creativity, you can make it a savory post-gym dinner or an impressive date-night meal.

Eggs

Eggs might just be the easiest, cheapest and most versatile way to up your protein intake. Beyond easily upping your daily protein count, each 85-calorie eggs packs a solid 7 grams of the muscle-builder! Eggs also boost your health: They’re loaded with amino acids, antioxidants and iron. Don’t just reach for the whites, though; the yolks boast a fat-fighting nutrient called choline, so opting for whole eggs can actually help you trim down. When you’re shopping for eggs, pay attention to the labels. You should be buying organic, when possible. These are certified by the USDA and are free from antibiotics, vaccines and hormones. As for color, that’s your call. The difference in color just varies based on the type of chicken—they both have the same nutritional value, says Molly Morgan, RD, CDN a board-certified sports specialist dietician based in upstate New York.

Legumes & Nuts

From time to time it’s beneficial to replace animal proteins with plant-based sources of the nutrient in your diet—doing so can reduce your risk of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. In one Spanish study, participants who ate a calorie-restricted diet that included four weekly servings of legumes lost more weight than those on a calorie-equivalent diet that didn’t include beans—likely due to their belly-filling fiber content. A study published in the journal Obesity backs that assumption: The researchers found that eating 160 grams—or a little more than a half cup—of legumes led people to feel 31 percent fuller. It doesn’t matter what types of beans you eat (so long as they aren’t re-fried), just be sure to work them into your diet to reap the benefits. Mixing some into a smoothie is just one of the ways to lose weight in 4 seconds!

Beans

Beans are good for more than just your heart. They’re loaded with proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can benefit your brain and muscles, too. Not to mention, they digest very slowly, which can help you feel fuller, longer, and fuel weight loss efforts without causing feelings of deprivation. Look for easy-to-use, pre-cooked BPA-free varieties that come in a pouch or a box. Add them to soups and salads or mix them with brown rice and steamed vegetables to create a hearty—yet healthy—dinner. Big into snacking? Mix black beans with some salsa and corn, and serve with some whole grain crackers (just make sure they are one of our go-to low carb snacks.

Soybean Products

Vegetarians rejoice! Soy protein, such as tofu or tempeh, might not be as popular as chicken or fish, but it boasts its own set of impressive nutritional benefits that include protecting lean body mass and reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. In fact, a review published in the journal Nutrients found that soy, in addition to lowering bad cholesterol, can also improve cardiovascular health through mechanisms that have nothing to do with its protein content. Thanks to additional components—namely isoflavones, lecithins, saponins, and fiber—numerous studies have shown that soy can alleviate cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and obesity beyond cholesterol lowering. A 2016 study even found that the vegetarian-safe food can also improve kidney function among older adults.60

Lentils

Here are some pretty amazing proportions: One cup of lentils has the protein of three eggs, with less than one gram of fat! Their high fiber content makes them extremely satiating, and studies have shown that they speed fat loss: Spanish researchers found that people whose diets included four weekly servings of legumes lost more weight and improved their cholesterol more than people who didn’t. Eat them on their own as a side or simmer them into a soup.

Peanut Butter

This creamy spread is downright addictive. While eatin g too much pe anut butter can wreak havoc on your waistline, a standard two-tablespoon serving provides a solid dose of muscle-building protein and healthy fats. According to a 2014 study published in The Ame rican Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming peanuts can prevent both cardiovascular and coronary artery disease—the most common type of heart condition. Look for the unsalted, no sugar added varieties without hydrogenated oils to reap the most benefits. If you’re tired of plain old PB&J sandwiches, try stirring the spread into hot oatmeal, smearing it on fresh produce, or blending it into your post-workout smoothie.

Hummus

Hummus is made from the mighty garbanzo bean, also known as a chickpea. This satiating dip is higher in fiber, healthy fats, and protein than your average ranch dip, making it a healthier alternative for your crudite platter.

GRAINS

A wise man once said: “A good reputation is more valuable than money.” And in the food realm, the grain that carries the most clout is undoubtedly quinoa. Known for its high protein and fiber content, the ancient grain has been said to aid weight loss and improve health—and Americans can’t get enough of the stuff. In fact, we imported 69 millions pounds of quinoa in 2013 alone. But just because quinoa carries a massive health halo doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most nutritious grain in the supermarket. In fact, there are a number of grains that pack as many—or more—total health and weight loss benefits.

Sprouted Whole Grain Bread

Not all breads are carb bombs waiting to shatter your weight loss goals. This nutrient-dense bread is loaded with folate-filled lentils, protein, and good-for-you grains and seeds like barley and millet. To boost the flavor of your slices, make a veggie sandwich overflowing with wholesome nutrients. On two slices of sprouted whole-grain bread combine tahini-free hummus, avocado slices, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, onions, spinach, and tomatoes, one of the healthiest foods on the planet.64

Teff

This nutty-flavored gluten-free grain may be small, but it packs a mighty nutritional punch. It’s loaded with fiber, essential amino acids, calcium and vitamin C — a nutrient not typically found in grains. To reap the benefits, trade your morning oatmeal in for a protein-packed teff porridge. Combine a half cup of teff with one a half cups of water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Let it come to a boil before turning the heat down to low and letting it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and top with apples, cinnamon and a dollop of natural peanut butter.

Triticale

While you may have never heard of this hearty whole grain before, it may become your new favorite. This wheat-rye hybrid packs 12 grams of protein per half cup, and is also rich in brain-boosting iron, bloat-busting potassium, magnesium and heart-healthy fiber. Use triticale berries in place of rice and mix it with soy sauce, fresh ginger, cloves, shiitake mushrooms and edamame to make a healthy, Asian-inspired dish. If you prefer to firing up the oven to using the stove, use triticale flour in place of traditional flour in your baking.

Oats

The wonderfood: People who eat oatmeal for breakfast feel full longer—even four hours after they put spoon to mouth! That’s sure to keep you out of the snack drawer mid-morning, boosting your weight loss efforts. The instant varieties often have added sugars and artificial flavors and making slow-cooking oatmeal on the stove can add stress to your already rushed morning routine. The solution: overnight oats. All you have to do to whip up a bowl is fill a mason jar or Tupperware container with grains, toppings, add-ins and a liquid like milk or water.

Amaranth

Like quinoa, amaranth is not technically a grain, but the seed of an amaranth plant. Naturally gluten-free, amaranth is higher in muscle-building protein than wheat and brown rice—with more than 9 grams per cup—and surprisingly high in other nutrients such as calcium and fiber as well. Amaranth is also an excellent source of manganese, iron, and selenium, which keeps your thyroid in check and preserves elastin in the skin, helping your skin stay supple, smooth and tight. What’s more? Cooked amaranth leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, and folate.

Kamut

Kamut is an ancient grain native to the Middle East that is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, while simultaneously being low in calories. In fact, a half-cup serving of the stuff has 30 percent more protein than regular wheat and just 140 calories. What’s more? A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating kamut reduces cholesterol, blood sugar, and cytokines (which cause inflammation throughout the body). Kamut’s ability to stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation make it a great weight loss staple, especially if it is used in place of nutritionally lacking refined grains.

Dairy

Not around your waist, but on your plate: A new report from the Credit Suisse Research Institute found that more and more of us are choosing whole-fat foods over skim, lite, fat-free or other modern monikers of leanness. And while many health organizations like the American Heart Association still want us to cut down on fat—particularly saturated fat—this full-fat trend may be a healthy rebellion against those decades-old credos, according to recent studies. Take a look at our favorite dairy products.

Gruyere Cheese

Here’s an excuse for a wine-and-cheese hour: The fancy Swiss cheese contains 30% more protein than an egg in one slice, plus one-third of your RDA of vitamin A. If you’re looking to indulge, keep your serving to the size of four dice, and moderate your vino to one glass for women, two glasses for men, to get the bad-cholesterol-lowering benefits of the antioxidant resveratrol. And better yet, stick to the #1 wine for rapid weight loss.

Parmesan Cheese

Most cheeses are naturally very low in sugar due to the fermentation process that produces it, and Parmesan cheese has the added benefit of actually reducing belly-bloating sugar cravings. Parmesan contains the amino acid tyrosine (a building block of protein) which has been shown to encourage the brain to release dopamine and another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, eliminating the desire for sweet stuff. What’s more? Parmesan is also low in carbs but packed with other key nutrients. One ounce of the Italian cheese contains about 31 percent of your daily recommended intake of bone-building calcium and 11 g of satiating protein.

2% Greek Yogurt

Yogurt may be one of your key allies in weight-loss efforts. A study printed in the British Journal of Nutrition found that probiotics like the ones found in creamy, delicious yogurt helped obese women lose nearly twice the weight compared to those who did not consume probiotics. Both sets of subjects were on low-calorie diets, but after 12 weeks, the probiotic poppers lost an average of 9.7 pounds, while those on placebos lost only 5.7. Bonus: the subjects who were given the good bacteria continued to lose weight even after an additional 12 weeks, an average of 11.5 pounds to be accurate! Probiotics can help ramp up your metabolism and improve your immune system, but it pays to be picky about your sources. Yogurt’s a great way to get a.m. protein and probiotics, but to get the healthiest yogurt you’ll have to read labels; most are packed with added sugars that exceed their protein levels.

Kefir

Kefir, fermented milk produced from grains, has been a rising nutritional superstar over the past few years thanks to the myriad of health benefits it offers. Though the smoothie-like dairy drink is similar to yogurt, it’s ideal for those with a dairy-intolerance because it has been found to counteract the effects of the milk’s stomach-irritating lactose.  Furthermore, a review published in Nutrition Research Reviews found that regular consumption of kefir has been associated with improved digestion, antibacterial effect, hypocholesterolaemic effect, control of plasma glucose, anti-hypertensive effect, anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant activity, anti-carcinogenic activity, anti-allergenic activity, and healing effects.

1% Organic, Grass-Fed Milk

Organically raised cows are not subject to the same hormones and antibiotics that conventional cows are; no antibiotics for them means no antibiotics for you. Grass fed cows have been shown to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (good) and two to five times more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than their corn and grain fed counterparts. CLA contains a group of chemicals which provides a wide variety of health benefits, including immune and inflammatory system support, improved bone mass, improved blood sugar regulation, reduced body fat, reduced risk of heart attack, and maintenance of lean body mass. While skim milk may be lowest in calories, many vitamins are fat-soluble, which means you won’t get all the benefits of the alphabetical nutrients listed on your cereal box unless you opt for at least 1%.

Nuts & Seeds

Hang out at a local bar and you’re sure to come across a variety of nuts (the food, not the people hanging out in the corner)—and guys popping them like they’re diet freebies. It’s the perfect example of good food gone bad. Nuts, like avocados, are loaded with heart-healthy fats. But healthy doesn’t always mean lean. A couple of beers and a few handfuls of nuts and you’ve racked up some serious calories—and diet damage. “A one-ounce serving of nuts contains 135 calories, and how many nuts you get in a serving will depend on your nut of choice,” says Tanya Zuckerbrot, RD. “Think about it: Would you rather have 12 cashews or 22 almonds?” Here are our favorite nuts and seeds.

Chia Seeds

One of the hallmarks of a balanced diet is to have a good ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s. A 4:1 ratio would be ideal, but the modern American diet is more like 20:1. That leads to inflammation, which can trigger weight gain. But while eating a serving of salmon every day isn’t exactly convenient, sprinkling chia seeds—among the most highly concentrated sources of omega-3s in the food world—into smoothies, salads, cereals, pancakes or even desserts is as easy a diet upgrade as you can get.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is nutritious at any age, but they may be especially beneficial as you get older seeing as how it has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, thus lessening your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. According to a study in Natural Medicine Journal, participants were split into two groups and both ate a variety of foods, including bagels, muffins, and buns. While one group received added flaxseed totaling 30 g of milled flaxseed each day for one year, the other group was given a placebo. After six months, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower in the flaxseed group, Furthermore, flax group participants who started with elevated blood pressure had more pronounced decreases in blood pressure than those who were not given flaxseed.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds likely aren’t one of those foods you pay any mind to, but the crunchy little buggers have been shown to play a crucial role in weight maintenance and deserve to be tossed into a salad or whole wheat noodle dish. Researchers suspect its the lignans—plant compounds—found in sesame seeds (and flax seeds) that makes them so special. In a 2015 study, women who consumed high levels of lignans tended to weigh less and gain less weight over time when compared to women who didn’t consume these compounds in high amounts. Not a fan of that seedy texture? Try slathering some sesame-based tahini on a piece of bread instead.

Mustard Seed

Researchers at England’s Oxford Polytechnic Institute found that by eating 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard (about 5 calories) can boost the metabolism by up to 25 percent for several hours after eating. Not only that, a study published in the Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that visceral adipose tissue of rats fed a diet of pure lard was lowered when the diet was supplemented with mustard oil. Scientists attribute mustard’s belly-blasting abilities to allyl isothiocyanates, phytochemicals that give the popular condiment its characteristic flavor.

Shelled Pumpkin Seeds

Dr. Lindsey Duncan, a nutritionist who’s worked with Reggie Bush, is a big fan of pumpkin seeds. “A handful of raw pepitas or dry roasted pumpkin seeds can give you a natural jolt to power through a workout,” he says. “They’re a good source of protein, healthy fats and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized longer, and contain manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, which provide additional energy support to maximize gym time.” Throw them into salads and rice dishes, or eat them raw.

Almonds

Think of each almond as a natural weight-loss pill. A study of overweight and obese adults found that, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, consuming a little more than a quarter-cup of the nuts can decrease weight more effectively than a snack comprised of complex carbohydrates and safflower oil—after just two weeks! (And after 24 weeks, those who ate the nuts experienced a 62% greater reduction in weight and BMI!) For optimal results, eat your daily serving before you hit the gym. Almonds, rich in the amino acid L-arginine, can actually help you burn more fat and carbs during workouts, a study printed in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found.

Pistachios

As it turns out, almonds aren’t the only superstar nuts around. Studies have shown pistachios aren’t bad to snack on either. UCLA Center for Human Nutrition researchers divided study participants into two groups, each of which were fed a nearly identical low-cal diet for three months. One group was given 220-calories of pretzels as an afternoon snack, while the other sect munched on 240-calories worth of pistachios. About a month into the study, the pistachio group had reduced their BMI by a point and improved their cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while the pretzel-eaters stayed the same.

Walnuts

You know those heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids you keep hearing so much about? Walnuts have more of those nutritious compounds than any other nut, which is reason alone to toss a handful of ’em onto a salad or eat them as part of a protein-packed snack, and they’re not lacking in other nutrients either. In fact, research has shown they might be especially beneficial to consume as you age. According to the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) study, which is currently being conducted by researchers from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and Loma Linda University, preliminary findings suggest daily walnut consumption positively impacts blood cholesterol levels without adverse effects on body weight among older adults. Researchers instructed 707 healthy older adults to add daily doses of walnuts ( approximately 15 percent of caloric intake) to their typical diet or to consume their usual diet without nuts. After one year, the study found that both diets had minimal effect on body weight, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, however, the walnut-diet resulted in significant LDL cholesterol reductions compared to the control, nut-free diet.

Brazil Nuts

Like many other nuts, Brazil nuts are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and calcium, but they’ve also been shown to be especially beneficial in fighting prostate cancer thanks to their impressive magnesium and selenium content. In fact, a study that appeared in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that the inverse association between baseline plasma selenium levels and risk of advanced prostate cancer suggests that higher levels of selenium may slow prostate cancer tumor progression.

Cashews

Cashews are good source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and copper, and shouldn’t be overlooked as one of your go-to nuts. Magnesium boasts a myriad of health benefits such as helping your body relieve various conditions like constipation, insomnia, headaches and muscle cramps, as well as regulating the immune system and supporting brain function. They also contain a good amount of biotin, which will help keep your locks shiny and lustrous.

Fats

Here’s your new mantra: Eat fat to lose fat.

It’s true: Our bodies need dietary fat—particularly healthy oils—in order to lose weight and function properly. The right kinds of fats and oils help quash hunger, maximize your metabolism, and speed nutrients through your body. But not all oils are created equal: Some are downright bad (like trans fats in margarines), while some fats are simply confusing (what’s a canola look like, anyways? And what’s this about an extra virgin?).

These oils have the highest levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and lauric acid (all good for you), lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fats (not so good for you), and zero trans fats (avoid at all costs).

Coconut Oil

Why It’s Great: Extracted from the meat of fresh coconuts, this tropical oil is a great source of the medium-chain saturated fat, lauric acid, which converts into energy more easily than other types of fat. Picking coconut oil over other less healthy fats, like lard and margarine, means less flubber is apt to be stored on your frame. (Swapping your standard cooking oil for this exotic version is one of our weight loss tricks you haven’t tried

How to Use It: This trendy oil can be used for anything you might use butter for, from frying to baking; use it for cookies, cakes, and pancakes. It’s so healthy, you’ll find it in some of the Zero Belly Diet smoothies. It also tastes great on toast and drizzled over homemade baked sweet potato “fries” with a bit of garlic powder, salt and pepper. Coconut oil breaks down when exposed to super high temperatures, so don’t deep-fry with it.

Peanut Oil

Why It’s Great: Peanut oil is loaded with a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid (OEA) which can help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Plus, research out of the University of California, Irvine, found that this particular type of fat boosts memory. Don’t forget it next time you cook.

How to Use It: Because of its high smoke point, peanut oil should be your go-to oil for frying and many high-heat tasks like wok-cooking and pan-searing.

Avocado Oil

Why It’s Great: Made from pressed avocados, this oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may help improve cholesterol and ward off hunger. It also contains vitamins B and E and bloat-banishing potassium—it’s no surprise that it’s one of the preferred Paleo diet fats.

How to Use It: Like a salad oil. The oil has a mild nutty taste and a light avocado aroma. It works well drizzled over breads, fish, and homemade pizzas. It also pairs nicely with watermelon, grapefruit and oranges. Add some to your fruit salad to create a new twist on a classic dish.

Macadamia Nut Oil

Why It’s Great: You’ll have to hunt around in the specialty stores for it, but this bold and buttery oil may be the healthiest you’ll find: Eighty-four percent of the fat in macadamia nuts is monounsaturated, and it has a very high percentage of omega-3s fatty acids. It’s also a source of phytosterols, a plant-derived compound that has been associated with decreased cancer risk.

How to Use It: Due to its medium to high smoke point, macadamia nut oil is best suited for baking, stir frying and oven cooking. For a quick snack, toss slices of sweet potatoes with the nut oil and bake in the oven on 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until crispy.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Why It’s Great: Extra virgin olive oil may increase blood levels of serotonin, a hormone associated with satiety. Plus, olive oil is also loaded with polyphenols, antioxidants that help battle many diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis and brain deterioration.

How to Use It: Expensive extra-virgin, with its robust flavor, should be saved to dress salads, vegetables and cooked dishes. For cooking purposes, regular or light olive oil is sufficient.

Walnut Oil

Why It’s Great: Recently making a splash on restaurant menus and grocery store shelves, this oil has a rich nutty, roasted flavor. A small Pennsylvania State study found that a diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may help the body respond better to stress and can also help keep diastolic blood pressure levels down. Walnut oil is also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which may increase diet-induced calorie burn and resting metabolic rate (the calories we use to keep our heart pumping and body running). And walnuts have more omega-3 fatty acids than any other nut.

Canola Oil

Why It’s Great: Canola, derived from the seeds of a plant in the broccoli family, comes in toward the top of our list with its near-perfect 2.5:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats. According to a study review published last year in Experimental Biology and Medicine, people who achieve a dietary ratio similar to this have been able to battle cancer, arthritis and asthma more effectively. It’s also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid that may play a role in weight maintenance, according to a recent study.

How to Use It: This is the best option for everyday cooking situations. Canola oil can withstand relatively high levels of heat, and its flavor is fairly neutral, so it won’t dominate a dish.

Flaxseed Oil

Why It’s Great: Also known as linseed oil—yes, the stuff you used in art class—this fat contains ALA, an an essential omega-3 fatty acid that can aid weight maintenance and may reduce heart disease risks by promoting blood vessel health and reducing inflammation. This oil can also be used topically to fight carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a 2014 Iranian clinical trial.

How to Use It: Flaxseed oil doesn’t hold up well when exposed to heat. Drizzle it on top of salads or use it instead of olive oil or mayo when whipping up pestos, tuna salads and sauces. Or pour into a smoothie!

Spices

Wars were fought over them, best-selling pop groups were named after them and new continents were discovered in search of them. But before they were money or symbols of Girl Power, spices were medicines—healers that date back to the world’s first civilizations.

The 21st century brings a new chapter to the spice world story: one of scientific exploration. Today’s researchers are discovering incredible health and nutritional riches in spices. From balancing blood sugar to boosting brain power, and even promoting weight loss, here are five of the healthiest spices on the planet—plus helpful tips for making the best purchase for the ultimate healing spice rack!

Cocoa

How sweet it is! Dozens of studies show that people who consume cocoa–as a hot drink or eaten as dark chocolate–are in much better cardiovascular shape than those who don’t. One nine-year study in the journal Circulation Heart Failure found women who ate one to two servings of high-quality chocolate per week had a 32 percent lower risk of developing heart failure than those who said no to the cocoa. Researchers attribute cocoa’s health benefits to polyphenols and flavanols, anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the heart in a number of ways. The benefits don’t stop at the heart, though. Studies have shown this sweet spice can help control inflammation-related diseases such as diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and degenerative diseases of the brain like Alzheimer’s.

Get the benefits: The most healthful dark chocolate contains 74 percent or more cocoa solids, but if you’re serious about a healthier heart, don’t buy anything under 60 percent cacao. We like Lindt’s 85% Cocoa Excellence bar. The chocolate in this bar isn’t alkalized–a process that strips out the bitterness at the cost of the cocoa’s natural, healthy compounds–and you can enjoy four indulgent squares for just 230 calories and 5 grams of sugar. The rule of thumb for buying cocoa: The more bitter, the better!

Cinnamon

Ironically, (or perhaps nature’s way of cutting us some slack) cinnamon–the warm spice that gives sugary baked goods extra flavor–can help control blood sugar and prevent against diabetes. One study found that adding a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon to a starchy meal is as effective as older generation diabetes drugs at stabilizing blood sugar and warding off insulin spikes. There are other health benefits of cinnamon: studies have shown the spice may improve cholesterol, ward off the effects of Alzheimer’s, and provide treatment for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Get the benefits: Will the real cinnamon spice please stand up? Cassia cinnamon is the variety you’re most likely to find at the grocery store, but it’s ceylon cinnamon, a milder, pricier variety that’s touted by health experts.

Turmeric

Once referred to as “Poor Man’s Saffron” because of its deep yellow hue, turmeric is now touted by health experts as the “Golden Spice of Life.” Traditional to Indian cooking, turmeric owes its health benefits to the active ingredient curcumin, a powerful antioxidant shown to release its anti-inflammatory goodness to almost every cell in the body, boosting the immune system and treating a host of maladies from indigestion to cancer. The most recent research shows turmeric may be an effective treatment for brain disease. One recent study found that people at risk of cognitive impairment who added one gram of turmeric to breakfast showed significantly improved working memory after just six hours. There’s also a growing body of research into the role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Get the benefits: Turmeric is the only edible source of curcumin, so you want to sneak it into your diet as much as possible. While the spice is typical of curries, it’s not to be confused with curry powder—a blend of spices that includes turmeric. Look for turmeric from Alleppey, which has twice the curcumin than turmeric from Madras. The raw spice is rather harsh, so it’s best enjoyed cooked in dishes like a stir-fry or stew. You can also use it a seasoning for meat, poultry, and fish.

Ginger

Used for thousands of years to tame troubled tummies and aid digestion, ginger is mentioned in Chinese medical texts from the fourth century BC! And for the past few decades, scientists have been proving ginger works at quieting that queasy feeling. A significant body of research paints ginger as a powerful muscle relaxant which helps reduce soreness brought on by exercise by as much as 25 percent, as well as banishes bloat. Researchers attribute ginger’s health benefits to gingerols, compounds that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial—and anti-disease. In fact, studies suggest ginger may reduce symptoms of arthritis, improve cholesterol, and prevent cancer.

Get the benefits: Fresh ginger is richest in gingerol—the compound that contributes to many of the spice’s health benefits. When buying the dried spice, researchers say you’ll get the most gingerol from organic varieties. Ginger is just one of amazing IBS remedies !

Garlic

If you were to ask yourself, “Is there anything garlic can’t do?” the short answer to that question would be “No.” A review in Nutrition Journal showed the spice responsible for bad breath can also prevent and treat a myriad of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as thrombosis, hypertension, and diabetes. More specifically, garlic has been shown to help reverse early heart disease by removing plaque buildup in arteries. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Nutrition involved 55 patients, aged 40 to 75 years, who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The results of the study showed that aged garlic extract effectively reduced plaque in coronary arteries (the arteries supplying blood to the heart) for patients with metabolic syndrome.

Cilantro

Though technically not a spice, cilantro is more than just a pretty garnish. The herb, though polarizing in terms of taste, contains a unique blend of oils that work much like over-the-counter meds to relax digestive muscles and alleviate an “overactive” gut. A study published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Science found that patients with IBS benefited from supplementing with cilantro as opposed to placebo because their bellies weren’t as bloated.

Rosemary

Again, though it’s not technically a spice, rosemary deserves recognition beyond being sprinkled over a roast chicken. That’s because this flavorful herb is a powerful anti-inflammatory thanks to its high concentration of antioxidant compounds. Scientists believe the anti-inflammatory activity comes from the presence of carnosic acid and carnosol, two polyphenolic compounds in rosemary which a BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine study discovered could effectively inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV for short, is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples that has a distinct amber hue and a multitude of health benefits. For starters, it has been shown to quiet hunger hormones. According to a Bioscience, Biotechnology, & Biochemistry study, consuming apple cider vinegar each day can lead to weight loss, reduced belly fat, waist circumference, and lower blood triglycerides. More specifically, the study of obese Japanese participants found that those who consumed 1 tablespoon of ACV over a three month period lost 2.6 pounds, and those who consumed 2 tablespoons lost 3.7 pounds in the same time frame.

Chili

The health benefits of the red-hot spice range from reducing blood pressure to clearing up sinus inflammation. But the hottest research revolves around weight loss. Fiery capsaicin, the compound that gives chiles their signature kick, has been shown to increase body heat, boost metabolic rate and decrease appetite. In fact, scientists are currently looking at turning capsaicin into an all-natural anti-obesity supplement for its ability to activate our “good,” calorie-burning brown fat stores. Scientists say capsaicin’s weight loss benefits occur at a molecular level by altering key proteins found in fat.