If you thought good health could only be maintained by ‘Not Eating’ certain foods, you’ve got to think again. God (Mother Nature for atheists) has also made many foods that are yummy and health-promoting. Fe people know this, but there are many wonder Foods available that will guard you against diseases like cancers and even ageing. In this series of articles on wonder foods, we bring you a list of foods that you can safely gorge on, without having to feel any guilt.

• Berries: For a power-packed dose of disease fighting antioxidants, reach out for some colorful berries. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries don’t just taste great or make yummy desserts; they are also good for your body! All these berries get their color from a pigment called ‘anthocyanin’, which is an antioxidant. As we all know, antioxidants fight free radicals (cell damaging molecules), and thereby safeguard against diseases like cancer and heart disease. Cranberries are also known to fight Urinary infections. So grab some berries NOW!

• Nuts: If you children go nuts over nuts, be very happy about it. Nuts contain antioxidants called ‘quercetin’ and ‘campferol’. These antioxidants suppress cancerous cells. Some nuts also contain ‘selenium’ which helps in controlling prostrate cancer.

• Carrots: again, this super food can guard you against a host of cancers including lung, intestine, throat, bladder cancers. What actually guards you against cancer is ‘Beta Carotene’ and our humble carrots have lots of this substance.

• Broccoli, Cabbage & Cauliflower: These veggies are good for everyone, and especially so for women. All three of them contain ‘indole 3 carbinol’, a compound that helps in fighting breast cancer. Broccoli sprouts are considered to be even better as they also fight against other cancers like that of the colon.

• Dairy: If you thought Ma was just being foolish when she told you that milk was the ultimate panacea, think again. Dairy products are obviously your best source for dietary calcium. They also contain protein, vitamins (especially the D variety that helps in Calcium absorption) and minerals. Dairy thus helps in strengthening your bones and preventing Osteoporosis. Recent research also points towards a link between dairy consumption and fat loss. There’s REAL motivation for you to go and drink that glass of milk.

The list is far from being exhausted yet. See, how many good thinks Mother Nature has provided for our beneficial consumption? And here we are, running after empty calories bottled in a can with “Coke” written on it!!!