Many people spend thousands of dollars each year on fancy health food trends. They go to specialty stores to buy protein bars and nutrition supplements, trying to maintain a healthy diet using these expensive products. While there is nothing wrong with these types of food and supplements, and in fact most of us should be using supplements in some form, often the most important health foods are overlooked. What are these foods$1 Fruits and vegetables, which are found in any grocery store, are some of the most important health foods you can add to your diet! What makes eating fresh fruits and vegetables such a powerful aspect of managing your health$2 Studies have proven that the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins in freshly grown food help reduce heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. People whose diets are full of these foods do not gain weight as easily as others. Also, eating fruits and vegetables will slow down the effects of aging. With those benefits it is often tempting to turn to a completely vegetarian diet. In fact, a moderately vegetarian diet is a very healthy way to live! Most of the dangerous fats and oils that we consume come from animal-based foods. However, those who go on a vegetarian diet need to watch their supplements carefully to ensure they are getting enough nutrients. For example, those on a vegetarian diet can run the risk of having an iron deficiency. Iron can be found in dark green leafy vegetables, or it can be added to the diet with iron-rich supplements. Protein is another nutrient sometimes lacking in a vegetarian diet, but it is easily added by incorporating nuts into the diet. What about organic food$3 Why is this an important term in the current health food industry$4 Organic fruits and vegetables are those foods that are grown without chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or additives. This means that organic food is as natural as can be grown! Many are concerned with the effects of these chemical additives in the human body. Some have been linked to cancer and other dangerous diseases. While the pesticides and additives being used currently are deemed safe, buying organic food is the best way to avoid possible side effects. Another option is to buy food at a local farmers’ market. While some pesticides may have been used in this food, there are far less chemicals used in locally grown food than in food that must endure transport. Whether or not you buy organic food, the research indicates that you need to add fruits and vegetables to your diet, and the fresher they are, the better they are for you. Try to add five servings of fruits or vegetables into your day, and incorporate a wide variety into your diet as well. You will start feeling better, and will enjoy the life long health benefits of these health food options!