Nutrition Zeroes or Heroes? Four Misunderstood Foods

While superfoods like blueberries, tomatoes and spinach have achieved the nutrition equivalent of celebrity status, other fruits and vegetables generate little excitement – and even confusion.

The researchers and scientists at the Dole Nutrition Institute took another look at several foods commonly regarded as “nutrition zeroes” and found out that some of them are actually “nutrition heroes.” Here is a list of four under-appreciated – and even misunderstood – fruits and veggies that deserve a place on your plate:

* Avocados: Some of the smartest folks I know avoid avocados as “high fat” foods, but the monounsaturated fat in avocados protects your heart by lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol while raising HDL “good” cholesterol. Avocados also contain fiber and the phytonutrient beta-sitosterol, which also help control cholesterol, and lutein, which promotes eye health.

Looking for a food source of vitamin E? Avocados have the highest gram-per-gram content of this powerful antioxidant. Finally, if there was a “superfood for your liver” category, avocados just might...