Most people eat mindlessly, without a care as to what they are eating and whether it is good for their bodies. The so-called health food fanatics follow fads fanatically, without stopping to think if a particular diet is actually healthy and is providing the essential nutrients that a body requires.

Do you want to improve your diet? Do you want to eat healthy without having to sacrifice your favorite foods? Here is my pick for the ten foods you can include in your diet to get a shot of health. If you can include them in some form in your daily diet, you may never need to worry about eating healthy. Don’t forgo the sinful chocolate pastry. I only ask that you eat the pastry in moderation while including these super foods in your diet.

1. Nuts

Nuts make a wonderful snack. Almonds are a good source of calcium and vitamin E. Pistachios are rich in potassium. Brazil nuts are a complete protein source in themselves. Peanuts are a great energy source and also rich in phytochemicals. An additional benefit is that nuts can be eaten ‘as is’, although they taste as good in desserts and other dishes.

2. Berries

As healthy as they are tasty, berries are the latest foods doing the rounds of the super food circuits. Berries are low in calories, and are also rich in vitamin C and soluble fiber. Their anti-oxidant properties protect you against a variety of infections. They are also known for their age defying properties.

3. Fish

Fish is a fabulous food option. You have a lot of variety in taste and texture, and it is low in saturated fat. It is also low in calories and so is the perfect healthy diet food. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat which can help to reduce total blood cholesterol. Omega-3 in the diet protects the heart and circulation and is also believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

4. Avocados

Avocados are also rich in potassium, Vitamin B-2, B-6, E and K, and folic acid. It is also rich in beta-sitosterol, the substance that is known for its cholesterol lowering effect. So replace the mayonnaise in your sandwich and salad with an avocado dip and give your heart a healthy start.

5. Broccoli

Did you know that Broccoli contains more Vitamin C than most citrus fruits? Or that it contains more calcium than a glassful of milk? In fact, broccoli contains more health benefits than any other vegetable. Broccoli is one of the richest sources of Vitamin A and dietary fiber. Broccoli has very powerful cancer fighting components.

6. Oats

Oats are high in calcium, affording protection to your teeth and bones. Recent research has indicated that oats also play a preventive role in colon cancer.

Dig into the steaming bowl of oats every morning and give your day a healthy start.

7. Red Beans

Red beans, both the small red beans and the kidney beans are rich sources of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin. Red beans are an excellent source of fiber-soluble and insoluble. This fiber helps in lowering the blood cholesterol and also causes a very slow rise in blood sugar.

8. Spinach

Not only did Popeye become strong by eating spinach, he also protected himself from diseases such as osteoporosis, colon cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. A rich source of Vitamin C and A, spinach helps to stabilize the blood sugar in diabetics. It is also loaded with iron, and a diet regularly spiked with spinach will prevent anemia.

9. Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel, responsible for the growth and development of new plants. This super food is a complete protein, and has 23 other nutrients. Wheat germ contains more iron and potassium than any other food. Another important vitamin found in wheat germ is vitamin E, which is a very important antioxidant. It helps in slowing down the body's aging process and also has an important role to play in the strengthening of the immune system.

10. Green Tea

The Chinese have known and used green tea for its medicinal properties since times immemorial. They used it to cure ailments ranging from headache to depression. Today, researchers have proved that green tea may be beneficial in preventing cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, myriad infections and altered immune functions.

So there you are! Ten health foods to include in your daily diet. So don’t let a busy day stand in the way of getting at least of couple of these health foods into your daily diet. Try to stock these ten health foods at all times to maintain a healthy and wholesome diet.