We all know how important it is to eat a healthy and balanced diet, but did you know that the five foods below are some of the healthiest on the planet? Make sure to add them to your daily diet to keep you active and healthy  for decades to come!



#1 Dark Chocolate

Did you realize that a mere 1/4 ounce of dark chocolate per day can drop blood pressure in those with hypertension? Also, note that cocoa powder is full of flavonoids, which are antioxidants proven to reduce bad LDL cholesterol and boost good HDL levels.

Note that a dark chocolate bar has 53 mg of flavonoids, but a milk chocolate one has only 14. So be sure to grab a dark chocolate bar daily.

#2 Broccoli

A single, medium stalk of broccoli has more than 100% of your daily Vitamin K requirement. It also has 200% of your daily required dose of Vitamin C. Both of these are essential to building and maintaining strong bones.

A daily serving of broccoli also can help to ward off many types of cancer.

Tip - Microwaving keeps about 90% of the Vitamin C in broccoli, while steaming keeps only 66%.

#3 Salmon

Salmon is an outstanding source of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are linked to a reduction in heart disease, cancer and depression. A three ounce serving of this fish contains 50% of your daily requirement of niacin. This may protect you against both Alzheimer's disease and loss of memory.

Wild salmon contains far less toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) than farm raised.

#4 Lemons

One lemon has more than 100% of your daily need of Vitamin C. This may help to boost your good HDL cholesterol levels, and also increase bone strength. Citrus flavonoids can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

We recommend that you add a lemon slice to a hot cup of green tea. The lemon will boost the ability of your body to absorb the tea's antioxidants.