Introduction
Everyone knows their ABCs, right? Well, I'm calling this list the ABCs of Foods. Letter by letter, we'll be going down the alphabet, listing 3 healthy foods for each letter, and a brief description of why they're good for you. You can also check out a similar post of mine called The ABCs of Nutrients, where I discussed a different nutrient per letter of the alphabet. This may be an odd way to get your kids to learn the alphabet...
Alphabet
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
This post may contain affiliate links
Everyone knows their ABCs, right? Well, I'm calling this list the ABCs of Foods. Letter by letter, we'll be going down the alphabet, listing 3 healthy foods for each letter, and a brief description of why they're good for you. You can also check out a similar post of mine called The ABCs of Nutrients, where I discussed a different nutrient per letter of the alphabet. This may be an odd way to get your kids to learn the alphabet...
Alphabet
A
- Almonds
- High in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E
- Good source of protein and fiber
- May help reduce cholesterol levels
- Asparagus
- Rich in folate, supporting cell function
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Helps promote healthy digestion
- Avocado
- High in monounsaturated fats and fiber
- Supports skin health with its vitamin E content
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
B
- Beans
- Beets
- Improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure
- Rich in antioxidants that protect cells
- Stimulates production of Nitric Oxide
- Blueberries
- Packed with antioxidants that protect against aging
- Supports brain health and cognitive function
- Helps improve heart health
C
- Carrots
- Rich in beta-carotene, supporting eye health
- Boosts the immune system with its vitamin C content
- Improves skin health and reduces wrinkles
- Chicken
- Chia seeds
- High in ALA omega 3 fatty acids
- Rich in fiber, aiding digestion
- Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
D
- Dark chocolate (100%)
- Dates
- Rich in fiber, aiding digestion
- Good source of antioxidants
- Natural sweetener
- Dragon fruit
- High in vitamin C, boosting the immune system
- Rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion
- Supports skin health with its antioxidants
E
- Edamame
- Rich in plant-based complete protein
- Good source of fiber
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Eggplant
- Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage
- Supports heart health by lowering blood pressure
- Helps improve brain function
- Eggs
- High in protein and essential amino acids
- Rich in vitamins like vitamin B12, D, and choline
- Supports eye health with lutein and zeaxanthin
F
- Fennel
- Rich in fiber, aiding digestion
- Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals
- May reduce inflammation in the body
- Figs
- High in fiber, supporting digestive health
- Rich in antioxidants that protect against aging
- Natural sweetener
- Flaxseed
- Rich in ALA omega 3 fatty acids, promoting heart health
- High in fiber, aiding digestion
- Supports hormonal balance
G
- Garlic
- Boosts immune system and fights infections
- May help lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer
- Ginger
- Helps reduce nausea and motion sickness
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports digestion and can relieve indigestion
- Ground beef
- Rich in protein and essential amino acids
- Good source of iron, supporting healthy blood circulation
- Provides B vitamins, particularly B12, for energy and brain function
H
- Hazelnuts
- Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants
- Supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels
- Helps improve brain function and memory
- Hemp seeds
- High in plant-based protein
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber
- Supports heart health and reduces inflammation
- Honey
- Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Can soothe sore throats and promote healing
- Natural sweetener
I
- Iceberg lettuce
- Low in calories, but less nutritious than romaine lettuce
- Provides hydration due to its high water content
- Contains small amounts of vitamin K and folate
- Iced tea (unsweetened)
- Rich in antioxidants that may support heart health
- Helps keep you hydrated without added sugars
- Can aid in digestion and provide a mild energy boost
- Inca berries
- High in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immunity
- Rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion
- May help regulate blood sugar levels
J
- Jackfruit
- Rich in fiber, supporting digestion and gut health
- High in vitamin C, boosting immunity
- Contains antioxidants that promote healthy skin
- Jicama
- Low in calories and high in fiber
- Contains vitamin C, supporting immune function
- Helps improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels
- Juniper berries
- Have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- May support kidney function and urinary health
- Used traditionally to improve digestive health
K
- Kale
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune health
- High in antioxidants that help fight inflammation
- Helps detoxify the body and supports liver function
- Kimchi
- Rich in probiotics that support gut health and digestion
- Contains antioxidants, promoting a strong immune system
- May help lower cholesterol levels
- Kiwi
- High in vitamin C, supporting a healthy immune system
- Rich in fiber, promoting digestion and gut health
- Contains antioxidants that may help improve skin health
L
- Leeks
- High in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C
- Supports heart health by lowering blood pressure
- Rich in fiber, supporting digestion and gut health
- Lemons
- Rich in vitamin C, boosting immunity and skin health
- Can help detoxify the body and improve digestion
- Supports heart health by improving cholesterol levels
- Lentils
- High in plant-based protein and fiber
- Very cheap and quick to cook
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health
M
- Macadamia nuts
- Highest in monounsaturated fats of any nuts
- High in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress
- May help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation
- Mackerel
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health
- Good source of vitamin D, promoting bone health
- May help reduce inflammation and improve joint health
- Mushrooms
- Low in calories and rich in fiber, supporting digestion
- Contain antioxidants that may support immune function
- May have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart health
N
- Nectarines
- Rich in vitamin C and fiber
- Easy and cheap snack
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases
- Nori
- Rich in iodine, supporting thyroid function
- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage
- High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health
- Nutmeg
- Contains antioxidants that may help protect against oxidative stress
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce pain
- Supports digestive health by easing indigestion
O
- Oats
- Rich in soluble fiber, supporting heart health and lowering cholesterol
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes satiety
- Contains antioxidants that may support immune function
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Rich in monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Supports healthy skin and may protect against aging
- Onions
- Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Supports immune function and may help prevent infections
- Contains compounds that may improve heart health and lower blood pressure
P
- Peanuts
- Highest nut in protein, supporting muscle health and repair
- Cheapest of all the nuts
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases
- Pistachios
- Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Supports heart health, brain function, and proper digestion
- Pumpkin seeds
- High in fiber, magnesium, and iron
- Rich in antioxidants that help protect against free radicals
- Supports bone health, muscle function, digestion, and red blood cell production
Q
- Quandong
- High in vitamin C, boosting immunity and skin health
- Rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage
- Supports digestive health with its high fiber content
- Quail eggs
- Rich in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and iron
- Helps improve metabolism with healthy fats and amino acids
- Quinoa
R
- Raspberries
- Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health
- High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases
- Red bell peppers
- High in vitamin C, boosting immunity and skin health
- Rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Support eye health with beta-carotene and vitamin A
- Romaine lettuce
- More nutritious than iceberg lettuce
- Rich in vitamins A, K, and C, promoting overall health
- High in fiber, supporting healthy digestion
S
- Salmon
- High in omega 3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health
- Rich in protein and vitamin D
- Contains astaxanthin, which improves eye and cardiovascular health and acts as an antioxidant
- Sauerkraut
- Spinach
- Rich in iron, supporting healthy blood and energy levels
- High in vitamins A, C, and K, promoting healthy skin and immunity
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
T
- Tomatoes
- Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health
- High in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and skin health
- Supports eye health with beta-carotene and vitamin A
- Tuna
- Rich in protein, promoting muscle growth and repair
- Canned tuna is one of the cheapest protein sources
- Contains selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage
- Turmeric
- Contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports joint health and may reduce symptoms of arthritis
- Rich in antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress
U
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Low in calories, and rich in vitamin C
- Easy way to add some mild sweetness without added sugar
- Great alternative to butter or oil in baking
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) that support heart health
- High in fiber, and midly sweet
- May help regulate blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index
V
- Vanilla
- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage
- Supports brain health with its calming effects
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce pain
- Vinegar
- Helps improve digestion by balancing stomach acid levels
- May support blood sugar control after meals
- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage
- Vitamins
- Essential for various bodily functions, including immune health
- Promote healthy skin, bones, and eyes
- Boost energy levels by supporting metabolic processes
W
- Walnuts
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, promoting heart health
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fight cancer
- Supports brain health and cognitive function
- Water
- Hydrates the body and supports overall health
- Promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
- Regulates body temperature and electrolyte balance
- Watermelon
- High in water content, helping to hydrate the body
- Contains antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health
- Rich in vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin and immune function
X
- Xigua
- Hydrates the body with its high water content
- Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health
- Contains antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress
- Ximenia
- Rich in antioxidants, supporting skin health and reducing inflammation
- Contains healthy fats, promoting heart health
- Supports digestive health with its high fiber content
- Xylocarp
- Contains fiber, supporting healthy digestion
- Rich in healthy fats that support heart health
- May have antimicrobial properties
Y
- Yams (or sweet potatoes)
- Yellow squash
- Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health
- Low in calories, and high in water
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation
- Yogurt (plain, Greek)
- Contains probiotics that promote gut health
- Rich in calcium and vitamin B12
- 17 g of protein per 100 calories (3/4 cup, 170 g)
Z
- Zaatar
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
- Rich in fiber, supporting digestive health
- Boosts immune function due to its high vitamin C content
- Zest
- Rich in vitamin C, supporting skin health and immunity
- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage
- May support digestion by stimulating digestive juices
- Zucchini
- Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health
- Low in calories, and high in water
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation