(This post was originally published on June 30, 2008, and
recently appeared on The New York Times’s list of most-viewed
stories for 2009.) Nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden has
created several lists of healthful foods people should be eating
but aren’t. But some of his favorites, like purslane, guava and
goji berries, aren’t always available at regular grocery stores.
I asked Dr. Bowden, author of “The 150 Healthiest Foods on
Earth,” to update his list with some favorite foods that are
easy to find but don’t always find their way into our shopping
carts. Here’s his advice. - Beets: Think of beets as red
spinach, Dr. Bowden said, because they are a rich source of
folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer
fighters. How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad.
Heating decreases the antioxidant power. - Cabbage: Loaded with
nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-
fighting enzymes. How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy
topping on burgers and sandwiches. - Swiss