The 13 "Superfoods"

Everydayhealth.com has posted a photo essay of 13 powerful "superfoods." These foodS are rich in protein, fiber, disease-fighting nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Nutrition experts recommend consuming a variety of these types of foods.

Avocados
High in fat, but they contain healthful monounsaturated fat, which could reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Apples
An apple -- especially the apple skin -- is loaded with the powerful antioxidants quercetin and catechin, which could reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which may improve vision and brain function. 

Cabbage
Cabbage contains compounds called indoles, which have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer. 

Fish and Fish Oil
Eating fish helps cut the risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, stroke, diabetes and arthritis. 

Garlic
Besides warding off vampires, garlic helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride (blood fat) levels. This helps to prevent clogged arteries. 

Mushrooms
Mushrooms -- especially the maitake, shiitake and reishi 'shrooms -- have powerful effects on the immune system, and could help to prevent and treat cancer, viral diseases, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Almonds
The fiber and monounsaturated fat found in almonds have been shown to lower cholesterol. 

Eggs
Eggs are considered the best source of protein source; even moreso than milk, beef, whey and soy. And, don't avoid the yolks. The yolk contains choline, which helps protect heart and brain function and prevents cholesterol and fat from accumulating in the liver.

Flaxseeds
Loaded with alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation, flaxseed has been used for centuries for medicinal and health reasons. They are also a great source of fiber.

Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain up to triple the level of antioxidants of red wine and green tea. Their juice has been shown to reduce artery-clogging plaque, which prevents heart disease and stroke. Pomegranate juice may also help to slow aging and protect against cancer.

Red Wine
A glass of any kind of alcohol each day actually helps your heart by increasing HDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of blood clots. More than one drink a day, however, has been linked to high blood pressure.

Dark Chocolate
The flavonols and antioxidants found in dark chocolate help to ward off diseases. Look for chocolate with a high percentage of cacao (60 percent or more). Dark chocolate has fewer calories than other varieties. Small doses lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol and prevent plaque from building up in your arteries.