Healthy Eating:  It's a Frugal Thing To Do!
by Cyndi Roberts 

Staying healthy is a frugal thing to do!  Fewer medicines to buy, whether prescription or over the counter, and fewer visits to the doctor can only be a good thing!

Making wise food choices is a vital step toward keeping healthy and boosting your body's immune system.  Some foods are loaded with nutrients that can actually help prevent disease.

Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant (disease fighter). Yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes pack lots of beta carotene.

Tomatoes have high levels of lycopene and vitamin C. Research shows many benefits of lycopene. Tomatoes with the reddest color have the highest amounts of lycopene. Have your tomatoes in soups, salads or even inketchup. Unlike some vegetables, tomatoes don't lose their nutritional value during cooking.

Broccoli is full of fiber and also contains beta carotene. And it has more vitamin C than oranges, plus it's loaded with vitamin E to strenghten body cells that fight infection.

Tiny blueberries pack high levels of antioxidants and also may help prevent urinary tract infections.  Also, blueberries may reduce the buildup of "bad" cholesterol.  A cup of blue berries contains 3 grams of fiber.

Green leafy veggies, like spinach, contain vitamin B and iron. The darker the green, the more nutritious.  Green leafy veggies also provide fiber, which is important in helping reduce cholesterol and controlling blood sugar levels. Remember not to overcook, or nutrients will be lost.

Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and helps the body to absorb iron.  For lots of vitamin C, choose fruits such as strawberries, oranges, grapefruit and kiwi.

Overall, vegetables and fruits contribute a high amount of nutrients for the calories they contain.  And they pack a high nutritional punch for a relatively low price.  Buy fruits and veggies in season for the best value. 

Stock your fridge with these frugal, healthy foods and strengthen your body's immune system. 

The ideas and tips in this article are not intended to be used as medical advice.

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter, featuring creative ideas and tips to help you "live the good life...on a budget!" Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to download a free "Recipe Sampler". Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".