One of the hot-button issues these days is the American diet and the negative impact the food we eat is having on our health. If you’ve been discouraged by media reports on the topic, you’re not alone. Happily, the news isn’t all bad when it comes to diet and health. Here at YOU Magazine, we have found some every day foods that are not only good for you but taste delicious, too!

Medical research has shown that certain foods are high in compounds which have various therapeutic effects on the body. These foods are called "nutraceuticals" or "superfoods", and you may be surprised by what they can do.

Soy
The Asian diet has long consisted of significant amounts of soy and for very good reasons. Whether it's consumed via tofu, miso paste, or as bean pods (also known as edamame), soy is a quality source of protein that's also low in saturated fat.

Regular consumption of soy protein has been found to have a profound impact when it comes to preventing prostate maladies. Soy has also been called, "nature's hormone replacement therapy" because of its ability to lessen many of the effects of menopause. In addition, soy contains large amounts of isoflavones, enabling it to help prevent bone loss which naturally occurs with age.

Berries
Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals known as antioxidants. Berries, in general, are chock full of them. Antioxidants are known to help prevent everything from heart disease to cancer to loss of vision.

Yogurt
Yogurt contains acidophilus as well as other live bacterial cultures. These probiotics naturally replace bacterial flora depleted from the body. The consumption of yogurt promotes gastrointestinal health and helps prevent infectious diseases.

Fish
The oil present in fish contains compounds known as omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that, as a society, we have reduced our consumption of omega-3s over time. This reduction directly correlates with an increase in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to not only lower cholesterol and promote heart health but also to reduce the risk of certain cancers and various autoimmune diseases.

So, the next time you're thinking about having a fast food burger for dinner, opt for a grilled piece of fish instead. For breakfast or a mid-morning snack, how about a cup of yogurt piled high with fresh berries? By adding these tasty superfoods to your diet, you'll feel satisfied and healthy at the same time.