Super Foods that provide ways to relieve symptoms of common medical conditions.
Adding these foods to your diet not only gives you more variety in planning meals, but also broadens the range of nutrients you are consuming.

Arthritis
Pacific Oysters contain high levels of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids as well as the mineral selenium, which has antioxidant properties that may help prevent the cartilage damage that can lead to osteoarthritis.

Pumpkin is a rich source of beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, antioxidants that help reduce the risk for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Onions contain high levels of quercetin, an antioxidant that has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Fortified Skim Milk has significant amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps preserve cartilage and may reduce the risk of developing arthritis.

Eye Disease
Bell Peppers (any color) are rich in lutein as well as vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration by protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals (harmful molecules that can cause oxidative damage to the body's cells). Other good sources of lutein and vitamin C are summer squash, turnip and mustard greens, kale, and brussels sprouts.

Sunflower seeds are proven sources of the B vitamin niacin. This nutrient may help prevent cataracts by promoting blood vessel health, which improves circulation to the eyes. Sunflower seeds also contain the mineral zinc, which is critical for retina health.

Asparagus contains lutein as well as the antioxidant vitamin E, which protects against free radicals that can damage the eyes.

Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk for macular degeneration by curbing free radical damage. Other good sources are carrots, cantaloupe, and apricots.

Heart Disease
Rainbow trout (wild or farmed) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be substituted for wild salmon. Other good sources of omega-3s include anchovies, sardines, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts, and ground flaxseed

Psyllium seeds (ground) provide the high levels of soluble fiber needed to reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Garbanzo beans are rich in soluble fiber as well as magnesium. Together, these nutrients can lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

Turnip and mustard greens have high levels of the B vitamin folic acid, which reduces levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart disease. Other good sources of folic acid include beets and broccoli.

Memory Loss
Apples with skin are similar to blueberries and blackberries (fresh or unsweetened frozen) -- they contain anthocyanins and quercetin, which are believed to slow the progression of age-related memory loss by promoting blood flow through vessels to the brain. Other good sources of anthocyanins and quercetin include red and black grapes, red cabbage, and red onions.

Coffee temporarily improves memory skills and reaction time, but only when it contains caffeine, which stimulates nerve cells in the brain's prefrontal cortex region.

Herring and other omega-3-rich foods slow age-related memory decline because these fatty acids promote blood flow to the brain. Another good source of omega-3s is omega-3-fortified eggs.

Lentils contain folic acid, which is believed to help memory by keeping blood vessels healthy and lowering homocysteine.

14 "Super Foods" that Provide Maximum Nutritional Value.
Researchers have targeted a handful of specific foods containing phytonutrients (disease-fighting plant-based chemicals), vitamins, minerals, and healthful fatty acids.  These nutrients act as powerful antioxidants -- to fight heart disease, cancer, and even the aging process ... anti-inflammatories -- to reduce inflammation that can lead to heart disease, eye disease and cancer ... and immune system boosters -- to help ward off infection.  The foods below should be eaten along with their "healthful cousins" as part of a balanced diet.

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other fruit.  Besides plentiful quantities of vitamins C and E, blueberries contain such phytonutrients as anthocyanins (which give the fruit its distinctive color) and ellagic acid.  These phytonutrients work synergistically to maximize the benefits of each.

Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which control inflammation and keep cell membranes healthy.  It's also rich in vitamin D, selenium and protein.

Spinach is rich in the antioxidants lutein and beta-carotene, and the minerals calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium, plus Omega-3 fatty acids.  It's also a good source of betaine, a fat-derived compound that fights elevated levels of homocysteine -- a cardiovascular risk factor.

Oats are the nutritional powerhouse of whole grains.  They are a rich source of fiber -- including beta-glucans, which help protect against heart disease -- and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

Pumpkin is rich in healthful carotenoids.  It is also the best source of the combination of alpha-carotene (twice as much as carrots) and beta-carotene -- which work optimally together as a team.

Tomatoes are a cornucopia of carotenoids -- alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, lutein, phytoene, phytofluene, and especially lycopene.  Although uncooked tomatoes have higher levels of other carotenoids, the lycopene in cooked tomatoes is most readily absorbed by the body.

Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, potassium, protein, fiber, and cholesterol-fighting compounds known as plant sterols.

Rounding out the list are Oranges, Soy, Tea (black or green), Broccoli (raw or steamed), Yogurt (with live cultures), Skinless Turkey, and Beans (pinto, navy, lima, or chick-peas).