A fat fighter and immunity booster? Yep! Turns out mushrooms can increase the production and activity of white blood cells. The daily recommended amount is 1/4 to 1 ounce, which makes it easy to add the veggie to pasta sauce and eggs.
More: Sesame Soba Noodles With Steak and Mushrooms
Asparagus
Remember when we said foods could play a role in maintaining good digestion? We were talking about asparagus. This versatile veggie supplies inulin, a special fiber that helps the "good" bacteria in your digestive tract. (Fiber, by the way, has been associated with lower stroke risk.)
We recommend roasting or grilling the asparagus to develop its hidden sweet-and-nutty side for a silky, cream-free soup. Though if you prefer another cooking method, that's OK.
RELATED: 5 Ways to Make Vegetables Less Boring
Bananas
Forget fat! A medium banana provides a mild blood sugar boost and has 30 percent of the day's vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin. The more serontonin you have, the less likely you are to fall to stress and anxiety. Plus, there's it's initial claim to fruit fame: muscle-toning potassium.
Onions
In some cultures, onions are considered cure-alls, having been prescribed for everything from diabetes to improving athletic performance. Research even shows their thiosulfinates (sulfur compounds responsible for their smell) protect against cardiovascular disease.
More: Healthy Potatoes and Onions
In which case, we have but three words: French Onion Soup. Tip: slow-roasting onions brings out the sweetness and cuts the sharp flavor.
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