Seven DiseaseFighting Foods

A small red berry from China, Tibet and Mongolia. Full of B-complex vitamins, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. They also contain antioxidant carotenoids, which are beneficial to the eyes.

Not to be confused with the mango; its actually similar to the tangerine. An Asian fruit, it has a sweet tart flavor and contains antioxidant substances known as xanthones. Its not as widely available as some other antixdant-rich foods, so check a good health-food store or online.

Another food high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. It grows here in the US and is often used in landscaping. Its a close cousin of the blueberry and is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It is very popular in Eastern Europe and is said to be good for heart problems.

A brown algae and member of the kelp family. Its an edible seaweed from off the coast of Korea and Japan. Purportedly Japanese women who consume sea vegetables have one of the lowest incidences of breast cancer in the world.

Round with an almost neon pink coloring inside. Unlike regular radishes they have a sweet flavor. When sliced they resemble a watermelon without the seeds. Chop the hard skin off, eat them raw and revel in their yumminess. Since theyre mostly water, theyre also a good diet food just like their plain Jane counterpart.

Did you pronounce that kwi-noah? Well, thats how I thought it was pronounced the first time I read the name. Its actually "keen-wah." Technically a seed, it is used as a grain. Mix it with vegetables, eat as a cereal or any way you like it. It has all the essential amino acids in addition to many other nutrients and has selenium, a free-radical-fighting mineral.

Author Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis is on the Parent Advisory Board of the Partnership at Drugfree.org.