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 in ketchup.
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.
About the author:

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.comto download a free "Recipe Sampler". Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".