Via New York Times, Dr. Bowden, author of “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth,” brings us his list of some of his favorite foods that are easy to find but don’t always find their way into our shopping carts.

And they are…

1. Beets: Think of beets as red spinach, Dr. Bowden said, because they are a rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.

2. Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.

3. Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.

4. Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.

5. Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.

6. Dried plums: Okay, so they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.

7. Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.

8. Sardines: Dr. Bowden calls them “health food in a can.” They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.

9. Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,” it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

10. Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.

11. Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.

Nice list!