A Top 5 : Produce You Need to Eat

The Tomato

Commonly (but mistakenly) referred to as a vegetable, the tomato's name comes from a South American word meaning "the swelling fruit," but whatever its classification, the tomato tops our list. Beefsteak, plum, cherry or grape, in salads, sauces, sandwiches or on a pizza, tomatoes are widely believed to benefit the heart and contain heavy doses of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

The Banana

A "nutrient powerhouse," the banana contains so much potassium that it's actually slightly radioactive. Also an excellent source of vitamin B6, a banana has twice the carbohydrates and five times the vitamin A and iron as an apple, making it the fruit that gym-goers often grab when on the go.

The Strawberry

As versatile as they are perishable (get them fresh and eat them fast), strawberries contain a range of nutrients. Loaded with vitamin C, these delectable, misnamed fruits also have plenty of phytonutrients and antioxidants to do battle with the free radicals, which are the aptly named elements that damage our cells.

The Artichoke

One of the oldest known cultivated vegetables, the artichoke is an excellent source of dietary fiber and magnesium. It's not their fault that they taste so good when served with a side of melted butter.

The Kiwifruit

With a better name and more vitamin C than an orange, the kiwi could seemingly rest on its laurels, but this fuzzy little guy is an overachiever. High in fiber, and with as much potassium as a banana, the kiwi is all soft texture and sweet flavor.