2012’s Trendiest Health Foods

Pumpkin Seeds
Nuts are sooo 2011! Seeds are catching on big time, and food companies are now adding them to all sorts of products: crackers, tortilla chips, cereals, oatmeal, granola, and even cookies. Pumpkin seeds have it all — heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, and an array of vitamins and minerals. They’re especially rich in iron, which helps blood cells deliver oxygen to all parts of the body, and magnesium, which helps keep your bones and heart strong. Pumpkin seeds are also one of the best food sources of zinc, a mineral that plays a vital role in immunity, wound-healing, and skin health. Whole pumpkin seeds (shell on) are great for snacking, but the shelled kernels (also called pepitas) are more versatile: You can sprinkle pepitas on yogurt, cottage cheese, cereal, or oatmeal, or make your own low-fat granola with pumpkin seeds in the mix.