Food provides energy for your body to function.
Eating the right foods also can help ward off illnesses.
The April 2005 issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter lists 10 gotta-have foods for good health.
Whole grains: Choose bread or cereal that has whole wheat, whole-wheat flour or other whole grains as the first ingredients on the label.
Don't be fooled by the words "wheat bread" or "wheat flour."
Eating whole grains may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Fish: Nutritionists recommend that you aim for at least two 3-ounce cooked servings of fish a week.
Walnuts and almonds: Nuts are nutrient dense and naturally cholesterol free.
Studies suggest that they may even help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol -- the "bad" cholesterol -- and reduce your risk of a heart attack.
Plant stanols or sterols: Margarine-like spreads such as Benecol and Take Control contain added plant stanols or sterols -- natural substances from plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.
Soy: Regular soy in your diet may reduce your cholesterol and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fat-free dairy products: Skim milk and fat-free cottage cheese, yogurt and cheese can contribute to preventing high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer and obesity.
Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants that may lower cancer and cardiovascular disease risk.
Broccoli and cauliflower: These and other cruciferous vegetables -- cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale -- have naturally occurring phytochemicals that may help reduce the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
These vegetables contain fiber, have no cholesterol and are naturally low in fat and calories.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain nutrients that include vitamins C and B-complex as well as iron and potassium and the antioxidant lycopene.