Don't forget about mushrooms

When people talk about healthy foods, there are several specific kinds that seem to always be mentioned. Pomegranates, blueberries, broccoli, almonds, olive oil, etc. However, one dietary powerhouse that remains an oft-forgotten member of this healthy food list, probably because ... well, I have no idea, really. You tell me why we always seem to overlook mushrooms.

For starters, a handful of mushrooms contain only 20 calories. And unlike other snacks with such a low caloric content (such as rice cakes, which are a bit higher in calories, actually), mushrooms offer myriad health benefits -- including, but not limited to, improved heart health and immune-boosting properties. With a very high amount of vitamin D, as well as antioxidant capacity that is on par with many other vegetables, mushrooms make for a great healthy snack or topping.

And, lest we forget, mushrooms can also help you lose weight. Well, sort of. Here's how - If you're a hamburger eater, you can save yourself roughly 18,000 calories and close to 3,000 grams of fat per year by substituting a portabella mushroom for your 4oz piece of ground beef. This works about to be about 5.3 pounds per year!!