Never too late to eat healthier snacks

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WASHINGTON, April 24 (UPI) -- Whether a person is in his or her 20s, 40s, 80s or beyond, research shows those with healthy eating habits are less likely to fall ill, U.S. health experts say.

To push the idea that healthy foods can also serve as nutritious snacks, the International Food Information Council Foundation has produced the fifth video in its "Foods for Health" series featuring "Guy-a-titian" David Grotto.

The video explains people can improve their health by including more functional foods -- ones that can provide benefits beyond basic nutrition -- in their diet.

Some of these foods are:

-- String cheese, which adds bone-strengthening calcium.

-- Nutrition bars with added soy protein, or add a packet of soy or whey protein to your favorite smoothie, to help build muscles.

-- Spinach salad with slices of oranges, which provide lutein and zeaxanthin that are good for the eyes. Fruits and vegetables that are yellow and dark green contain lutein.

-- Popcorn is a great source of whole grains, which is good for the heart and colon. Try spicing up your popcorn with garlic powder and cinnamon, or rosemary and Parmesan cheese.

-- Salmon or tuna, which are good for the mind, make a good snack or meal.

The video is can be seen on the IFIC Foundation FoodInsightTV channel or at: the Web site www.foodinsight.org.