Don't judge a food by its color -- that's the advice of some health experts. While it's true that heavily processed foods such as white rice, white bread and white pasta should be replaced by their whole-wheat counterparts, there's a whole world of white foods that are actually good for you. The proof is in what you pick. Garlic, bananas and pears, all white foods in their natural state, are all health-enhancing foods that are sure to benefit you. The white fruits in particular are high in potassium and other vitamins, and garlic has wonderful antioxidant properties. It also can keep cravings for another white seasoning - salt - at bay by making foods more savory and appetizing without adding heart-unhealthy sodium. An unusual but tasty addition to salads or eaten on their own, hearts of palm are super healthful.
They contain zero cholesterol and sugar and are high in fiber, calcium and iron, among other essential nutrients. White tea is a gentler, milder tea than green or black teas - it also has more free-radical-fighting polyphenols, or antioxidants, than green tea. White tea also has a positive effect on immunity. It's the white foods made with flour, salt and sugar that dieters should try to avoid. Just remember that going on any one-size-fits-all diet or one that restricts entire food groups - like white foods - is a recipe for failure. Occasionally allow yourself smaller portions of your favorite foods, no matter what color they are, to keep cravings at bay and your diet on track.