Smart Shopping for Women

Imagine that the next time you go to the grocery store, you get a magical cart. The cart leads you up and down the aisles, selecting foods that are good for you. The cart rejects the double-fudge cookies and replaces them with oranges.

But supermarkets don't have magical carts, so to come away with healthy foods, you should keep in mind the ones that women need most. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, many women don't get enough calcium, fiber and iron. This lack of nutrients has been linked to heart disease, cancer and brittle bones.

To help fill gaps that may be lurking in your diet, load up on the following foods, which can help you meet your dietary needs.

• Nonfat yogurt or skim milk. You get at least one third of the recommended daily amount of calcium in just one cup of either. Calcium builds and maintains healthy bones.

• Oranges. In addition to containing disease-fighting vitamin C, oranges have folic acid, a vitamin that may help prevent birth defects and heart disease.

• Salmon. This fish is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These acids may lower your risk of heart disease.

• Brown rice. This grain has fiber, vitamin E, folic acid and iron.

• Beans. Beans are excellent, low-fat sources of fiber and protein. Soybeans may also help reduce your risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

• Dark green, red, yellow and orange vegetables. This group includes carrots, spinach, peppers and sweet potatoes and may help fight cancer and heart disease.

• Oatmeal. You can't beat this old favorite as a source of iron and fiber.