The Big Secret Behind the 10 Healthiest and Cheapest Foods

According to WebMD's "10 Healthy Foods Under $1," the following choices are your best bets:

1. Apples

2. Bananas

3. Bagged Baby Carrots

4. Canned Beans

5. Canned Tomatoes

6. Oranges

7. Pears

8. Dried Lentils

9. Pearl Barley (dry)

10. Yogurt

The article states, "many foods that are good for you are also cheap." What they neglect to mention is that, with the exception of number 10, which could either be cow's milk or soy milk-based or both, all of these foods just happen to be vegan.

All of the most nutrient-dense, healthful, and cheap foods are plant-based, whole foods. None contain animal products. The list represents foods full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and yes, calcium and protein.

Contrary to the popular myth, vegan foods are not more expensive and they aren't lacking in protein. Your wallet can never go wrong when you choose whole, plant-based foods.

For more information on the health and financial benefits of a whole foods, vegan diet:

Mutual Menu post, "Everyone Is A Little Vegan"

Vegetarian Food for Thought podcast episodes on:

Beans

The High Costs of Cheap Meat

Eat Your Vegetables

Skipping the Middle Man

Where Do I Get My Calcium If I Don't Drink Cow's Milk?

The Protein Myth and Vegetarianism

The Urban Vegan's "25 Money-Saving Kitchen Tips for Frugal Vegans"

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's resource on the New Four Food Groups: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.