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Carrots: We all know that carrots are good for your eyes, but did you know they have anti-cancer properties as well? They have the nicely named carotenoids that are antioxidents -- chemicals that mop up the damage that results from ordinary metabolism. That, in turn, helps to keep your cells from turning rogue and hanging with the cancer gangs. If that's not enough to make you grab a carrot, they turn out to be immune-system stimulators as well, meaning you'll have fewer occasions to ask "What's up, doc?" Yes there's a little sugar in them, but also a lot of fiber to buffer it, so only the most sugar-restricted people should worry. By the way, the vitamin K in carrots is easier to absorb if you eat them with a bit of oil or fat, like a dip.
helps prevent cancer

Celery: Celery isn't just for Bloody Marys, although that's as close as many people get to this healthful veggie. Celery may have been used as a hangover cure in ancient Rome, but its real power lies in its ability to lower blood pressure and to keep your weight under control. If you have either of these problems (and they often travel together) you could do worse than grabbing a stalk of celery to chew on.
helps lower blood pressure

Parsley: This refreshing herb is good for your breath and is apparently refreshing to the rest of your body. Like all green herbs, it is loaded with chlorophyll, which is just good for people. It helps you build tissue and fight inflammation. It has even been shown to help manage blood sugars and helps to keep your weight in check. More studies are needed, but it may even help to fight cancer. All that, and a breath freshener too? Who could ask for more?
helps prevent inflammation

Sage: This delightful herb is a key player in some terrific recipes, but it is also a great purifier, fighting both bacteria and viruses. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and is used by many to ease the symptoms of arthritis. It also helps to lower blood pressure and control blood sugar. Like rosemary, it has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid excessive quantities of sage if you are pregnant.
helps prevent inflammation and soothe arthritis

Recipe

Lemon-Scented Chicken Soup with Parsley-Sage Matzo Balls

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 170

ingredients

1 4.5- to 5 pounds chicken, cut into 8 pieces, rinsed well, excess skin and fat cut away and discarded
Boiling water
1 1/4 gallons cold water
1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
1 pound onions, quartered
1 1 pound sweet potato (red-skinned sweet potato), peeled, cut in half crosswise
3/4 pound carrots, peeled, thickly sliced
1/2 pound parsnips, peeled, thickly sliced
4 large celery stalks, cut into 2 inch pieces
,
10 large fresh dill sprigs
10 large fresh Italian parsley sprigs
,
Parsley-Sage Matzo Balls
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
8 thin lemon slices

directions

Place chicken in large bowl. Add boiling water to cover. Let stand 2 minutes, drain well. Using small knife, scrape skin to remove any surface fat. Rinse with cold water, drain again. Bring 1 1/4 gallons water to boil in heavy large pot. Add chicken. Return to boil, skimming impurities . Cook until broth is clear, skimming as needed and stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add onions, sweet potato, carrots, parsnips, and celery. Partially cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmer until chicken and vegetables are tender, about 1.5 hours. Add dill and parsley to soup, simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Strain into clean pot. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and chill.) Add matzo balls to soup and rewarm over medium heat. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Add 1 lemon slice and matzo balls to each.