Top 5 most hated foods...that we really should be eating

We almost expect our children to say things like "Errr, I'm not eating that" or, "Liver? Gross! No way!" However, when adults do it they better have a severe allergy or a convincing health, political, or environmental argument to justify their feelings towards certain foods.

Not liking a food, based on its reputation or presentation makes you seem like an infant living in an adult's body. On a first date, it tells your companion that you're unadventurous, unworldly and unhealthy because your diet rarely differs from day to day mundane food.

It is common to develop these food phobias during childhood, but it's never too late to get over them. In fact, the foods many people detest as children provide essential nutrients for adult bodies. Here are the most common "Yuck" foods that are actually incredibly good for you, not to mention delicious.

1. BRUSSELS SPROUTS
It's easy to hate sprouts without even trying them. Their bitter taste, odd texture, and similar aroma of feet are enough to scare off anyone.

Health benefits
Brussels Sprouts are high in fibre and can be a filling but low-calorie side dish. Rich in vitamin C scientists also believe they may protect against cancer.

Learn to like it
Buying fresh Brussels sprouts that are still on the stalk will taste much better than the frozen variety. Slice each one down the middle and cook them in extra-virgin olive oil with freshly chopped garlic on the stove. To "gourmet-it-up," add walnuts, shallots, grated cheese, and bacon...in moderation.

2. BROCCOLI
Broccoli packs a healthy dose of vitamin K that you typically find in leafy green vegetables. Simple to prepare, it's a filling side-dish or quick raw snack.

Health benefits
Vitamins C, K, and A are all represented in broccoli. As well as being high in fibre, it has multiple anti-cancer nutrients such as diindolylmethane and selenium. In studies, men who eat a lot of broccoli generally reduce their risk of prostate cancer and heart disease.

Learn to like it
There's no need to avoid broccoli on the appetizer tray, just dip it in hummus or add a dab of dressing.

3. BEETROOT
As a child it can be hard to know what to make of these. However, their sweet taste jazzes up a salad. Canned beetroot makes a cheap, quick, healthy snack by themselves.

Health benefits
High in carbohydrates, they're a quick energy source without the crash you get from processed carbs. Beetroot is a good source of magnesium, calcium, iron, and niacin, as well as vitamins A and C. Studies also show they reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Learn to like them.
When you're ready to dive in, make a beet salad. There are a variety of recipes that are tasty and will impress any dinner guest.

4. LIVER
Just the thought of eating an internal organ will make some people gag. However, eating liver dates back centuries. Certain prehistoric tribes regarded it as the delicacy from the hunt. Medieval Europeans turned liver into everything from pastries to sausages. Get in touch with your primal self and eat liver.

Health benefits
Obviously it is a good source of protein, but it is also nature's most concentrated source of vitamin A. Patients with iron-deficiencies eat it due to its highly usable form of iron and all of the B vitamins. Many also claim it fights fatigue.

Learn to like it
Preparing liver doesn't have to be a big event. The next time you crave a barbecued steak, substitute thinly sliced beef liver. Fry it in a pan with onions and your favourite barbecue sauce or right on the grill.

5. SPINACH
Popeye did wonders for spinach. However, as good as spinach is for you, the result isn't quite as instantaneous as when Popeye popped open a can. Now a popular part of many dishes on menus across the country.

Health benefits
Spinach's A and C vitamins, fibre, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients help prevent cancer, especially colon, lung, and breast cancers, and heart disease.

Learn to like it
The great thing about spinach is its versatility. Throw it in omelettes with cheese, turkey, or ham. Pour warm bacon vinaigrette over a bed of spinach and chopped purple onions (Funny how a little bit of bacon seems to help mask all healthy foods). Even toss raw spinach with melted margarine and heat in the microwave for a quick side dish. Want to keep it extra simple? Chop up strawberries and walnuts and sprinkle them over a bed of fresh spinach for a delicious salad.

Have we missed any? Let us know!