Superfood

Health Benefits of Specific Superfood

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If you were offered a drug which could reduce the risk of cancer and had no side effects, you would jump at the chance right? Now if this drug was found to also reduce the risk of heart attacks and also improve your mood and fight depression, there would probably be a rush on the pharmacy. But a lot of food is known to do these amazing things and these foods are available in your local market and supermarket and usually at a price far below those of drugs or alternative remedies.

You don't need to follow freaky diets or limit your menu to a few specific foods. A healthy diet incorporating a variety of the following foods will help keep your weight down, fight age-related disease, and age well. All these foods have one thing in common – they are all whole unprocessed foods.

Easily Available Foods

These superfoods are all easily available and can be found in local stores, markets and in supermarkets and hypermarkets. You should make full use of these common foods which offer such remarkable benefits to your health, by including them regularly in your diet.

Almonds

Almonds are a superfood by excellence. They are a good source of protein and fibre, and contain monounsaturated fats which protect against heart disease and help keep our arteries supple, They also contain vitamin E and BS, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and small amounts of follc acid..

Beans

Fiber rich beans are full of nutients like Vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium and zinc. These superfoods are believed to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, protect agains many cancers, regulate the colon and prevent constipation, piles and other bowel problems. The isoflavones in beans are also thought to prevent heart disease, help strengthen bones and promote a health prostate.

Blueberries

Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants; packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top superfood choice of doctors and nutritionists.

Brocoli

Broccoli contain antioxidants including vitamin C and is a good source of folate (naturally occuring folic acid), believed to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease. It also contains an antioxidant called lutein that can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a phytochemical called sulphoraphane with specific anti-cancer properties.

Oats

Oat has many benefits, The insoluble fiber it contains lowers bad cholesterol and helps the body deal with bile acids which helps lower the risk of cancer. It helps weight loss because it makes the body feel full, is low in fat and calories and high in energy-giving carbs. The vitamin E in this superfood is important for the brain and nervous system, keeping mental faculties alert and active.

Oranges

Oranges have many health benefits. Among these, the flavonoids and pectin they contain help lower cholesterol and their pectin slows the absorption of fats. Oranges merit to be categorized as a superfood because they are high in antioxidants that reduce inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and other types of this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, a diet high in foods rich in antioxidant vitamin C such as oranges and other citrus fruits may reduce your risk of some cancers, such as cancer of the respiratory tract. Flavonoids in oranges are also known to help prevent gastric and liver cancer.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a superfood, low in fat and calories and rich in fiber and disease-fighting nutrients such as Alpha-carotene,Beta-carotene which produce vitamin A in the body, Vitamins C and E, Potassium, Magnesium and Pantothenic acid. Alpha-carotin may slow the aging process and prevent the formation of cateracts and tumors. Beta-carotene is believed to reverse sun damage to skin as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. Pumpkin is also thought to boost immunity and help prevent heart disease.

Quinoa or chenopodium quinoa, is native to Peru. It is related to the same family of vegetables as beets, chard and spinach. It was considered a sacred crop by the Incas and, more recently, classified as a "super crop" by the United Nations because of its high protein content. It is a complete protein, which means it contains all of the nine essential amino acids. It also contains the amino acid, lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Qunioa is a good source of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous.

For more information about Quinoa Click Here.

Salmon

Salmon contains Omega 3s that help protect against heart disease and arthritis, and may help depression, memory loss and Alzheimer's, Omega-3s are most prevalent in fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel, all high in monounsaturated fats, which can lower cholesterol.

Soy

Soybeans are easily digestible and contain carbohydrates, fat, protein, and fiber, vitamins A, B and C, calcium, folic acid, phosphorus potassium and iron. The protein in soybean has all the essential amino acids necessary for human health. Eat tofu and soy milk or, or edamame, but not soy powder or sause. This superfood is known to be good for diabetics, and to protect against hardening of the arteries and relieve menopause symptoms.

Tea

Both black and green teas are superfoods whichhave remarkable antioxidant properties, but the polyphenols in green tea have antioxidant properties 100 times more effective than Vitamin C. Besides protecting us from free radicals tea may also protect us from osteoporosis, according to a study published by the Archives of Internal Medicine. They found that drinking two or more cups of tea daily for 10 years increases bone density. Green tea may also protect us from breast, digestive and lung cancers.

Spinach

Spinach and other leafy greens contain calcium, folic acid, vitamin K and iron. Spinach is also rich in vitamins A, C, fiber and carotenoids, lutein and bioflavanoids. This superfood is thought to help strengthen bones, control cancer, protect arteries and help prevent memory loss.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene, which is essential for the immune system and healthy skin. According to the National Cancer Institute these superfoods also contain a carotenoid called lycopen that reduces the risk of cancers like prostate, stomach and lung cancers. Cooking tomatoes makes lycopene more absorbable.

Turkey

Skinless white turkey meat is a high-protein, low-fat superfood. It is a good source of protein, vitamins B6 and B12 and the amino acid tryptothan. Rich in niacin, selenium and zinc, it is reputed to lower cholesterol, boost the immune system, especially cancer-fighting T cells, enhance mood, promote sleep and boost testosterone.

Walnuts

Eating this superfood can help fight depression, lower cholesterol levels and help with weight management due to their high levels of omega-3. Walnuts are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may improve blood lipids and guard against cardiovascular disease. They might also promote bone health and protect against diabetes.

Yogourt

Yogurt is an easily absorbed source of calcium, long credited with the relief of gastrointestinal upsets. The bacteria Lactobacillus GG, added to some yoghurt, top up the friendly bacteria in the gut which fight the bacteria such as Clostridium Difficile that can cause diarrhoea after a course of antibiotics.

Less Easily Available Foods

These superfoods foods all have astounding properties also, but some of them are more difficult to find, depending on where you live. You might have to resort to your local health shop or even to ordering online, However, the health benefits which these foods give is well worth the effort to track them down.

Cranberries

Cranberrries are well-known as a healthy remedy and protection against urinary tract infections. Phenols in this fruit also help lower bad cholesterol. Studies seem to indicate that cranberries might also promote recovery after a stroke. more

Maquiberries

With its phenomenal anti-inflammatory properties, the recently discovered maqui-berry Maqui Berry guards against painful arthritic conditions, promotes healthy body functions and boosts the immune and cardiovascular system. Besides high levels of antioxidants, anthocyanins and polyphenols this fruit contains vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron. More

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