Your overall health is directly related to the type of food that goes into your body. Recently, there have been many pre-packaged processed foods that have been introduced in the market as Superfoods with claims to provide extraordinary health benefits. However, if long term health is your goal then your best bet is to stick to fresh, unprocessed foods that offer a variety of essential nutrients. Such Superfoods are affordable and easily cooked at home.
Here is a list of some real superfoods that can be conveniently made a part of your daily diet:
- Avocados: This fruit contains the highest amount of good fats when compared to almost any other fruit. It protects against heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels.
- Beets: They are known as nature’s multivitamin. Besides vitamins, beets contain antioxidants that help fight against free radicals which cause cancer, signs of aging, and disease.
- Berries: Forget the exotic variety and opt for regular North American berries such as strawberries for potassium, blueberries for fiber, raspberries for vitamin C, and blackberries for vitamin E. They are also loaded with antioxidants and quite tasty as well.
- Cabbage: In the family of cruciferous vegetables, the cabbage stands head and shoulder above the rest. It contains compounds that fight against cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. It requires very minimal cooking and can also be eaten raw.
- Spinach: Besides giving Popeye his super strength, spinach contains numerous vitamins and minerals, has high fiber, and low cholesterol and saturated fat content – nearly all the essential requirements of a superfood.
- Fish: Regular consumption of fish can lower your blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and slow down the aging process. Opt for fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, and rainbow trout.
- Lentils: They are inexpensive, high in protein and vegan friendly; a near perfect substitute for red meat. They improve digestion, reduce cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, cashews, and almonds contain heart-healthy fats that boost good cholesterol levels. Adding a few servings of nuts every week can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Tomatoes: Regular consumption of tomato products greatly reduces your risk of cancer and heart disease due to the combination of phytonutrients and vitamins. Cooking tomatoes improves their beneficial effects by making their nutrients easily absorbable.
- Eggs: They are inexpensive and loaded with high quality nutrients that are good for your brain and muscle development. They also protect your eyes from the harmful effect of free radicals. Egg yolk does contain high amounts of cholesterol and research suggests those with high cholesterol levels stick to no more than 1 egg yolk a day.
Aim to add as many of these superfoods into your diet as possible. They are affordable, easily available, and taste delicious!
