By definition, superfoods are a special category of foods found in nature. They are coined as supefoods because these foods offer essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep the body feeling good and working properly. They are calorie sparse and nutrient dense meaning they pack a lot of punch for their weight as far as goodness goes.
Superfoods are important at any stage of life, but as individuals mature they become much more important for promoting heart health and avoiding illness and not a drop of guilt should you over-indulge!
1. AVOCADO
The often over-looked avocado is a delicious, creamy superfood that’s simply too health-boosting to skip. The myriad of healthy fats and nutrients found in avocados – oleic acid, lutein, folate, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and glutathione among them – can help protect your body from heart disease, cancer, degenerative eye and brain diseases.
2. CHIA SEEDS
Yep, the very same seeds that you spread over your kitchen pet are now valued as the “ultimate runner’s food.”
Look for tofu, soy milk, or edamame — not soy powder,” says Somer.
In other words, soy sauce won’t do the trick.
5. SPIRULINA
Ever heard of this blue green algae that is noted as having the highest percentage of complete protein by weight of any food on earth? Hmmm. I don’t think so!
Packed with a wide variety of antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamins, the use of Spirulina has been correlated with increased endurance and expedited recovery after exercise. It wouldn’t hurt to add 10 grams of Hawaiian spirulina pacifica to either your pre-workout or post-workout shake/smoothie!
6. BEANS
Dense and delicious, beans help raise levels of the hormone leptin which curbs appetite. They also deliver a powerful combination of B vitamins, calcium, potassium and folate. All of this good stuff will help maintain healthy brain, cell and skin function and even helps to reduce blood pressure and stroke risk. Pretty amazing, eh? To increase your intake, try eating beans as a filling side-dish instead of bread or potatoes. They’ll help keep you feeling fuller longer and deliver an excellent source of sugar-free energy through much of your day.
7. DARK CHOCOLATES
New research has shown that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and can lower blood pressure. Experts recommend that you look for chocolate with 60% or higher cocoa content; the darker, the better. In addition, the darker it is, the lower the fat and sugar content.
8. TOMATOES
Why they’re super? It’s simply becasue they contain lycopene, an antioxidant rarely found in other foods. Studies suggest that it could protect the skin against harmful UV rays, prevent certain cancers, and lower cholesterol. Plus, tomatoes contain high amounts of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.
9. BROCCOLI
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain phytonutrients that may suppress the growth of tumors and reduce cancer risk. One cup of this veggie powerhouse will supply you with your daily dose of immunity-boosting vitamin C and a large percentage of folic acid.
So, if you’re interested in looking great, feeling great, and weighing less, the real “magic pill” can be found in these superfoods. That makes them super!
Image Credits: coachup, radiantseniorliving, foodnetwork, irandaily, 5bitestowellness, motherearthnews
