Posted by Administrator on 8/13/2012
Here's a great excuse to gorge on pumpkin pie, blueberry
cobbler, apple streusel, and chocolate-covered strawberries! Well, kind
of. Yep, they're all Greatest superfoods
just hold the sugar to get the most benefits. Here are the reasons
these fruits, veggies, grains, and dairy products have made our list of
the worlds best superfoods.
1. Greek Yogurt
Regular yogurts thicker, creamier cousin is chock-full of protein and probiotics. It fills the belly, improves digestion, and bolsters the immune system. Plus, its a great healthy recipe substitute for sour cream, cream cheese, and even mayonnaise!
2. Quinoa
This teeny-tiny, grain-like seed packs some serious nutritional prowess.
With a mild, nutty flavor and a texture similar to rice or couscous, quinoa is one of the only grains or seeds that provides all nine essential amino acids our bodies cant produce themselves. And its filled with protein eight grams per one-cup serving, to be exact!
3. Blueberries
Don't worry; these berries wont cause an oompa-loompa-like reaction. In fact, they're nutritional superstars, filled with fiber, vitamin C, and cancer-fighting compounds. And studies suggest blueberries may even improve memory!
4. Kale
This rough and tough green beats out all the rest in terms of nutrition, providing more antioxidants than most other fruits and veggies! Its also a fantastic source of
fiber, calcium, and iron. Prepare it virtually any way, from boiled or
steamed to roasted (try it as a chip!) or stewed.
5. Chia
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Yep, this little seed is the same as those adorable
little ceramic animal planters of the 90s! But don't worry, the
nutritious part is not the clay pot. Chia seeds are actually loaded with the most essential fatty acids of any known plant! Plus, one serving of the stuff is loaded with magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.
6. Oatmeal
High in fiber, antioxidants, and tons of other nutrients, this breakfast
staple has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, aid in
digestion, and even improve metabolism. And its downright delicious especially when flavored like pumpkin pie!
7. Green Tea
This ages-old health secret has been used as a natural remedy for everything from cancer to heart disease! The secret to this delicious drink? Antioxidants! The main superhero here is Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, a phytochemical that slows irregular cell growth, which could potentially help prevent the growth of some cancers.
8. Broccoli
This lean, mean, green machine is packed with vitamins, minerals,
disease-fighting compounds, and the fiber essential in any diet. Though
all members of the cruciferous vegetable family are super-duper healthy,
broccoli stands out for its exceptionally high levels of vitamin C and
folate (which can reduce risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke).
9. Strawberries
Vitamin C is the superstar of this superfood. Just one cup of these red
beauties satisfies the daily requirement for vitamin C (74 milligrams
per day for women, 90 for men)! Studies suggest the antioxidant helps
build and repair the bodys tissues, boosts immunity, and fights excess free radical damage. And the vitamin C in strawberries could help promote healthy eye function.
10. Salmon
This heart-healthy fish is packed with protein and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And bonus points: Salmon may also protect skin from the sun and the damaging effects of UV rays.
11. Watermelon
Low in sugar and high in vitamins A and C, this summer treat is the
prefect fresh, low-calorie snack. Studies suggest watermelon could also
potentially lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease. And the lycopene in watermelon could help protect the body from UV rays and cancer.
12. Spinach
Antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins that promote vision and bone health are what make this little ol green so super. And
those bones will be thanking spinach, too! Just one cup of the stuff
packs up to 12 percent of the recommended daily dose of calcium and
enough vitamin K to help prevent bone loss.
13. Pistachios
These 'lil nuts are hiding lots of protein and fiber
behind their earthy flavor and nutty crunch. Plus, they're naturally
cholesterol-free. A one-ounce serving of these nuts has almost as much
potassium as one small banana.
14. Eggs
A relatively inexpensive protein source loaded with nutrients, eggs
certainly earn their super food status. A single large egg is just about
70 calories and offers six grams of protein. Eggs are also a great
source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for normal body
function and heart health.
15. Almonds
Surprise! Almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut, meaning they offer the highest concentration of nutrients per calorie per ounce. For just 191 calories,
a one-ounce serving provides 3.4 grams of fiber (that's about 14
percent of the daily recommended value) and a healthy dose of potassium,
calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and iron. Plus, you can eat them as BUTTER!
16. Ginger
Slightly spicy but oh-so-enjoyable, ginger has been used for years as a delicious flavoring and an all-natural remedy for everything from an upset stomach to unwanted inflammation.
17. Beets
This all-star veggie contains tons of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
that can help fight disease and strengthen vital organs. And their
purple hue may be the secret to their healthy success some studies
suggest betalain, the purple pigments in these veggies, may help ward off cancer and other degenerative diseases.
18. Beans
High in protein and low in cholesterol, beans of any variety can add a healthy twist to any dish (even brownies!).
They're also loaded with fiber, foliate, and magnesium, and studies have
shown that legumes (like beans) can actually help lower cholesterol and
reduce the risk of certain cancers (at least in rats).
19. Pumpkin
Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, these gourds aren't just for carving (or making into pie). The star nutrient here is beta-carotene, a pro-vitamin that the body converts to vitamin A, which is known for its immune boosting powers and essential role in eye health.
20. Apples
Say it with us, people: Fiber is good. And apples are a great
low-calorie source. (A medium-sized apple weighs in at under 100
calories.) Plus, upping apple intake has been associated with reduced
risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and asthma.
21. Cranberries
Its time to work these fall favorites into dishes year-round. Whether
its in the shape of a can or fresh off the stove, cranberries have a
handful of health benefits and disease-fighting powers.
These bacteria-busting berries can help fight inflammation, reduce the
risk of heart disease, improve oral health, help prevent ulcers and
yeast infections, and may even inhibit the growth of some human cancer
cells.
22. Garlic
Yes, it might leave breath less-than-desirable, but these cloves can do
more than flavor they've been used for centuries as food and medicine. These days, garlic is used to treat anything from high blood pressure and heart disease to certain types of cancer. Plus, studies suggest garlic extract can be used to treat yeast infections in women and prostate issues in men.
23. Cauliflower
While all the vitamins and minerals are a great bonus, the real star here is cauliflowers cancer-fighting compounds, glucosinolates.
These phytochemicals are responsible for cauliflowers sometimes-bitter
flavor, but they have also been shown to prevent damage to the lugs and
stomach by carcinogens, potentially protecting against those cancers. And thanks to interactions with estrogen, cauliflower may also help prevent hormone-driven cancers like breast, uterine, and cervical.
24. Leeks
Leeks owe many of their anti-cancer superpowers to their organo sulphur compounds. These nutrients have been credited with everything from kicking cancer to boosting immunity. Studies also suggest leeks could help protect the digestive system from stomach and gastric cancers.
25. Lentils
They're pretty cheap, easy to prepare, and high in protein, iron and
other essential nutrients. Need we say more? The iron may help fight off anemia (a condition that's especially common among vegetarians and vegans), and they're low on the glycemic index, too. That means they cause blood sugar to spike less quickly than other starches, so our energy lasts longer.
Source: http://greatist.com
* These
statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.
