Wednesday, November 3, 2010

SuperFoods

Type the query "SuperFoods" into your search engine of choice and you will most certainly find a myriad of lists from various authors on their picks for "SuperFoods".

These "SuperFoods", known more scientifically as neutraceuticals, provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. A wide variety of foods are included in these lists.

After attending a seminar on functional foods this week, I was inspired to choose my Top5 "SuperFoods" to share with the world. Perhaps this will inspire you to include some of these in your diet.

Top 5 SuperFoods


1. Eggs. Eggs get a bad reputation, but they are actually a very nutritious food. Eggs are one of the most versatile foods- think about how many ways eggs can be prepared (scrambled, boiled, fried, poached, etc). Additionally, eggs are an inexpensive source of protein. They also are high in lutein, a corotenoid which promotes eye and skin health. More specifically, a research study at Tufts has shown that luteincan protect against eye disease such as cataracts and macular degeneration and lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.

2. Salmon It's delicious, but salmon also provides high amounts of DHA and omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart health and brain function. Your parents were right when they said fish is "brain food". Another plus is salmon is very easy to prepare- simply bake or broil with lemon juice, garlic, dill, and/or other spices. Not sold on salmon? Try tuna, which offers many of the same benefits as salmon.

3. Sweet Potatoes. This fantastic vegetable is high in vitamin A, a nutrient which is known for improving eyesight. The bright orange color is a clear indicator that this superfood is packed with nutrition.
sweet potatoes have a great flavor by themselves. While sweet potatoes are often served with sugar, butter, and other sweeteners, take the sweet potato challenge: consume a whole sweet potato without all the additives and be surprised at how good it naturally tastes. Added bonus: sweet potatoes are full of fiber, making you feel very full after consumption and less likely to indulge in extra calories during the day.

4. Spinach. Popeye's super-strength resulting from consuming a can of spinach is not all fiction. While you will probably not receive super-human strength instantaneously, spinach is very rich in antioxidants, calcium, and iron. By including spinach regularly in your diet, you, too, can be "strong the finish", with all of the nutritional benefits it has to offer.

5. Green Tea. Green tea is another very rich-antioxidant food. There have been links to green tea to manage and/or prevent a wide variety of health conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and obesity. Tea is delicious and calorie-free. An added bonus: it soothes you on a cold day or when you are feeling ill.

These are my Top 5 SuperFoods. What are yours?

2 comments:

  1. Cancer is a very painful disease, so I take Vicodin (painkiller I found in Findrxonline) to relieve this symptom. You can buy online without a prescription for what is considered easy to achieve.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kale, Broccoli Sprouts, Ginger, Turmeric, and Chaga:)

    ReplyDelete