You’ve probably heard that eating beet does wonder for your blood test results. Certain foods are an inevitable part of every healthy diet and are known to help in reducing risk of various types of illnesses, boost immune system and positively affect peoples’ overall health. They are called superfoods. Superfoods are considered viands packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Rich with necessary nutrients such as magnesium, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc and many other, these foods are considered as very beneficial to its consumers. There are nutritional supplements from NuMedica and the like, that also contain a host of benefits for your immune system. Some people prefer to take these as part of a daily diet. Find out what kind of health benefits some of these superfoods have to offer.
Cacao
Cacao provides you with a delicious chocolate flavor, while it contains no fat. Flavonoids, contained in cacao powder, are anthoxanthins which improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and lower blood pressure as well. Be sure to buy nonalkalized cocoa when you go to the store. Alkalized cocoa powder is processed with a great deal of antioxidants gone. Mix cocoa with milk or add it to your refreshing smoothie for a bit of chocolate flavor.
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Salmon
Wild, not farmed. Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which help in lowering the risk of heart diseases, cancer and arthritis, improve memory and eye health. The number of recommended servings is 2-3 times a week.
Kalonji
Kalonji are black seeds taken from a plant called nigella sativa, mostly used in Indian cuisine as black pepper substitute and spice (main or decorative). It originates from Egypt and contains a phytochemical compound thymoquinone which reduces tumor growth and induces oral, colon, leukemia, brain and breast cancer cell death (apoptosis). It contains proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates and plant oils. You can make tea from it or throw few seeds into your morning coffee. Spice up your chicken, beef and fish dishes, salad dressings and bread with whole seeds, or sprinkle it on salads in grinded form.
Blueberry
The darker they are, the more antioxidants they are packed with. Blueberries contain phytonutrients, responsible for neutralizing free radicals that cause cell damage and aging. Rich in vitamin C and potassium, by consuming them you reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and age-related conditions (dementia and Alzheimer’s disease). Treat yourself with about a half a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries a day. Throw them in a cup of yogurt, mix up a shake or make a blueberry desert (pie or jam).
Kefir
Kefir is an old Russian drink made from fermented milk. Similar in taste to yogurt, it aids to digestive health and boosts the immune system due to presence of probiotics (bacteria located in the intestines that help keep the microflora balanced). You can find it in supermarkets and health food-stores. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Kale
It is best after the first frost. Dark, leafy vegetables from the cabbage family like kale provide tons of vitamins A, C and K, zinc, potassium, calcium and antioxidants. It helps with managing blood sugar, lowers cancer risk and protects against macular degeneration. They go well with lemon, coconut milk, ginger and garlic. Make a nice stew or a refreshing kale salad.
Tomatoes
This well-known vegetable contains rare antioxidants like lycopene. It provides fibers, potassium, vitamin A, E and C. Tomatoes lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and lower the risk of pancreatic and prostate cancers. Find a recipe for salsa, add a no-cook tomato sauce to your pasta, put freshly sliced tomatoes on your favorite pizza or simply enrich whatever meal with a fresh tomato salad.
