Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Ten Amazing Superfoods to Add to Your Diet Today

This post provided courtesy of Instawares Restaurant Supply Store.



Healthy eating can be a challenge with so many tempting foods on offer at bargain prices, but the effect of junk food on our health can be devastating. With careful planning, however, we can boost our overall health with regular exercise and by eating more superfoods. Try adding more of these highly nutritious foods to your diet and put yourself on the road to better health. Garlic. According to the National Cancer Institute, garlic is one of the best superfoods you can eat in the fight against many types of cancer. At a Conference held by the American Heart Association in Washington, D.C., research indicated that garlic can help prevent and may even reverse the hardening of the arteries. Garlic also significantly helps the body fight off infections.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Crush and finely chop raw garlic into salad dressings for a punchy, healthy flavor boost. Salmon Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce levels of  “bad” cholesterol and are thought to significantly reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease and various cancers. The omega-3s found in salmon also lock moisture into skin cells, promoting more youthful looking skin and even alleviating skin blemishes. Salmon’s high protein content also helps maintain strong and healthy-looking hair.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Add cooked salmon to an omelet for a light and nutritious lunch. Brazil Nuts. Good for your heart health and your skin, Brazil nuts contain exceptionally high levels of selenium, an antioxidant that can help prevent coronary artery disease, liver cirrhosis, and cancers. Low selenium levels are also linked to depression, so they may even lift your mood. Just three or four Brazil nuts per day can provide your recommended daily amount.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Add crushed Brazil nuts and mixed dried fruit to your porridge for a wholesome breakfast. Eggs. Eggs are one of the most nutrient-packed superfoods. Their high protein and sulfur content can help stimulate hair and nail growth and strengthen hair follicles. Just one egg contains all nine essential amino acids and numerous vitamins that promote healthy cell development, optimum brain function and a strong immune system.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to any salad or pasta dish to add an extra dimension of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Spinach. Spinach is one of the most nutrient-rich foods, packed with plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of coronary disease, strokes, and osteoporosis. It is also rich in lutein, a carotenoid that may decrease the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Try blending a handful of spinach with banana, milk, and honey for a sturdy morning smoothie. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are one of the ultimate superfoods. Due to their high levels of lycopene, studies have shown they may lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of some cancers. Research conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that women who ate at least seven servings of tomato products per week had a 29 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate around one serving per week.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Heat chopped fresh tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and dried oregano for a quick and spicy pasta sauce. Pumpkin Seeds, These flavorful seeds are an excellent source of zinc, which is important for immune function, and are a good source of tryptophan, which aids serotonin production in the brain. According to a study published in the February 2012 issue of the Journal of Psychiatric Research, increasing the amount of this amino acid in your diet may reduce symptoms of depression.Quick and Healthy Tip: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds onto salads for extra nutrition and crunch.

Blueberries, Blueberries are nutritional superstars, bursting with high-quality nutrients. They contain more antioxidants than most other fruits, and are therefore linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, heart disease and age-related memory loss. Blueberries have also been shown to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and protect against strokes.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Try natural yogurt with a handful of blueberries and a drizzle of honey. Broccoli With antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pro-detoxification properties, broccoli is one of the greatest cancer-fighting vegetables. Along with sprouts and cabbage, broccoli contains high levels of the compound sulforaphane, a compound thought to reduce the risk of prostate, colon, and bladder cancer.

Quick and Healthy Tip: Dip raw broccoli stalks into hummus for a healthier morning snack. Pomegranate Juice. Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. According to a study from the Lipid Research Laboratory in Israel, it can help lower cholesterol levels. Research conducted at the University of California and University of Wisconsin also showed that pomegranate juice, oil and extract have the potential to prevent various cancers, including skin, lung, breast and colon cancer. Quick and Healthy Tip: Add pomegranate juice to drinking water for extra flavor and its antioxidant benefits. 

Including a variety of superfoods such as these in your diet is crucial to achieving a healthier mind and body. As well as helping you lead a more active lifestyle, these foods could even prolong your life, so why not add more of these amazing superfoods to your diet, starting today?



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Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions, . No compensation was received. All opinions are my own. This is a unofficial fan site that is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or Disney theme parks.