"Super food" is a non-scientific term used to describe a food that has high nutritional value. We all have favorite foods that are good for us, but what makes them so nutritious? Here is a list of our favorite "super foods" and what makes them so "super":
"Super food" is a non-scientific term used to describe a food that has high nutritional value. We all have favorite foods that are good for us, but what makes them so nutritious? Here is a list of our favorite "super foods" and what makes them so "super":Almonds – A superstar of the nut family, almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Protein, Fiber, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Iron. Known to ward off hunger, almonds are great for snacking (in moderate quantities, of course).
Apples – These glorious red orbs help lower cholesterol to fight heart disease. They also contain boron, which helps in protecting against bone degeneration.
Avocados – Avocados contain the healthy monounsaturated fat our body wants and oleic acid which quiets hunger. Don't forget they are also high in fiber and protein.
Bananas - The high level of potassium found in bananas aid in lowering blood pressure.
Bell Peppers – One red bell pepper has more Vitamin C than an orange! Bell peppers also add flavor to salads, stir fry, and a variety of dishes.
Black beans – A cup of black beans contains 15 grams of protein!
Blueberries – Packed with huge amounts of antioxidants, blueberries fight off the damage caused by inflammation. Despite their small size one cup contains 4 grams of fiber.
Bok Choy – Primarily used in Chinese cooking, bok choy is a zero fat-low cal food that is high in vitamin A, B6, C and K. Similar to other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy is also known to reduce your risk of cancer.
Broccoli – Rich in vitamin A, C, K, and fiber, broccoli can stand alone or be used in a variety of dishes. Broccoli is also available all year long.
Cinnamon – A list of all the great things cinnamon brings to the table: ½ teaspoon a day lowers cholesterol, has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, is a natural food preservative, acts as a remedy for eliminating headaches, stabilizes blood sugar, and scientists claim that just smelling cinnamon can improve memory.
Dark Chocolate – Studies have shown that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the brain. Dark chocolate contains theobromine which hardens tooth enamel. The stimulation of endorphins that dark chocolate causes also improves mood. Lastly, the flavonoids in dark chocolate have been found to help increase blood flow to the skin and improve the skin's hydration.
Eggs – Not only are eggs one of the best sources for pure protein and healthy fats, they also contain choline, which can help block fat absorption.
Figs – Most people have tried fig newtons, but few have eaten a fig in its natural form. Full of fiber, figs are also a great source of calcium, potassium and other antioxidants
Garlic – A lot of people avoid garlic, because it causes bad breath and travels throughout your body and out your pores. However, according to a study at the University of Colorado, sweating garlic is actually a mosquito repellent (and vampires)! There are more practical reasons to eat garlic. Garlic contains diallyl sulphide which makes garlic a natural antibiotic.
Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt contains considerably more protein and boasts fewer carbs, sodium, and sugar than regular yogurt.
Peanut Butter – A little bit of peanut butter can fight off hunger while also providing a solid dose of protein, fiber, potassium, and healthy fat.
Salmon – Salmon has a milder "fishy" taste than most fish which makes it more appealing to a wider audience. Salmon is a great source that is also low in fat. Similar to chicken, salmon can be prepared to tantalize a variety of tastes.
Spinach – Packed with powerful antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, K, manganese, zinc, selenium, one cup of spinach gives you 20% RDA (FDA's recommended daily allowance) of fiber and has flavonoids, a phytonutrient that has many anti-cancer properties.
Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes have twice as much fiber as do white potatoes. High amounts of vitamin B6 and potassium help keep your heart healthy and lower blood pressure. One medium sweet potato also gives you more than the RDA of vitamin A. But wait, there's more! You will also find high amounts of manganese and vitamins C and E in sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes' sweet taste also satisfies your sweet tooth and makes it easier to curb cravings for desert.
Turkey – One 4 ounce serving of turkey has 32 grams of protein!
These foods are just a few "super foods" to kick start a lifestyle of healthy eating. When starting a healthy diet it's not enough to just eat the foods that have a reputation for being healthy. It's important to know why you should be eating these foods and the resulting benefits for your body.
Apples – These glorious red orbs help lower cholesterol to fight heart disease. They also contain boron, which helps in protecting against bone degeneration.
Avocados – Avocados contain the healthy monounsaturated fat our body wants and oleic acid which quiets hunger. Don't forget they are also high in fiber and protein.
Bananas - The high level of potassium found in bananas aid in lowering blood pressure.
Bell Peppers – One red bell pepper has more Vitamin C than an orange! Bell peppers also add flavor to salads, stir fry, and a variety of dishes.
Black beans – A cup of black beans contains 15 grams of protein!
Blueberries – Packed with huge amounts of antioxidants, blueberries fight off the damage caused by inflammation. Despite their small size one cup contains 4 grams of fiber.
Bok Choy – Primarily used in Chinese cooking, bok choy is a zero fat-low cal food that is high in vitamin A, B6, C and K. Similar to other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy is also known to reduce your risk of cancer.
Broccoli – Rich in vitamin A, C, K, and fiber, broccoli can stand alone or be used in a variety of dishes. Broccoli is also available all year long.
Cinnamon – A list of all the great things cinnamon brings to the table: ½ teaspoon a day lowers cholesterol, has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, is a natural food preservative, acts as a remedy for eliminating headaches, stabilizes blood sugar, and scientists claim that just smelling cinnamon can improve memory.
Dark Chocolate – Studies have shown that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the brain. Dark chocolate contains theobromine which hardens tooth enamel. The stimulation of endorphins that dark chocolate causes also improves mood. Lastly, the flavonoids in dark chocolate have been found to help increase blood flow to the skin and improve the skin's hydration.
Eggs – Not only are eggs one of the best sources for pure protein and healthy fats, they also contain choline, which can help block fat absorption.
Figs – Most people have tried fig newtons, but few have eaten a fig in its natural form. Full of fiber, figs are also a great source of calcium, potassium and other antioxidants
Garlic – A lot of people avoid garlic, because it causes bad breath and travels throughout your body and out your pores. However, according to a study at the University of Colorado, sweating garlic is actually a mosquito repellent (and vampires)! There are more practical reasons to eat garlic. Garlic contains diallyl sulphide which makes garlic a natural antibiotic.
Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt contains considerably more protein and boasts fewer carbs, sodium, and sugar than regular yogurt.
Peanut Butter – A little bit of peanut butter can fight off hunger while also providing a solid dose of protein, fiber, potassium, and healthy fat.
Salmon – Salmon has a milder "fishy" taste than most fish which makes it more appealing to a wider audience. Salmon is a great source that is also low in fat. Similar to chicken, salmon can be prepared to tantalize a variety of tastes.
Spinach – Packed with powerful antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, K, manganese, zinc, selenium, one cup of spinach gives you 20% RDA (FDA's recommended daily allowance) of fiber and has flavonoids, a phytonutrient that has many anti-cancer properties.
Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes have twice as much fiber as do white potatoes. High amounts of vitamin B6 and potassium help keep your heart healthy and lower blood pressure. One medium sweet potato also gives you more than the RDA of vitamin A. But wait, there's more! You will also find high amounts of manganese and vitamins C and E in sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes' sweet taste also satisfies your sweet tooth and makes it easier to curb cravings for desert.
Turkey – One 4 ounce serving of turkey has 32 grams of protein!
These foods are just a few "super foods" to kick start a lifestyle of healthy eating. When starting a healthy diet it's not enough to just eat the foods that have a reputation for being healthy. It's important to know why you should be eating these foods and the resulting benefits for your body.