9 Superfoods You Should Be Paying More Attention To, Starting Tomorrow
Superfoods may be a marketing buzzword but there's no denying the host of benefits they provide - here are 9 you should take note of before it's too late.
By Melody Oei — 18 Dec 2013, 08:04 PM — Updated about 11 years ago
1. Have a handful of #BLUEBERRIES regularly if you, like us, are looking to prevent heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes
Berries not only make for sweet desserts and breakfasts, but they also pack in a load of antioxidants. Among them is anthocyanin, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and makes blood vessels more elastic.
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Research from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, also found that it contains phytochemicals that could influence the way your body stores and burns fat, helping you trim your waistline and cut your risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Image via tumblr.com2. Consume #ALMONDS in their natural state and you will have the essentials to keep your nervous and immune systems healthy
Almonds, when taken in their natural state, are packed with monounsaturated fats, as well as essential minerals including magnesium, potassium and calcium.
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“It seems that their fibre structure may help block absorption of fat and carbohydrates and improve satiety,” notes nutrionist Fiona Kirk, “which could help prevent weight gain and stave off the onset of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.”
Image via lockeroom.com.my3. Drink 2-3 cups of #GREENTEA per day to help burn off excess triglyceride, prevent aging and cancer
Cheap and readily available, green tea is packed with the seemingly miraculous polyphenols and cathechins. Polyphenols are known to activate an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps use and burn off excess triglyceride. Catechins, on the other hand, are powerful antioxidants that can help prevent aging, and cancer.
Image via lockeroom.com.myCheap and readily available, green tea is packed with the seemingly miraculous polyphenols and cathechins.
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4. A serving of #DARKCHOCOLATE provides more antioxidants and polyphenols than cranberries, pomegranates and acai fruit
"These substances help keep the arteries healthy and are protective against cardiovascular disease," said preventive cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "When looking for a sweet snack, a square of dark chocolate might, in fact, be your healthiest choice!"
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To get the best out of the chocolates, look out for non-alkalized chocolates. Alkalization is a process used to mellow the flavor of cocoa, but it also destroys the polyphenolic compounds.
Image via lotuskey.com5. #OATS improve bowel movements and is vital in maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels
The next time you’re having breakfast muesli, throw in a tablespoonful of oats to bulk it up, or have plenty of high-fiber fruit and nuts to complement your meal.
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Besides, having loads of fiber also helps you feel full longer, making it a good way to trick your brain that you’ve eaten enough.
Image via tumblr.com6. Believe it or not, #BROCCOLI flushes out cancer-causing chemicals
Broccoli is the only one with a sizable amount of sulforaphane, a particularly potent compound that boosts the body's protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals.
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All cruciferous veggies (think cauliflower, cabbage, kale) contain cancer-fighting properties.
Image via tumblr.com7. #SALMON contains Omega 3 fats that are critical for your mental health, mood, memory; it also helps fight depression
Salmon is one of the best food sources of omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats are one of the two essential fatty acids we must consume because our bodies cannot produce this fat on its own.
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8. Have a #BANANA if you're looking to have better moods and better sleep at night
They are loaded with energy and are a favorite among athletes, they can deliver the energy needed after a long workout while fighting muscle cramps in the process.
Bananas also have antacid effects, protecting the stomach from ulcers and their subsequent damage.
Image via downloadwallpapershd.comOne of the most well-known nutrients in bananas is potassium. Bananas also have antacid effects, protecting the stomach from ulcers and their subsequent damage.
9. #AVOCADO will protect you against everything from cancer to eye health problems to heart disease
Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat that help people feel satiated, avocados are also rich sources of vitamin C, E, potassium, and lutein.
When paired with salsa or salad, the monounsaturated fat helps us better absorb carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene.
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