Superfoods to include in your diet What is a superfood? Superfoods have a high nutritional content. Experts say that these foods so rich in vitamins and minerals help to reduce the chances of heart disease, cancer, cholesterol and more. What’s great about these superfoods is that you can find them in your local grocery store. Who knew a stroll through the produce isle could be this good for you?
BEANS
Beans which are inexpensive, about 20 cents in a serving, are low in price and high in nutritional value. A serving size of a half cup of beans contain large amounts of iron, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, calcium, and zinc. In this same serving size, this superfood provides 25-30% of our Recommended Daly Intake (RDI) of fiber, which 75% of that is insoluble fiber which may reduce the risk of colon cancer. The other 25%, which is soluble fiber may reduce cholesterol. This superfood not only tastes great for a picnic, but may also save your life.
BLUEBERRIES
This superfood not only tastes great, but is also high in nutrition as well. Vitamins A, C, and E as well as minerals like magnesium, manganese and potassium are found in these delicious blueberries. They are also great for the diet as well because they are naturally high in fiber and low in saturated fat. Best of all, blueberries provide antioxidants which help repair the immune system. So, go grab a cup of these berries and fight off the cold that you might be fighting off.
BROCCOLI
These little trees have 135% of your RDI for Vitamin C and 11% for Vitamin A. This low-fat and low-cholesterol superfood, is also a great source of protein and dietary fiber as well. Grabbing a cup of broccoli is also filling as well, which is a great aid in helping stop those nasty cravings that will kill a diet.
OATS
This superfood is known for it high fiber content and 383% of the Manganese you need for the day. Oats will aid in your digestion, but is also low in cholesterol. The FDA in 1997, according to superfoodsrx.com, states that oats could lower cholesterol levels. With the large amount of fiber, oats are filling which makes this a great choice for breakfast.
Oranges
This superfood is well-known for its Vitamin C content; however this citrus fruit has much more to it than just the power to cure scurvy. Oranges have been linked to a wide variety of illness cures such as preventing cancer, stroke and diabetes. So, keep packing that orange in their lunch box to show them you care about their health.
PUMPKIN
Not just for Thanksgiving, this superfood is one of the most nutritional foods we humans eat. Pumpkins are full of disease fighting nutrients like vitamins C and E, but the real reason it is a superfood is because of its carotenoids. You may know them as beta-carotene. So, make that pumpkin pie and help more than just your appetite, your body will thank you as well.
SOY
Not just in the sauce any more, soy is a vitamin and nutrient rich superfood and hosts many disease-fighting nutrients. Soy may also reduce the risk of many ailments found later in a female’s life such as osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms. Soy contains phytoestrogens that mimic the female hormone estrogen. This is why some studies suggest that eating soy protein will reduce hot flashes.
SPINACH
Popeye’s favorite superfood, spinach, is low in calories, but high in many vitamins and minerals. Spinach is packed with heart healthy minerals such as Folate, potassium, and co-enzyme Q10 which is essential in cardiovascular health. These sale vitamins and minerals are also essential for brain, bone, vision and eye health as well as its anticancer and antiaging properties. If you are looking for the fountain of you, look no further than spinach.
Staying healthy is merely a grocery isle away for all of us. Whether you are looking to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, or increase the fiber in your diet, these superfoods are your best bet. So, if you want to be strong to the finish, then eat your superfoods like spinach. You’ll be just like Popeye the Sailorman.
