First off, let's begin with "What is a superfood?" Superfoods have been all the rage for a while now. At least that's the case in my area. Some can be delicious and appealing but some can look like something I wouldn't even feed my neighbors pig. If they had one.
"Superfoods (soo⋅per⋅füds, n): 1. Plant-based foods that boast extraordinary energizing and healing properties due to their abundance and density of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, and other vital nutrients. 2. Something with outstanding qualities that sustains and stimulates the body, mind and soul (i.e., love, sun, pure water, joy)"
It's best to eat superfoods as raw as you can get them. Cooking items such as vegetables has been known to break down a lot of the nutrients found within each food item. However, that does NOT mean you can't get creative and fancy with some of these. At least there are some super foods out there that even the pickiest of eaters wouldn't mind a bite or two of!
BROCCOLI
My daughter and I both LOVE broccoli! We could eat it any way you serve it to us. Raw, boiled, steamed, roasted in the oven 'til crispy. You name it.
- Contains calcium, magnesium and potassium good for your bones, blood, brain, and teeth
- Contains beta-carotene which keeps the liver healthy, and has been shown to fight off cancer
- Rich in Vitamin B which prevents heart attack and stroke
BLUEBERRIES
Add them to yogurt, blend them in a smoothie, or just eat them regularly. However you decide to eat these blue bites of awesome, you won't regret it. They:
- Are high in fiber which is good for your digestive tract
- Contain Vitamin A which helps with clear skin and vision
- Packed full of Vitamin C for immunity and Vitamin E which is an antioxidant
- Are high in iron, zinc and selenium for extra energy, immunity and increased fertility
AVOCADO
My grandmother refers to this stuff as natures butter. And it's probably somewhat true. This stuff is so creamy, it goes quite well on a piece of toast. Especially if you add some extras like, oh, I don't know.. bacon! Of course mine would be of a premium, meaty cut or even turkey bacon. An avocado:
- Has high amounts of the healthy fats you need to survive
- Has lots carotenoid content that prevents growth of oral, head, breast and prostate cancers
- Contains lutein and Vitamin E which also helps fight cancer!
EGGS
There has been some worry over the amount of cholesterol. However, the Harvard School of Public Health has proven that eating an omelet every day will do you more to benefit you than it would harm you. Eggs are:
- An excellent source of protein
- Packed with potassium, calcium and iron: all good for heart and blood health
- Great for a burst of energy to help start your day off right
- Great for skin with all of the Vitamin A included in eggs
OLIVE OIL
Use olive oil for frying or add it to dressings. Be careful, though. More than two tablespoons of olive oil a day can end up countering the health benefits and start to work against you. Olive oil:
- Lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
- Helps stabilize blood sugar
- Reduces risk of cancer
- Lubricates joints lowering risk of rheumatoid arthritis
CACAO
Also known as cocoa. It is chocolate in just about it's rawest state. Beans plucked right from the source and ground up finely.
- It's super high in antioxidants
- Can increase serotonin, often what is lacking in people with depression
- Reduces the blood's ability to clot
- May reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and high blood pressure
- Natural pain suppressant
- Contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that lessens anxiety
- Rich in essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and manganese
ALMONDS
These nuts are great to snack on, especially when your busy and may not be able to eat much throughout the day. Be mindful when munching. These tend to be fatty enough to cause weight gain when eaten in excess.
- High in healthy fats and protein which makes a fulfilling snack
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
- Proven to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, alzheimers and heart disease
- Boosts immune system and provides lots of energy with Vitamins E and B-complex
- High in many minerals: copper, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. This means they are great for nearly everything! Hair, eyes, skin and nails, bones, teeth, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, heart, brain, liver and kidneys
OATS
Use whole or rolled oats. Sorry, but the instant packets don’t count. Oats can be added to baking for extra texture, but can be dry out your recipe so be sure to add some extra moisture.
- High in fiber which regulates the digestive system
- Decreases cholesterol and blood pressure
- Loaded with antioxidants
- Helps in prevention of cancer
COCONUT OIL
The “healthy fat” pressed from the meat of the coconut becomes, you guessed it. Coconut oil. You can pretty much use any search engine and find a huge number of uses for this stuff. Cook with it, use it in a dressing, bake with it, even apply it straight to your skin as a moisturizer. This stuff:
- Has tons of good, healthy fats
- Is high in Medium-Chain Fatty Acids which provide an instant boost of energy
- Helps fight harmful bacteria, helps with indigestion, and strengthens the immune system
- Contains no trans-fatty acids and is cholesterol free; actually prevents high cholesterol and high blood pressure with lauric acid
- Improves our body's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium for development of bones
- Improves secretion of insulin, helping to control blood sugar levels
- Delays wrinkles, prevents dry skin, and protects wounds from dust, fungi, bacteria and virus
What are some creative ways you think you will use these foods? I'd love to read what you guys come up with in a comment below!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These foods are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailments.
Sources
Vivapura. “Top Ten
Superfoods.” Vivapura, 2012. iBooks.
Jenny Allan. “20
Superfoods To Save Your Health And Your Life: The Inconvenient Truth About
Modern Nutrition.” iBooks.
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