Sunday, October 9, 2016

FOODS WITH SUPERPOWERS

BANANAS
Bananas contain potassium which helps boost immune function, lower blood pressure, and improve your mood. According to Food Matters, "bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin – the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.” They also explain: “Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.”




GINGER
Are you in pain? Just eat some ginger. Ginger helps reduce pain, decrease inflammation and inhibit bacteria such as protozoa and Salmonella. It has also been proven to prevent nausea; and in some cases it relieves seasickness and motion sickness.




EGGS
If you are looking for a great source of protein, look no further than eggs. They are loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Selenium. They also help improve your vision; the yolk has been proven to slow the process of age-related macular degeneration.




PINEAPPLES
Pineapples are not only great for your health but they are the perfect low calorie snack. Pineapples are cholesterol-free, fat-free and low in sodium. Research has proven that pineapples support the immune system, strengthen bones, help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and aid in digestion.




CARROTS
Carrots contain a large amount of vitamin A and the antioxidant lutein, both beneficial to eye sight. They help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration and corneal ulcers. Along with improved vision, carrots have also proven to reduce the risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease. According to Medical News Today, “a variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anti-cancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body.”




COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is simply magic, its benefits are endless. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a unique form of saturated fats that have been proven to have positive health effects. It has been used as a natural remedy for beauty; it is one of the world’s most weight-loss friendly fats; it helps improve digestion, increase energy, improve blood cholesterol levels, slow down aging, and strengthen the immune system.




ORANGES
It is highly recommended to eat one orange every day. According to Medical News Today, “an orange has over 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects.” They also help lower blood pressure and support overall heart health.




ALMONDS
For a healthy snack, eat a handful of almonds. They are loaded with nutrients, some of which include fiber, protein, and magnesium. Almonds contain antioxidants that help protect you against oxidative stress. They also help lower cholesterol levels, reduce hunger and aid in weight loss.




WHOLE GRAINS
Swap out white bread for whole wheat bread instead. Whole grains are loaded with nutrients. They are high in fiber, protein and rich in antioxidants. According to WebMD, “A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.” They also explain that whole-grain diets help maintain regular bowel movements and promote growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.”




SPINACH
Popeye was right; spinach is definitely a superfood (that made him super strong). Spinach has shown to help lower the risk of cancer, improve bone health, lower blood pressure and prevent the development of asthma. In a recent study on the relationship between the risk of prostate cancer and vegetable intake, spinach showed evidence of protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.




CHERRIES
Cherries contain the highest antioxidant level of any fruit. Dr. Mercola explains that “sweet cherries also contain a small amount of quercetin, which is among the most potent in terms of antioxidant activity and a wide range of other health-promoting properties.” They have been proven to fight inflammation, protect against Alzheimer’s disease, help cure insomnia, decrease belly fat, reduce muscle pain, and help prevent colon cancer.




SALMON
For a great source of vitamins, eat salmon. It has been proven to increase cardiovascular health, help prevent cell damage, prevent macular degeneration, and reduce the risk of depression. Salmon also contains omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help improve memory.




KALE
Adding kale to your diet will do wonders for your health. It’s full of powerful antioxidants and is high in vitamin K and iron. According to research, “one cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.”




CHILI PEPPERS
Add some spice to your plate with Chili peppers. They have a high level of vitamins and minerals. According to research, “scientific studies on experimental mammals suggest that capsaicin has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties. It also found to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in obese people (Medical-disclaimer).”




CINNAMON
Cinnamon is a common ingredient that has been used throughout history. It is loaded with antioxidants, helps the body fight infections and may even cut the risk of heart disease. Studies have also shown that “cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi.”




CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds have been commonly used to help enhance weight loss. They contain a large amount of nutrients and a small amount of calories. Some of the nutrients they contain include protein, fiber, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. “In two studies, a diet with chia seeds, soy protein, oats and nopal, has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase HDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation (Authority Nutrition).”




OYSTERS
Oysters have been proven to help increase energy. They contain a large amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. Some of these include, zinc, iron and vitamins C and B12. Oysters also provide you with high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to help fight cancer symptoms and have incredible anti-aging effects on the brain’s structure and functionality.




BEANS
Beans provide incredible health benefits. Studies have shown that people who consume beans have a lower risk of heart disease. They also help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels and help with weight loss. According to Reader’s Digest, “beans contain a wide range of cancer-fighting plant chemicals, specifically, isoflavones and phytosterols which are associated with reduced cancer risk.”




ONIONS
Okay, so they give you bad breath. But did you know onions contain cancer-fighting enzymes? According to research, “onion consumption has been shown to help lower the risk of prostate and esophageal cancers and has also been linked to reduced mortality from coronary heart disease.” They also have been proven to help fight cold and flu symptoms.




SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sunflower seeds are very rich in vitamin E, fiber, protein and iron. They help fight heart disease, reduce muscle cramps, help prevent cancer and balance blood sugar levels. They also have a powerful effect on the skin. Dr. Axe explains that “sunflower seeds contain Vitamin E in addition to essential fatty acid lipids that help keep skin hydrated and free from sun and pollution damage.”




BLUEBERRIES
They may be small but they are packed with a large amount of antioxidants and phytoflavinoids. Some of the biggest health benefits you can get from eating blueberries include reduced blood pressure, possible prevention of heart disease, reduced muscle damage and improved memory.




BROCCOLI
Eat a little broccoli every day for incredible health benefits. According to research, broccoli’s phytochemicals fight cancer by neutralizing carcinogens and increasing their elimination from the body. Broccoli is also a great source for fibre and contains a variety of vitamins, some of which include vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, vitamin A and potassium.




PUMPKIN
On the go? Grab a handful of pumpkin seeds. They will provide you with the nutrients you need to kick start your day. Pumpkin seeds help improve vision, lower blood pressure, fight insomnia and protect your heart.




SHITAKE MUSHROOMS
Eat them raw, cooked or dried. Either way you will receive a number of health benefits. If you are trying to lose weight, shitake mushrooms provide you with a great amount of fibre and help you feel fuller for longer. Other vitamins and minerals they provide include magnesium, b-complex vitamins and potassium.




STRAWBERRIES
Not only are they juicy and delicious, but they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Strawberries have been proven to boost immunity, improve eye health, regulate blood pressure, fight wrinkles, and reduce inflammation.


From: http://www.msn.com/