Food manufacturers and diet promoters can’t seem to stop talking about super food. These foods are said to fight cancer, promote weight loss, and aid longevity. So what makes these foods so super?
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care says that the true super foods are rarely sold in a package. The ultimate superfoods are healthy, whole foods that are as close to their natural state as possible and that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional value. When added to your meal plan, these foods can strengthen the immune system, provide energy, and support wellness.
Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are high in fiber and are low calorie. These veggies are a great diet choice based on these qualities alone. But add richness in vitamins A and C, folate, calcium, iron, and beta-carotene, and it’s easy to see why these veggies are considered super.
Some great sources of green veggies are:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- A green smoothie made from spinach, yogurt, and banana or other fruit
- Kale
Yellow Food
A naturally beautiful yellow-orange hue usually signals that a food is teeming with carotenoids, cartone, and xanthophyllis, valuable phytonutrients that can strengthen immunity. These bright foods stand out from the pack for their antioxidant properties and affordability.
Some yellow foods to try:
- Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
Dairy Foods
Calcium is an incredibly important nutrient, especially for women who have a higher risk of osteoporosis. If eating dairy is available to you, it is a great source of bone-building calcium. Also, the live cultures in yogurt are probiotic, which means they can aid in digestion and and help stomach disorders.
Low calorie, high calcium super foods:
- Low-Fat Yogurt
- Skim Milk
Proteins
A lean protein source becomes super when it is combined with vitamins, fiber, or omega-3 fatty acids, like in beans, fish, and nuts.
Healthy lean protein foods:
- Black and pinto beans
- Wild salmon and sardines
- Walnuts and almonds
Berries
Berries are one of the more well-known super foods. It’s no surprise why; berries are packed with vitamin C and E, fiber, antioxidants, and are delicious eaten plain or on salads, cereals, or yogurt.
Super berry choices:
- Blueberries
- Goji berres
When you’re searching for a nutritional powerhouse to add to your diet, remember that even the most common foods can have secret powers. And the fresher a food is, the more “super” it is likely to be.
Source:
- “Superfood”, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
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