The 12 Super Foods
How many of these do you eat each day? These foods are supposed to provide great nutritional support for our health, and many suggest they should be a regular part of our diet.
Avocado: high in mono-unsaturated fats, folate, and antioxidants, avocado can decrease the risk factors for heart disease and alzheimers. The suggested consumption is about 1/2 an avocado every other day.
Blueberries: The only truly blue food, blue berries are one of the most health-protective food you can eat. High in vitamin C and beta-carotene, potassium (helps keep blood pressure in check). Best eaten raw.. try 1/2 c every day or two.
Broccoli: high in fiber with beta-carotene, folate and vitamin C. Try for 1/2C serving of some cole food every day, with broccoli every other day.
Carrots: Their high beta-carotene is more easily absorbed when they are cooked, but thier vitamin C is higher when raw. Have some every day. When eaten raw, make sure you consume some vegetable oil at the same meal. It's needed for the body to absorb all the beta carotene.
Flaxseeds/flaxseed oil: A rich source of alpha linolenic acids, flax seed have been shown to lower cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure. Flax seeds also contains Lignan and fiber. Researchers believe lignan may play a role in fighting some forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Flaxseed is included in a number of baked items, and you can add it to your own baked goods. Try for 2-4 Tbs./day.
Garlic: You need to eat the cloves raw to get the best heart-healthy benefits from garlic. With onions (below), try to get a serving every other day
Green Tea: Tea is full of anti-oxidants and green tea has phytochemicals that soothe and heal cells. Green tea also help to regulate blood sugar levels and may help reduce LDL cholesterol. Drink three cups/day.
Live Yogurt culture: Any yogurt that contains active proviotic bacteria such a lactobacilli which is thought to help the gut produce anti-cancer substances called butyrates. Try for 2-4 oz./day. Hey.. mix your blueberries and some ground flaxseed in there.. for a perfect healthy meal.
Oats: Rich in soluble fibre which can lower cholesterol, slow cooked oats also has a low glycemic index. The fiber may also help with weight management.
Onions: Onions are great for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and help to thin the blood to minimise clotting. They also contain flavonoids and sulphurs which might help fight cancer, a natural antibiotic to help with bronchitis and colds, and a powerful anti-oxidant. Try for a serving every other day like garlic.
Prunes (or dried plums): Prunes fight free radicals and they are high in soluble fiber to lower cholesterol. Eat 10-12 prunes day. Drink plenty of water with these, too.
Deep Water Fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon and fresh tuna):very high in omega-3 fatty acids which help heal cell damage. A minimum of 2 servings a week for younger women, 4 servings for men, women past childbearing age. These fish will not only fight heart disease and stroke, and prevent some cancers, they also may help to reduce arthritis symptoms and physical signs of aging.
And don't forget Water (yeah, this becomes #13): Being properly hydrated can eliminate a number of problems. Drinking 2.5 liters will also keep your energy level up, decrease wrinkles, and aid in the absorbtion of all the nutrients listed in the foods above.
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