By Eslyn
Imagine a superfood powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Superfoods are a special group of food found in nature and are available in your local supermarkets and health food stores. They have no side effects and superfoods are low in calories high in nutrients, meaning they pack a lot of punch for their weight. In short, superfoods have superpowers!
Imagine a superfood powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Superfoods are a special group of food found in nature and are available in your local supermarkets and health food stores. They have no side effects and superfoods are low in calories high in nutrients, meaning they pack a lot of punch for their weight. In short, superfoods have superpowers!
Incorporating a variety of superfoods into your diet will help you: maintain your weight, fight diseases, live longer and look and feel fabulous! One thing they all have in common: every super food is real and unprocessed – the best nature has to offer!
What you choose to put in your grocery cart can determine whether you live a long life of vibrant good health with feelings of well being; or a shortened life riddled with obesity and degenerative disease. Will you be a person with energy and enthusiasm for life, a person who others seek out and want to be around? Or will be you lifeless, cranky and unsightly?
12 Superfoods with Superpowers
Acai Fruit-This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.
Anything in the Alliums Family-Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots can all help the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens.
Barley-This can be used as a breakfast cereal, in soups and stews, and as a rice substitute. Barley's also high in fiber, helping metabolize fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates.
Green Foods-Green foods like wheat and barley grasses can be bought in powder, tablet or juice form, and offer greater levels of nutrients than green leafy vegetables. They also help cholesterol, blood pressure and immune response. If you are not a big veggie eater, make sure to consume at least three green drinks a day!
Buckwheat: Seed and Grain-Buckwheat is loaded with protein, high in amino acid, stabilizes blood sugar and reduces hypertension.
Beans and Legumes-You can reduce cholesterol while beefing up on antioxidants, folic acid and potassium. Try kidney, black, navy, pinto, chickpeas, soybeans, peas and lentils.
Hot Peppers-Both bell and chili peppers contain antioxidants, have twice the Vitamin C as citrus fruit and work as great fat burners.
Nuts and Seeds-You can't go wrong with a handful of nuts a day—walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia and pistachio nuts contain Omega 3 fats, which are great for your heart. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are best.
Sprouts-Numerous varieties of sprouts are great with any meal. They're a great source of protein and Vitamin C. Try adding them to any dish and your immune system will get a boost.
Yogurt and Kefir-These cultured foods contain healthful bacteria that aid immune function, and the calcium helps burn fat. Try using them as a base for a smoothie.
Berries – Not only are most berries sweet; they also have many super powers that make them one of GLD’s favorite super foods. Berries are rich in antioxidants which boost your immune system and help fight infections. Among many other benefits: they help to improve urinary tract health and digestion; prevents cravings; improves balance and coordination; and protects the heart and eyes.
Whey-What exactly is whey? Whey is a protein found in milk, it is the watery part that separates from the curd. Whey builds muscles, burns fat and helps to fight obesity.
Contributions by Kia
Anything in the Alliums Family-Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots can all help the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens.
Barley-This can be used as a breakfast cereal, in soups and stews, and as a rice substitute. Barley's also high in fiber, helping metabolize fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates.
Green Foods-Green foods like wheat and barley grasses can be bought in powder, tablet or juice form, and offer greater levels of nutrients than green leafy vegetables. They also help cholesterol, blood pressure and immune response. If you are not a big veggie eater, make sure to consume at least three green drinks a day!
Buckwheat: Seed and Grain-Buckwheat is loaded with protein, high in amino acid, stabilizes blood sugar and reduces hypertension.
Beans and Legumes-You can reduce cholesterol while beefing up on antioxidants, folic acid and potassium. Try kidney, black, navy, pinto, chickpeas, soybeans, peas and lentils.
Hot Peppers-Both bell and chili peppers contain antioxidants, have twice the Vitamin C as citrus fruit and work as great fat burners.
Nuts and Seeds-You can't go wrong with a handful of nuts a day—walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia and pistachio nuts contain Omega 3 fats, which are great for your heart. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are best.
Sprouts-Numerous varieties of sprouts are great with any meal. They're a great source of protein and Vitamin C. Try adding them to any dish and your immune system will get a boost.
Yogurt and Kefir-These cultured foods contain healthful bacteria that aid immune function, and the calcium helps burn fat. Try using them as a base for a smoothie.
Berries – Not only are most berries sweet; they also have many super powers that make them one of GLD’s favorite super foods. Berries are rich in antioxidants which boost your immune system and help fight infections. Among many other benefits: they help to improve urinary tract health and digestion; prevents cravings; improves balance and coordination; and protects the heart and eyes.
Whey-What exactly is whey? Whey is a protein found in milk, it is the watery part that separates from the curd. Whey builds muscles, burns fat and helps to fight obesity.
Contributions by Kia
