Are You Getting Enough Of These Valuable Superfoods In Your Diet?
February 26, 2009 by Tisha Tolar
Filed under Nutrition
Everyone knows the importance of diet and exercise in the overall health of our bodies. What many people are just 
learning about are the positive benefits of certain superfoods. With increased research and technology scientists have discovered that there are a group of foods called “superfoods” that are rich in certain nutrients, having high levels of antioxidants that help your body fight damage from free radicals. If you are not familiar with the basic superfoods and how they can benefit your health take a few minutes to go over the following list to see how eating a diet rich in these foods may help reduce the risk of cancer while promoting good cardiovascular health. Remember that to truly gain the most benefit you must be sure to eat a balanced diet and follow the advice of a medical professional before making changes to you exercise routine or adopting a new diet.
Eat your way to good health.
Do not let the term superfood mislead you into believing that you can stock up on certain foods alone to increase your health. In order to provide your body with the tools needed to fight disease and remain healthy you must follow a certain lifestyle that is not limited to diet and exercise but also reducing stress and making smart lifestyle choices. With that in mind adding the following foods to your diet will certainly get you started on the right path to eating your way to good health.
- Berries- Goji, acai and blueberries to be precise. Goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and are a good source of Vitamin B and antioxidants. They are thought to help fight heart disease, defend against cancer and protect your skin from sun damage. Acai berries have a high concentration of antioxidants and have been found to promote cardiovascular and digestive health. Research suggests that blueberries not only strengthen you immune system but help protect your eyesight and prevent some neurological disorders.
- Beans- Red beans have the greatest amount of antioxidants and are rich in vitamins C, D and A. Beans are loaded with nutrients and are believed to repair damaged cells in the body and may play a role in slowing or reducing the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and cancer.
- Nuts and Seeds- Loaded with good fats, protein, vitamins and minerals nuts and seeds can help lower the absorption of cholesterol from other foods. High concentration of oils help promote youthful skin. Rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium nuts and seeds are also believed to help fight cancer.
- Tomatoes- This popular fruit contains lycopene, the antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease. A good source of vitamins A, C and E tomatoes should be added to your daily diet wherever possible.
- Whole grains- Whole grains contain valuable antioxidants not found in fruits and vegetables as well as vitamins B and E, magnesium, iron and fiber.
- Leafy green vegetables- Kale, collard greens, arugula and bok choy are loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, folate, beta-carotene and calcium. As an added bonus they are high in fiber, low in calories and are a very filling addition to your diet.
There are many more foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients that you can add to your diet to help your body fight disease and increase your immune system. Remember you are what you eat and in order to have a healthy body and mind you must remain vigilant about what goes into your body.
© 2009, FIT FOR EVER. All rights reserved.
