Super foods for the Super Human.
Bite This: Popeye only become strong after he ate spinach. Superman, Batman, Iron Man, and even Robin don't have an ounce of fat on their bodies. What do you suppose they eat?
There are super heroes and then there are super foods. Just like super heroes go above and beyond other humans, these foods surpass all other foods. The quality of nutrition that super foods provides is exponentially better than other foods for fewer amount of calories. So what makes these foods super?
1. Quinoa - Ah, yes, quinoa. It's a whole grain grown primarily for its edible seeds. It contains essential amino acids making it high in protein and contains an abundance of fiber, magnesium and iron.
2. Blueberries - love them. Blueberries contain antioxidants including anthocyanins. Blueberries are also high in fiber and studies have shown that increased blueberry consumption may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may even help with memory and decreasing symptoms of depression.
3. Salmon - this fatty fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. I have mentioned the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids a number of times on this blog. Basically omega-3's are essential fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and may have the potential for reducing heart disease, lowering the risk for certain cancers, and improving memory, and many other benefits for chronic diseases. Research also shows omega-3's to be vital for cognitive and eye development in the fetus during pregnancy.
4. Broccoli - broccoli was actually not found in nature years ago. It is basically a child from breeding kale over and over again. But broccoli is a super food. Broccoli is the first "green leafy vegetable" that everyone thinks of when they are told to eat more of those. It is high in many nutrients and also has potential for reducing heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. There is some research suggesting that broccoli can repair damaged DNA (mostly from smoking).
5.Cacao (aka cocoa) - my personal favorite (although, it doesn't necessarily pertain to the form in which I eat cocoa). You've heard that dark chocolate is actually good for you, haven't you? That's because one of the main ingredients (not sugar) is packed with flavanoids and antioxidants. Research has suggested that it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce risk for heart disease. Again, moderation. And choose wisely - that is anything over 80% dark.
There you have it. Super foods for the Super Humans. You may feel like one after eating these foods.
Sound bite: Eat at least one of these super foods daily this week to become super human.
There are super heroes and then there are super foods. Just like super heroes go above and beyond other humans, these foods surpass all other foods. The quality of nutrition that super foods provides is exponentially better than other foods for fewer amount of calories. So what makes these foods super?
1. Quinoa - Ah, yes, quinoa. It's a whole grain grown primarily for its edible seeds. It contains essential amino acids making it high in protein and contains an abundance of fiber, magnesium and iron.
2. Blueberries - love them. Blueberries contain antioxidants including anthocyanins. Blueberries are also high in fiber and studies have shown that increased blueberry consumption may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may even help with memory and decreasing symptoms of depression.
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3. Salmon - this fatty fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. I have mentioned the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids a number of times on this blog. Basically omega-3's are essential fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and may have the potential for reducing heart disease, lowering the risk for certain cancers, and improving memory, and many other benefits for chronic diseases. Research also shows omega-3's to be vital for cognitive and eye development in the fetus during pregnancy.
4. Broccoli - broccoli was actually not found in nature years ago. It is basically a child from breeding kale over and over again. But broccoli is a super food. Broccoli is the first "green leafy vegetable" that everyone thinks of when they are told to eat more of those. It is high in many nutrients and also has potential for reducing heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. There is some research suggesting that broccoli can repair damaged DNA (mostly from smoking).
5.Cacao (aka cocoa) - my personal favorite (although, it doesn't necessarily pertain to the form in which I eat cocoa). You've heard that dark chocolate is actually good for you, haven't you? That's because one of the main ingredients (not sugar) is packed with flavanoids and antioxidants. Research has suggested that it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce risk for heart disease. Again, moderation. And choose wisely - that is anything over 80% dark.
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There you have it. Super foods for the Super Humans. You may feel like one after eating these foods.
Sound bite: Eat at least one of these super foods daily this week to become super human.
Naturally I jumped to my favorite part of this list. So is 60% cacao not considered dark chocolate that is beneficial? I don't think I have ever seen over 80%...where would you find that?
ReplyDeleteI suppose 60% is okay... :) Oh, they have all kinds of chocolate bars now at Walgreens and CVS and the grocery store that have over 80%, I will bring you one to book club. :)
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