healthy and delicious superfoods
Are you looking for some healthy foods to include in your diet? Try incorporating some of these delicious superfoods to your meals and you are sure to see the health benefits.
Apples
Apples contain dietary fibre, they satisfy hunger and can lower cholesterol. Apples contain Vitamin C which is a powerful natural antioxidant and assists in boosting the body's immune system. They also contain Vitamin B complex which is key in maintaining red blood cells and helps to keep the nervous system in good check.
Berries
Blueberries are a very tasty low-calorie snack, rich in antioxidants, the contain vitamin C, B, E and A. They have antibacterial properties which help to boost the immune system and prevent infections. Zinc and iron promote immunity and it has been known that blueberries assist in the prevention of urinary tract infections. They also promote healthy skin, leaving you with a beautifully glowing complexion.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain Vitamin A, C, E, potassium and other mineral salts. They are juicy and delicious and are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Tomatoes have been said to help avoid different types of cancer including prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Green veggies
(picture by puamelia on Flickr)Broccoli contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K, calcium, a high amount of potassium, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system and promotes regular muscle growth. Along with a high amount of potassium, Broccoli also contains magnesium that helps regulate blood pressure.
Beans
(picture by Trevis Rothwell on Flickr)Red kidney beans for example contain Vitamin B1, soluble fibre, iron and potassium. They can help lower cholesterol levels, improve blood glucose control for diabetics, reduce risk of many cancers, lower blood pressure and helps assist in many bowel problems such as constipation.
Nuts
Almonds are calcium-rich and are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre, and are associated with a number of health benefits. They contain vitamin E which helps improve appearance and condition of your skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin cells.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains a source of potassium, protein, zinc, Vitamin B5, B12 which maintains red blood cells and helps to keep your nervous system functioning correctly. Calcium in yoghurt may help to prevent osteoporosis. Consuming fat-free or low-fat yoghurt can help lower the risk of high blood pressure. The live bacteria (probiotics) in some yoghurt help tummy troubles by easing digestion and preventing constipation and diarrhoea. Ladies listen up - according to the WebMD website, yoghurt can also prevent vaginal infections such as yeast infections and despite its sugar content, it won’t interfere with your Hollywood smile!
Whole grains
Consuming whole grains as part of a healthy diet may reduce the risk of heart disease. Eating foods that contain lots of fibre, like whole grains, may reduce constipation and could also help with weight management.
Fish
Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are a good source of vitamin D, protein, some B vitamins and selenium. It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat good for our health. It is said to help fight against cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer and dementia.
Dark chocolate
Who said healthy eating had to be boring? Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots. It increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart and can help improve brain function. Eating dark chocolate will release endorphins that make you feel happier. It contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health; potassium, copper, magnesium, iron. The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular illnesses. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anaemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Green tea
Some people see green tea as their holy grail when on a diet or wanting to eat more healthily. It can help to speed up the metabolic rate because its antioxidant effect helps the liver to function more efficiently meaning that it can burn fat. Green tea keeps energy stable by balancing out blood sugar levels and some studies have found that green tea is helpful in preventing dental cavities, stress, chronic fatigue and skin conditions.
Adding these foods into your diet are sure to keep you feeling and looking great!
By Natasha Akpan - www.femalefirst.co.uk
Tagged in Health food Diet Healthy eating Healthy Food