The term 'super foods' is becoming increasingly popular, particularly as Americans are realizing they need to focus more on their nutrition and health. These particular foods which will be discussed in this article fall under this term umbrella, due to their amazing benefits.
These foods are superior to all others when it comes to the nutritional value that they posses. The first one that you want to take advantage of is apples.
There are over seventy five hundred varieties of apple are grown throughout the world. They are packed full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, for healthy skin and gums.
Just one apple provides a quarter of your daily requirement of vitamin C. They also contain a form of soluble fiber called pectin, which helps to lower your cholesterol levels, and keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
It also has a surprisingly low glycaemic index. Foods with this are digested more slowly.
Once they are finally broken down in the intestine, they are gradually absorbed into the bloodstreams as glucose, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. They may help with weight control, as well as improving diabetics' long-term control of blood sugar levels.
They also have help to whiten your teeth, and keep you feeling full. Not too bad for a fruit.
Next, baked beans also pack a powerful punch. They have a substantial amount of protein, fiber, iron, and calcium.
They also contain carbohydrates that, like that in apples, is of the low GI variety. The tomato sauce covering baked beans is also a good source of lycopene, another powerful antioxidant shown to help prevent heart disease, prostate cancer, and high blood pressure.
The insoluble fiber in this food is not digested, but moves into the large intestine, or colon, where bacteria act on it and produce short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are thought to nourish the colon lining and protect it from invaders which can cause cancer.
Next, you need to include more broccoli in your diet, though it may not be your favorite food. Just two florets, eaten either raw or lightly cook, can count as a portion of vegetables.
Not only does broccoli contain antioxidants including vitamin C but also it is a particularly good source of folate. Increasing your intake of folic acid is thought to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease.
Broccoli also contains an antioxidant called lutein that can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration. This affects up to ten per cent of people over the age of sixty, and is a major cause of impaired vision and blindness.
Something else you might want to try to eat more of is healthy olive oil. It is a monosaturated fat, and being such, is good for the heart.
It tends to lower bad cholesterol levels, and increases the good levels in your body. It is also rich in antioxidants, and helps to aid many people in their dietary goals.
There are a lot of calories, so you don't need to eat much. Including a little bit of it in the cooking of your meal is a good idea.
Olive oil also stores for a quite a while when sealed, so keeping some in a food storage is a very good idea. It is always good to be prepared.
If you want a delicious dessert option, try yogurt. Yogurt is an easily absorbed source of calcium.
It is also a useful milk substitute for people who cannot digest large amounts of lactose. It has long been credited with a range of therapeutic benefits, many of which involve the health of the large intestine, and the relief of gastrointestinal upsets.
Last but not least, try out some delicious bananas. If you have heard that they are at all fattening, it is a myth.
They are slightly higher in energy than other fruits but the calories come mainly from carbohydrate, which you body needs for refueling before, during, or after exercise or sports. All types of fruit and vegetables contain plant chemicals or phytochemicals known as antioxidants.
These antioxidants protect cells in the body against damage from free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer. Bananas are also jam-packed with potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, and vitamin B6 for healthy skin and hair.
Try adopting some of these foods into your diet, and see if they improve your health. It is never too late to make a positive change in your diet.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has worked the past 21 years in the food storage industry. He suggests buyingfreeze dried food storage from a quality company so you know your food will last.
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