Seven Superfoods for Good Health

Staying healthy is simpler than you might think, and also tastes great. Minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients come in all flavors and forms. Most vegetables, fruits, and meat contribute healthful combinations of wholesome fuel for the body, but some foods are considered superfoods. Superfoods are those foods that offer substantially higher nutritional value than other foods. Among fruits and vegetables, the following seven, are the most nutritious superfoods on the planet.

Fruit

1. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is considered a superfood for numerous reason. It is high in enzymes that increase metabolism and burn fat. This fruit also has salicylic acid, which not only acts as a potent antiseptic, but also prevents inorganic calcium from amassing in joint cartilage, which leads to arthritis. The carotenoid pigment, creates the red color in grapefruit, as well as, actively destroys cancer-causing free radicals. Pectin is a dietary fiber also contained in grapefruit. Pectin fosters healthy digestion and enhances skin. Other vital elements included in this fruit are iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, folic acid, and B vitamins.

2. Coconut

One average-size coconut will supply all of the daily required essential vitamins and minerals for a person of average size. Coconuts contain lauric acid, a valuable saturated fatty acid, which raises good cholesterol levels in the blood, hindering atherosclerosis, or vessel blockage. Coconut juice is composed of electrolytes, simple sugar, minerals, healthful enzymes, and bioactive compounds which enhance digestion and metabolism. The fruit contains cytokinins, which has been shown to be valuable for anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thromboitic procedures. This fruit is a great supplier of B-complex vitamins, and potassium, that the body needs to replenish daily.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries contain exceptionally high levels of extremely healthful antioxidant phytonutrients. Research indicates that phytonutrients are crucial for efficient cell communication, prohibit cell mutations, and inhibit the propagation of cancer cells. The phytonutrients in blueberries provide as much antioxidant protection as other foods rich in vitamin E and C. Blueberries are low in calories, and reduce hunger pangs. One to two cups of blueberries daily will provide you with the full health advantages of this superfood.

4. Avocados

Avocados are packed full of nutrients, high in fiber, and have the highest content of folate, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium of all fruits. This fruit is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, which studies indicate, contribute to both substantial reductions in bad cholesterol and significant increases in good cholesterol. Avocados contain large amounts of magnesium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. They are low in sugar while having a greater percentage of protein than other fruits.

Vegetables

5. Sweet Potatoes

A sweet potato has more than seven times the amount of vitamin A needed daily, which enhances vision, bolsters the immune system, and promotes beautiful skin. Vitamin C, potassium, and calcium are also included with the healthful benefits of this vegetable. Sweet potatoes are also an outstanding source of fiber.

6. Broccoli

Broccoli, a member of the cruciferous, or cabbage, vegetable family lowers the risk of cancer. One-half cup of broccoli a day, significantly lowers the chances of getting lung, colon, stomach, or rectum cancer. Broccoli has the highest inverse link to colon cancer, particularly with smokers, under the age of 65. The phytochemicals, sulforaphane, and indoles combined in broccoli, work at many different levels to combat cancer, including:

• Raising enzyme levels that help purge the body of carcinogens

• Eradicating abnormal cells

• Restricting cell oxidation which triggers numerous chronic diseases

• Inhibiting the propagation of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer

Broccoli also reduces the development of cataracts, enhances the immune system, promotes blood circulation, and builds bones. A medium broccoli stalk contains a full day’s supply of vitamin K, and more than double the daily requirement of vitamin C.

7. Spinach

Many people consider spinach the greatest of all superfoods. One cup of this vegetable supplies triple the daily requirements of vitamin A and E. Vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium, essential for bone health, are highly concentrated in boiled or steamed servings. Spinach has been shown to lower the risk of many kinds of cancer. Spinach is loaded with antioxidants that thwart the effects of free radicals, including kaempferol, which precludes the formation of cancer cells. Another antioxidant found in spinach prevents the reproduction of cancerous cells in the prostate. Spinach is packed with dietary fiber that benefits the digestive system by cleansing waste from the intestines and digestive tracts.

Staying healthy is simpler than you might think, and also tastes great. You don’t have to be rich to indulge in good health.