Super Foods

We've all heard of these foods that are super healthy for us and how we need to increase our consumption of them to reduce heart disease, reduce our risk of cancer and lower cholesterol. I was reading my recent copy of FITNESS magazine and they had an article on super foods as well as a calendar of recipes for the entire month of October.

I was pleasantly surprised that I am better now than I used to be about incorporating these foods into my diet. All except maybe broccoli. Not a fan. But I'm trying! If anyone has any yummy recipes for broccoli or recipes that include any of these super foods, email me and I'll share them with our bloggies.

Broccoli

Good for your bones and reducing risk of cancer

Microwave it to preserve up to 90% of broccoli's vitamin C (Steaming or boiling holds just 66% of nutrient).

Salmon

Source of Omega-3 fatty acids which help to reduce heart disease, cancer and depression. Also good for your brain and memory!

Dark Chocolate

Just one-fourth of an ounce daily can reduce blood pressure. Rich in antioxidants which reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

Potatoes

Red and sweet potatoes help in cancer fighting and are immune-boosting. Contain about same amount of folate as spinach or broccoli!
Let potato cool before eating. It helps you burn about 25% more fat after a meal due to a fat-resistant starch.

Walnuts

Contains the most omega-3 fatty acids of all nuts. Improves mood and fights cancer. Helps to regulate sleep, have a few for dessert!

Spinach

Contains lutein - good for your eyes, immune-boosting antioxidants. Most effective out of all cancer-fighting fruits and veggies.

Avocado

Rich in healthy fats, lowers cholesterol. Contains folate and fiber which helps reduce heart disease. Add it to your salad to increase absorption of key nutrients in other foods!

Garlic

Powerful disease fighter, can inhibit bacterial growth including E. coli.

Anti-inflammatory properties, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Don't expose garlic to high heat for more than 10 minutes or it will lose it's important nutrients.

Beans

Eating a serving of beans, peas or lentils 4 times a week can lower risk of heart disease by 22%. May also help to reduce risk of breast cancer.

The darker the bean, the more antioxidants (good stuff) it contains.

Click on the word calendar above and it will take you to the super food recipes for everyday of this month! It also has a link to print a calendar out if you wish. Now go out and buy some superfood! Or at least one, it's a good start. : )

~ Info courtesy of Fitness Magazine