Much has been said about which foods are healthy for you but less is done to introduce those foods. This is a list of some of the most powerful, amazing, high nutrient, disease preventative foods that could improve and extend your life if consumed frequently. As a society, we are very focused on what is quick and easy but should be focusing more on what is healthy. Please like and share this valuable list of super foods with others in order to spread awareness of the high value and healthy benefits that follow from eating these healthy treats!
- Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is known to be a rich source of steroidal saponins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. It is thought to help reduce cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, control blood sugar levels, aid with digestion, help counter acid reflux or heartburn, help you lose weight, is a remedy for fever and sore throat, increases breast milk production in lactating women, induces and eases child birth, helps reduce menstrual discomfort, helps prevent colon cancer, helps soothe skin inflammation and reduces scars, helps treat skin problems, and can even help resolve hair problems.
- Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease, improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, raise HDL and protect LDL against oxidation, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, protect your skin against the sun, and improve brain function.
- Garlic:
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has potent medicinal properties. It is highly nutritious, but has very few calories. Garlic can combat sickness, including the common cold; the active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure; it improves cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease; it contains antioxidants that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; it may help you live longer; athletic performance can be improved with garlic supplementation; it can help detoxify heavy metals in the body, and may improve bone health.
- Salmon:
Salmon is a good source of vitamins, proteins and essential minerals. It is beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Eating salmon increases your cardiovascular health, and significantly decreases the risk of macular degeneration — a chronic eye condition that leads to loss of vision. Eating salmon while pregnant and nursing can boost learning capability and academic performance in children. Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D. Salmon also helps you sleep.
- Kale:
Of all the super healthy greens, kale is the king. It is definitely one of the healthiest and most nutritious plant foods in existence. Kale is loaded with all sorts of beneficial compounds… some of which have powerful medicinal properties. Here are 10 health benefits of kale which are supported by science; 1 – kale is loaded with powerful antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, 2 – it is an excellent source of vitamin c, 3 – it can help lower cholesterol, 4 – may reduce the risk of heart disease, 5 – it has one of the best sources of vitamin K, 6 – there are also numerous cancer-fighting substances in kale, 7 – it is very high in beta-carotene, 8 – it’s a good source of minerals, 9 – it is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, powerful nutrients that protect the eyes, and 10 – it can help you lose weight.
- Walnuts:
Walnuts help decrease LDL cholesterol; decrease total cholesterol; increase gamma-tocopherol; increase omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells (alpha-linolenic acid), decrease aortic endothelin; improve endothelial cell function, and help reduce not only the risk of prostate cancer, but breast cancer as well. Walnuts contain the amino acid L-arginine, which offers multiple vascular benefits to people with heart disease, or those who have increased risk for heart disease due to multiple cardiac risk factors. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. They can reduce risk of diabetes. They contain antioxidants that boost heart health. They can help you deal with stress.
- Spinach:
Popeye was definitely on to something! Spinach is a super food loaded with tons of nutrients in a low calorie package. Dark leafy greens like spinach are important for skin and hair, bone health, and they provide protein, iron, vitamins and minerals. Spinach helps prevent cancer and asthma. It can also help with lowering blood pressure. Spinach is also one of the best non-heme (plant-based) sources of iron, and is also high in vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production to keep hair moisturized.
- Lentils:
Lentils are a good source of potassium, calcium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K, and are particularly rich in dietary fiber, lean protein, folate and iron. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that eating plenty of nutrient-dense foods like lentils can lessen your risk of many serious medical problems. Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since they contains high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean. Insoluble dietary fiber found in lentils helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. They can also assist to stabilize blood sugar, increase energy, and help with weight loss.
- Brussels Sprouts:
Brussels sprouts are rich in many valuable nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K. They are a very good source of numerous nutrients including folate, manganese, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, choline, copper, vitamin B1, potassium, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids. Brussels sprouts may work better than broccoli to help lower your risk of cancer. Eat brussels sprouts for your heart health, and for improving bone health, managing diabetes, maintaining vision, and looking younger.
- Whole-Wheat Bread:
Whole grains can contain a lot of fiber, which can help with digestion, and can help to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, control weight, redistribute fat, make you feel full, help regulate blood sugar, deliver calcium, offer vitamin C, provide a good dose of B vitamins, deliver essential minerals, reduce asthma risk, may lower cancer risk, may protect your teeth and gums, and may help you live longer,
Veronica
NOTE: The information contained within this article reflects only the opinion of the author, and is in no way to be considered medical advice. Check with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits. Thank you – The staff of Human Diaries
