They are disease-fighting, immune function-enhancing, mood-supporting and weight loss revving. No, we are not talking about supplements or weight loss pills. We are taking about whole, fresh plant foods with superpowers. That is right. Superfoods do not have to be elusive berries that you have to seek out in specialty food stores. Foods that can make a tremendous impact on your health can be found at your local grocery store.
Here is a list of the healthiest produce you should be eating right now, according to Cecelia Smith.
1. Olive Oil. The world's first Olympians circa 776 BC were rewarded jugs of olive oil for their athletic feats. And today's health experts consider regular intake of the “liquid gold” equally valuable. Regular intake of virgin olive oil a monounsaturated fat characteristic of the Mediterranean diet is associated with low incidence of cancer heart disease and other obesity related problems as well as a lower risk of stroke.
2. Lentils. Lentils are the nutritional all-stars, old school, yet hugely popular the world over. The pulse has been a part of the human diet for some 13,000 years. They are an inexpensive form of vegetarian protein and fiber touted by health experts for its ability to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, promote fat metabolism, and dampen appetite.
3. Walnuts. The genus name for walnuts comes from the Roman phrase Jupiter glans or “Jupiter's acorn,” which shows you just how godly the Romans believed the nut to be. And still today, the meaty walnut is highly regarded for its nutritional awesomeness. In fact, a new scientific study suggests a handful of walnuts contains almost two times as many disease fighting antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other nut. As one of the best dietary sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts have proven particularly good for the heart.
4. Watercress. Recently crowned superfood number one, watercress may be king of the produce aisle as a nutrient powerhouse. A study report published by the Centers for Disease Control that ranked 47 fruits and vegetables by amounts of 17 disease fighting nutrients positioned watercress at number one. Kale did not even make the top 10. Gram for gram, this mild tasting and flowery looking green contains four times more beta carotene than an apple, and a whopping 238 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin K per 100 grams.
5. Apples with the Skin on. While traditional advice for saving the skin was based mainly on its fiber content (an average apple provides 4.5 grams), the health benefits do not stop there. There is a growing body of research to suggest its polyphenols in the peel - non-digestible compounds capable of doing everything from promoting the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut that aid weight loss to reducing cholesterol that responsible for the apple's doctor defense. In fact, one study showed 75 grams of apple (the equivalent of two medium sized apples) reduced “bad” cholesterol levels by 23 percent.
6. Tomatoes. Of all the non-starchy vegetables, American eat more tomatoes and tomato products than any other “vegetable.” Researchers say, because tomatoes are particularly rich in lycopene, an antioxidant, they are one the healthiest produce you can buy. A tomato-rich diet may help protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer by increasing levels of adiponectin, a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar and fat levels. Research suggest organic tomatoes may have higher levels of disease fighting polyphenols and vitamin C than conventionally grown varieties.
If you have any questions regarding a healthier lifestyle contact me at (719) 429-1605, healthandwellness@qwestoffice.net, www.sandiashlock.juiceplus.com.