We were talking one day about what we eat on a daily basis and were trying to think of the things that we only eat sometimes, but have an amazing ability to do something for your body that you may have never known did. Sure we all know, “An Apple a Day is Supposed to Keep the Doctor Away”, but beyond that, what could we fill our plates with that would enrich the nutrients we get in a different way?
We’ve come up with a list of ten foods to either remind you of, that have a potential beyond what we knew existed. (We may do another blog segment on other superfoods we heart soon!). Remember, when you eat healthy, your body, skin, and well-being is already put a better state of mind!
1.) Beets: Some say, “ugh”, we say, pass the olio!
-Beets are a rich source of vitamin C, (great for fighting the common cold and other diseases).
-Beets are a rich source of betaine, “Betaine’s purpose is to lessen your body’s concentration of homocysteine, a substance which is hurtful to your blood vessels in the sense that it can contribute to peripheral vascular disease, stroke and heart disease. Moreover, there is decent, scientific data to indicate that betaine is also beneficial for the purpose of shielding you against liver disease. ” (Source A)
-Beetroot juice is also know to reduce high blood pressure. So this could be a way for people who already have high blood pressure to reduce it!
-They are also a great source of folate, (essential vitamin in creating new cells), manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. “Other nutrients present in red beets include calcium, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin A, magnesium, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, phosphorus, zinc, copper and selenium. They also provide small amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids”. (Source B)
Ideas for eating these babies:
- Toss with tsp of olive oil, grapefruit, & chickpeas (Add a dash of salt and pepper for extra flavor)
-Serve on a toasted baguette rubbed with olive oil and garlic with a dab of goat cheese
-Eat on an arugula salad with carrots and raisins
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49
2.) Seaweed: Pass the sushi and sea salt!
When we found the value of seaweed, we were blown away. It has ten more times calcium as milk and eight times as much as beef! ” The chemical composition of seaweeds is so close to human blood plasma, that perhaps their greatest benefit is regulating and purifying our blood system. They help to alkalize our blood, neutralizing the over-acid effects of our modern diet and protect us from a wide array of toxic elements in the environment, including heavy metals, pollutants and radiation by-products converting them to harmless salts that the body can eliminate,” (Source C).
-Another amazing thing about this creature of the sea? By not only eating, but bathing in it, it helps reduce cellulite and will stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Ways to use it, eat it:
-If you’ve ever smelled dried seaweed away from the ocean, you know that the smell can be more than pungent. However, when by the sea, grab some and use it in a bath!
-Grab some Nori and make sushi rolls
-There are also other flavors great for uses in sandwiches, soups, and with veggies
3.) “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts”:
-Coconuts are not only easily recognized by the body as the molecular structure is the same as human blood plasma, but it is one of the highest sources of electrolytes found in nature! (Source D)
Ways to have it:
Grab a straw and drink it right out of a young one!
(To see some other powerful fruits, look at source D).
4.) Add Garlic to Your Daily Routine:
-”The big news on garlic isn’t its ability to flavor a dish, but rather its considerable role as a health promoter. Indeed, recent findings on the power of garlic to fight cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, give garlic the bona tides to elevate it to SuperFood status. …. Indeed, throughout the history of civilization, the medicinal properties of garlic have been prized, and it’s been used to treat ailments, including atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, cerebral aging, arthritis, and cataract formation. ..In addition to allicin, a single clove of garlic offers a stew of compounds with potential health benefits, including saponins, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, polyphenols, and arginine. In addition to these compounds, garlic is a good source of vitamin B6 and also of vitamin C. As with most whole foods, garlic’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities are probably due to the sum of the whole rather than a single agent. ,” (Source E).
How to use it:
-Saute it in olive oil and then add fresh veggies for a great side dish
-Roast it in your oven, remove shell, and then add in a food processor with artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, and throw over whole wheat pasta
-Let’s be real, it really tastes pretty delicious paired with a variety of things and on any Italian dish, so the options are really endless!
5.) Spinach: No wonder Olive Oil loves Popeye!
-”This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.” (Source F).
Ways to have it:
-Throw it in a salad and eat up!
6.) I love you Honey!
Honey isn’t just for tea. “You’ve probably relied on honey in the past to soothe an aching throat, but did you know it has been used to treat wounds and gastrointestinal problems? Honey acts as an antioxidant, a substance that can prevent the effects of free radicals, which we’re exposed to from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke or radiation and which can contribute to disease. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, which increase the number of good bacteria in the colon. The color of honey is relevant: the darker the honey the more antioxidants it contains.” (Source G)
How to have it:
-By the teaspoon is fine by us!
-Added as sweetener for tea
-Over cereal and granola
7.) I’m Sweet for You Potato!
“Whether orange or white, sweet potatoes contain phytonutrients that promote heart and eye health and boost immunity. They’re flush with beta-carotene (thought to lower breast cancer risk) and vitamin A (which may reduce the effects of smoking)” (Source H)
8.) Spiral Yourself into tip top health with Spirulina!
WEAR LUCK Health Goal Tank
http://wearluck.com/health-shop/
Source B: http://www.livestrong.com/article/440057-the-nutrition-value-of-red-beets/
Source C: http://www.foodmatters.tv/Health_Resources/Seaweed_Superfoods
Source D: http://www.foodmatters.tv/Health_Resources/Super_Fruits_and_Nuts
Source E: http://www.superfoodsrx.com/superfoods/garlic/
Source F: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2626/2#ixzz1pC8TUxmM
Source G, (Slide 3): http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/super-foods-44030408#ixzz1pC8zIxAJ
Source H: http://www.oprah.com/food/Superfoods-Ingredients-and-Recipes-for-a-Healthy-Diet/5#ixzz1pCFA5BWD
Source I: http://www.oprah.com/food/Affordable-Superfoods-Acai-Goji-Pomegranate-and-Spirulina/4#ixzz1pCADyxCO
Source J: http://www.oprah.com/food/Superfoods-Ingredients-and-Recipes-for-a-Healthy-Diet/2
Source K: http://www.oprah.com/food/Superfoods-Ingredients-and-Recipes-for-a-Healthy-Diet/4#ixzz1pCBQa0P0
For more articles on Superfoods go to:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/superfoods-everyone-needs
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/New_American_Diet_Superfoods/index.php
Well snacks nuts are alywas good and good for you. They are loaded with protein(if not salted to much.) For dinners you could alywas make chicken wraps they are good for you and taste good. What you need is chicken breast, flour tortilla, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, cheese, and a can of black beans.Chop the chicken into little cubes and fry in olive oil, while your doing that chop up all your veggies. Throw the garlic in with the chicken and then drain and add the beans. When the chicken is done add in all the veggies and then add all the ingredients into the tortilla and add cheese wrap and eat.