What is the definition of a Super Food? Basically, super
foods are foods that contain unusually high levels of two
or more nutrients not found in mainstream foods. The ratio
between nutrients available and caloric count is unusually
high.
If you include any two of the food groups mentioned in this
article, you could live out your life in glowing good
health, at least nutritionally. There are many other foods
that could fit into this group, but according to the
world's great diets, such as the Mediterranean and Japanese
diets, to name just two, these foods are a common
denominator, consumed by the healthiest people worldwide
and are readily available.
The first food in this super group is definitely cold-water
seafood, specifically salmon, sardines and tuna. These
fishes are extremely rich in the fatty acids DHA and EPA
Omega 3, which for one thing is essential for optimal brain
health. The brain is about 60% fat. The membranes of
neurons, specialized brain cells that form the nucleus for
all thought and communication are composed of two layers of
fatty acid molecules. Fatty Omegas are used to build and
protect neurons, keeping the brain well lubed and running
at peak performance.
Also, fatty omegas have been shown to control the bad
cholesterols in the blood stream, aiding in cardiovascular
health. There are other numerous benefits, far too many to
list in an article.
The next group is Nuts, such as walnuts, peanuts,
macadamias and most other nuts. Nuts are loaded with Omega
fatty acids as well as phytonutrients, needed for cellular
health and metabolism. Just 5 small handfuls of nuts per
week, especially walnuts, have been shown to improve
cholesterol levels from 15% to over 40%. That beats most
drugs and it's safer too.
The Berry family, especially blueberries, are extremely
high in vitamins and antioxidants, antioxidants being
essential in controlling free radicals, nasty little
compounds that eventually destroy cell walls, contributing
to aging and a whole host of illnesses. Berries are also
high in water and low in calories, making them a great
choice for your waistline.
Whole Grains are definitely in the super food category.
You've probably heard the old adage that "Bread is the
staff of Life"? It's not hard to see why as whole grains
are excellent sources of B vitamins as well as E, folic
acid, magnesium, iron, fiber and antioxidants, even more so
than some fruits and vegetables. Whole wheat, brown rice,
wild rice and popcorn, yes popcorn, are good examples of
whole grains.
Legumes or Beans are nutritional powerhouses in every
sense. If you think about it, beans are seeds, containing
the genetic code and all of the chemicals and nutrients to
produce a plant. To start, beans are loaded with high
quality protein and amino acids with a low caloric count.
Toss in B vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium and most
other trace minerals and large amounts of fiber as well as
hundreds of phytonutrients and you may have the super food
A list with beans alone.
A quick note to vegans. Traditionally, the best sources of
Amino acids, full spectrum, along with Omega acids and
protein have been animal products. But if you combine a
grain, corn for instance along with a legume, peas for
example, you will get high quality proteins without the
cholesterol as well as the valuable Omegas and full range
of Antioxidants. To your health!
----------------------------------------------------
Get the complete health and wellness guide at
http://verve-prophets.com
No comments:
Post a Comment