Superfood For Health

2008-07-12T12:39:00.001-07:00

What is a "superfood"? It is a whole food. And whole foods are foods that are unprocessed or are minimally processed in such a way that none of the nutritional characteristics have been intentionally modified. For example, canned foods are processed.

Not only have apples been proven to be potent weapons against cancer, heart disease, asthma, and type 2 diabetes but other fruits and vegetables have some remarkable health benefits as well. For instance, strawberries and raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid. One of the best cancer fighters Mother Nature ever created. When eating these fruits this compound enters the bloodstream to help vanquish cancer cells on contact.

Other "Superfoods" that can improve your health and even boost your immune system to a healthy level:

* Avocados are believed to help lower cholesterol and they are rich in magnesium (an essential nutrient for healthy bones)

* Beans such as pinto beans, black beans and lentils are another series of foods to lower cholesterol, combat heart disease, stabilize blood sugar, reduce obesity, relieve constipation and lessen the risk of cancer.

* Blueberries are a small but mighty nutritional force. They combine more powerful antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetables. Although they have many health benefits, the one thing they are known for most is the ability to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

* Broccoli is a great cancer fighter and very beneficial in many other ways as well.

* Dark chocolate is a real surprise to most as being a healthy food. It's a source of phytonutrients which act as an antioxidant that helps protect our DNA and inhibits the growth of unwanted blood vessels. Make sure you buy the right kind of dark chocolate, one that isn't as processed and has a high cacao content. I'll be writing a post about Healthy Chocolate soon.

* Garlic is a great food for fighting cancer.

* Honey is beneficial in maintaining optimal blood-sugar levels.

* Kiwi is an antioxidant all-star. It offers an unusual array of health-promoting substances. One very important thing it does is it promotes heart health by helping to lower triglycerides levels and reducing platelet hyperactivity.

Other superfoods that display health promoting properties are - oranges, pomegranates, pumpkins, wild salmon, soy, spinach, tea, tomatoes, turkey (skinless breast), walnuts, and low-fat or nonfat yogurt.

I'm not a doctor or nutrition authority, I have become very well-informed about nutrition and healthy eating habits in the last nine years. My Mother died of cancer at age 68, she never got to see her grandson. I made the decision I would feed my family real food as often as possible. We aren't perfect so I can't say I'm a total health nut, but I do the best I can.

Today, I'm cautious about the food we eat. I do a lot of research on the Internet, subscribe to several newsletters about alternative health issues.

I'll end by suggesting that you become more informed about you and your family's health. If your doctor practices conventional medicine and is prescribing prescription drugs, scrutinize his decisions. Have a serious talk with him about nutrition and preventative care. If you don't get the answers you want, get a second opinion, preferably from a naturopathic doctor. And always remember "you are what you eat".

We do try to eat right, but we aren't prefect and food isn't always perfect so we take a daily supplement for preventive and to detox.

Robin Plan markets a new class of Whole Food Multi Supplements with her home business. She's a stay at home mom and caretaker of many animals. Her website is Whole Food and More. Her blog Real Nutrition Supplements has been featured on major media sites like Fox.com and Rueters.com

Noni Berry

Superfood For Health