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4 Nutrition-Packed Foods to Eat All the Time
by Serena Smith-Williams
4 'superfoods' to always consider
Although there is no clear, accepted definition of a ‘superfood,’ this term is often used to describe a whole, unprocessed food that is jam packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and additional essential goodness our bodies need to stay healthy. Superfoods are believed to protect you from illnesses from cardiovascular disease to cancer. Adding superfoods into your diet is, therefore, associated with less illness and a prolonged life.
1. Lemons
Did you know you can naturally and easily detox with warm lemon water on a regular basis? Just add a slice of lemon or a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to a glass of warm water and voila, you’ve got your very own detox drink! You can even add lemons to a glass of cold water if you want to – this tastes great on any day, especially on a hot, summer day! Lemons are packed with vitamin C, a powerful immune-booster and one of many antioxidants which help reverse the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals can play a role in the development of cancer, heart disease, and conditions like arthritis. Lemons also improve your digestion and aid in weight loss. This is definitely one food you want to utilize every day.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that sweet potatoes can be a better choice over white potatoes? The Department of Human Nutrition at Ohio State University confirms that sweet potatoes are at the top of the list when it comes to supplying vitamin A! Vitamin A helps to keep your immune function, vision, and reproduction system functioning at their optimal levels. Sweet potatoes also contain fiber. Diets high in fiber have been associated with a decreased risk of developing obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, diverticulitis, and constipation.
3. Pumpkin
Believe it or not, pumpkins belong in the same family as squash. And beta-carotene is what gives pumpkins their bright orange coloring. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, beta carotene is used to prevent certain cancers and heart disease. It’s also used to treat Alzheimer’s, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders including psoriasis and vitiligo.
Additionally, pumpkins supply us with almost double our recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
4. Garlic
No, it’s not the most breath friendly food, but this popular food item provides many health benefits. Garlic’s most powerful component is called allicin, a compound which gives garlic it’s rich scent. Garlic has been used traditionally in the field of medicine for thousands of years to lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, treat infections, and more. The health benefits of garlic are truly astounding.
One European study compared garlic to a commercial lipid-lowering drug and found them to be equally effective. Because garlic also has antimicrobial properties, it has been used as a topical and dietary treatment of infections ranging from diarrhea and vaginitis to colds and warts.
by Serena Smith-Williams
4 'superfoods' to always consider
Although there is no clear, accepted definition of a ‘superfood,’ this term is often used to describe a whole, unprocessed food that is jam packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and additional essential goodness our bodies need to stay healthy. Superfoods are believed to protect you from illnesses from cardiovascular disease to cancer. Adding superfoods into your diet is, therefore, associated with less illness and a prolonged life.
1. Lemons
Did you know you can naturally and easily detox with warm lemon water on a regular basis? Just add a slice of lemon or a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to a glass of warm water and voila, you’ve got your very own detox drink! You can even add lemons to a glass of cold water if you want to – this tastes great on any day, especially on a hot, summer day! Lemons are packed with vitamin C, a powerful immune-booster and one of many antioxidants which help reverse the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals can play a role in the development of cancer, heart disease, and conditions like arthritis. Lemons also improve your digestion and aid in weight loss. This is definitely one food you want to utilize every day.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Did you know that sweet potatoes can be a better choice over white potatoes? The Department of Human Nutrition at Ohio State University confirms that sweet potatoes are at the top of the list when it comes to supplying vitamin A! Vitamin A helps to keep your immune function, vision, and reproduction system functioning at their optimal levels. Sweet potatoes also contain fiber. Diets high in fiber have been associated with a decreased risk of developing obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, diverticulitis, and constipation.
3. Pumpkin
Believe it or not, pumpkins belong in the same family as squash. And beta-carotene is what gives pumpkins their bright orange coloring. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, beta carotene is used to prevent certain cancers and heart disease. It’s also used to treat Alzheimer’s, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders including psoriasis and vitiligo.
Additionally, pumpkins supply us with almost double our recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
4. Garlic
No, it’s not the most breath friendly food, but this popular food item provides many health benefits. Garlic’s most powerful component is called allicin, a compound which gives garlic it’s rich scent. Garlic has been used traditionally in the field of medicine for thousands of years to lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, treat infections, and more. The health benefits of garlic are truly astounding.
One European study compared garlic to a commercial lipid-lowering drug and found them to be equally effective. Because garlic also has antimicrobial properties, it has been used as a topical and dietary treatment of infections ranging from diarrhea and vaginitis to colds and warts.