SUPERFOODS
Superfoods are a class of the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Extremely tasty and satisfying, superfoods have the ability to tremendously increase the vital force and energy of one's body, and are the optimum choice for improving over-all health, boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, cleansing, and alkalizing the body, nourishing us at the deepest level possible. They are the true fuel of today's modern-day warriors gods and goddesses.
Imagine a superfood—not a drug—powerful enough to help you lower cholesterol, reduce your risk of ᅠheart diseaseᅠ and cancer, and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Did we mention that there are no side effects? You'd surely stock up on a lifetime supply. Guess what? These life-altering superfoods are available right now in your local supermarket.
Top Superfoods
Offering Super Health Protection
• Avocado
• Bananas
• Beans
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Coconut
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Oats
• Oranges
• Pumpkin
• Salmon
• Soy
• Spinach
• Tea (green or black)
• Tomatoes
• Turkey
• Walnuts
What’s So Super?
Our culture tends to “super-size” everything, especially food—often to the detriment of our health. But superfoods—foods that are considered nutrient dense—actually are super: they pack a strong nutritional punch and can give your health a jumpstart.
Go Green
While many foods provide a complex range of nutrients, supergreens are considered one of the best sources of nutrition available. The supermarket is full of greens—kale, chard, spinach, lettuce—but the term supergreen typically refers to a small group of greens from the algae and cereal grass families.
Algae are among the most primitive life forms on the planet. Micro-algae such as spirulina and chlorella have been shown to contain high levels of chlorophyll and protein. Cereal grasses are the young grasses of common grain plants. Wheatgrass and barley grass are cereal grasses that are high in chlorophyll and protein and a range of other nutrients.
Those who tout the benefits of supergreens are most often referring to spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, and barley grass. But you don’t have to be a health nut to reap the benefits of these nutritious foods.
Why Supergreens?
The research on supergreens is wide and varied. Some proponents make bold claims that supergreens are the magic bullet for health. Opponents say that supergreens provide no more benefit than your average supermarket spinach. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.
Supergreens are packed with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes that are easily absorbed by the body. They contain high levels of chlorophyll and antioxidants. Because of their highly concentrated nutrient profile, supergreens are believed to help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body, and promote healthy digestion.
Some studies have indicated that supergreens may help regulate cholesterol as well as reduce the symptoms of arthritis. The key ingredient of these health benefits appears to be the chlorophyll, which helps lower the pH balance of the body, thereby making the body more alkaline and reducing the acidity that is associated with health problems such as arthritis.
The antioxidants in supergreens are a line of defense against free radicals, which contribute to disease and aging. The enzymes offered by the supergreens appear to aid digestion.
Down the Hatch
But who wants to eat algae and grass? Though nutritional powerhouses, the idea of downing these greens is unappetizing for many new to the idea. The good news is that adding these foods to your diet is actually quite easy; and because they’re so nutritionally dense, a little bit goes a long way.
Many people drink a 1-ounce shot of fresh wheatgrass juice, typically available at local juice bars. For those who don’t like the strong taste of green juice, there are other options.
Algae and cereal grasses are available in powdered and tablet form, and in fact they are often sold as a combination of many different supergreens. The green powder can be stirred into water, juice, or even a smoothie. Be sure to carefully check labels on these products to ensure that they contain the supergreens you’re looking for and do not include any extra ingredients and fillers that may not provide any health benefits.
Supergreens are whole foods, but they are most often consumed as a supplement to a balanced diet. Supergreens may not be a magic bullet, but they can be beneficial by providing missing nutrients.
THE BEAUTIFUL BANANA
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.
DEPRESSION
People suffering from depression felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, & generally make you feel happier
PMS
Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
ANEMIA
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
BLOOD PRESSURE
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
BRAIN POWER
200 students were helped through their exams by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning.
CONSTIPATION
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
HEARTBURN
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
MORNING SICKNESS
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
MOSQUITO BITES
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
HANGOVERS
A way of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates.
NERVES
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. To avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carb foods every two hours.
ULCERS
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it hasᅠ FOUR TIMES ᅠthe protein,ᅠ TWICEᅠ the carbohydrate,ᅠ THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.
Maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase to, “A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!”
Whole grains 4-8 servings
Legumes 1-2 servings
Limit intake of red meat & butter
Low fat dairy, and soy milk
Water 5-8 glasses
Vegetables 3-8 servings
Limit high glycemic foods
Vitamins for most
Eggs, fish, poultry & plant proteins
Nuts & Seeds 1-2 servings
Plant oils 2-4 servings
Fruits 3-4 servings
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