Super Foods

Food is the best medicine and you are what you eat. All of us are familiar with these sayings, but have you stopped to consider how true they are? Eating the right food can affect not only how you look, but also how you feel; both now and in the future.

These are not fad foods, or ones that are difficult to find. These are nutrient-rich foods that are readily available in any grocery store.

Greens: Greens are at the very top of the super food list, and beneficial to health for a vast number of reasons. They are low in calories, but nutrient-dense. They are also a great source of fiber.

Beans: Beans and legumes are truly a nutritional powerhouse. They are very high in fiber, protein, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and a host of other nutrients. Regular consumption of beans has been shown reduce risk for both diabetes and cancer. There is also research showing that those who eat beans weigh less than those who dont.

Nuts: Nuts are not a low calorie snack, but they are extremely nutrient rich. They are full of monounsaturated fats, which decrease the risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The key is to enjoy them in moderation, and be sure to choose unsalted nuts.

Berries: Blueberries come in at the very top of this list. They are packed with antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, potassium, and even vitamin C. Blueberries can lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and they also help to reduce inflammation. The other good news is that frozen berries are just as good as fresh.

Wild salmon: Salmon is a powerhouse food. It is high in protein, and one of the very best natural sources for omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3s can lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation, and improve brain health. The monounsaturated fats in wild salmon can also help to lower cholesterol.

Tea: All tea, but particularly green tea and oolong tea are full of powerful antioxidants. Regular tea consumption is linked with lower cholesterol levels, lower risk of cancer, and lower risk of obesity.

Yogurt: Yogurt is one of the oldest known foods in existence, and there is a reason for it. Low-fat or nonfat yogurt is one of the best natural sources for probiotics. These probiotics support digestive health, and can help to stimulate the immune system. Yogurt is also a great source for both protein and calcium.

Avocado: Avocados are very nutrient dense, and ounce for ounce, one of the healthiest fruits around. They are packed with magnesium, potassium, folate, and vitamin E. They are also very high in the monounsaturated fat oleic acid, which has been shown to both lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

Dark chocolate: Rejoice chocolate lovers; its true that dark chocolate is good for you. Dark chocolate is rich in cell-protecting antioxidants, and studies continue to show that it is good for the cardiovascular system and heart health. Be sure to choose a dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao, and enjoy in moderation.