Super Foods!
What Are Super Foods?
There’s no official scientific definition of a super food, but it’s generally accepted that super foods contain high levels of much-needed vitamins and minerals. They can also be a source of antioxidants, substances that shield our bodies from cell damage and help prevent disease.
List of Super Foods:
- Cherries
- One cup of sweet cherries packs roughly the same amount of potassium as a small banana. A diet that includes natural sources of potassium is important for controlling blood pressure, as potassium lessens the effects of sodium. Go ripe when it comes to cherries – the darker the cherries, the more antioxidants they provide.
- Zucchini
- You can add grated zucchini to cookies and bread for added moisture, or add chopped zucchini to a soup or sti-fry dish. Zucchini provides vitamin C, A and B6, potassium, and folate. Many of the beneficial antioxidants found in zucchini are more readily absorbed in the body when the vegetable has been cooked.
- Watermelon
- It’s incredibly hydrating, since it contains up to 95 percent water. Watermelon packs a nutritional punch it provides vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. It’s also low in calories: 1 cup of cubed watermelon contains just 46 calories.
- Grapes
- Grapes are a super food for the heart. Grapes may contribute to a healthy heart by improving vascular function and inhibiting the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol. One serving of grapes (3/4 cup) contains just 90 calories and has no fat, no cholesterol and virtually no sodium. Grapes are an excellent source of vitamin K, which play a key role in helping blood to clot.
- Berries
- Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, are an excellent source of Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants for good health. Research has show berries to have immune-boosting properties, and studies have linked them with good vision and brain development. Berries in general contain 40 to 60 calories per 1 cup serving.
- Bell Peppers
- While all bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, potassium and other important nutrients, red bell peppers are especially high in vitamin A. Bell peppers may also help with weight management, since they are low in calories (1 cup chopped provides just 30 to 45 calories) and can be used instead of chip for dipping or as an addition to almost any dish.
- Broccoli
- This is a well known super food, full of vitamin C, K, A, folate, fiber, B6, B2, and many other vitamins. Broccoli is also one of those foods that detox the body.
Sources:
Category: Nutrition, Research and Statistics