You know what they say... you are what you eat! Why not eat foods that will give you super powers?? (if only) Here is a list of 10 superfoods that can change your life and overall health!
1- Blueberries:
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Who doesn't enjoy blueberries? after all, many candies mimic it's flavor for a reason! They are delicious and are packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and other cancer fighting compounds. Some research has even suggested they can help improve memory!
2- Kale:
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Kale may be an "it food" at the moment, with its popularity in smoothies and salads across the world. All the hype is actually worth it being that kale provides more antioxidants than most fruits and veggies! Kale is a great source of fiber, calcium, and iron. I personally like to make kale chips at home. You take some kale and spread it across a baking sheet, put a little bit of olive oil, spices, and lemon juice over it and bake it in the oven for 10 mins and you have a great, delicious alternative to chips!
3- Green Tea:
(credit: eat this not that)
As many of you may know by reading my post on matcha green tea, I am a huge fan of this superfood. Not only is it delicious, but it makes me feel like I am super human (maybe food does give you super powers :P ) Green tea has been used for centuries in helping prevent everything from heart disease, to cancer. The secret to green tea? Antioxidants and "Epigallocatechin gallate" or EGCG for short. This is a "photochemical that slows irregular cell growth, which could potentially help prevent the growth of some cancer cells." The benefits of Matcha powder green tea are worth mentioning as well. Matcha helps speed up metabolism, burn more calories, good for your skin, and is loaded with powerful antioxidants!
4- Broccoli:
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Many of you may already know broccoli is a superfood that you were forced to eat as a child (at least I was), and I am glad I did! Broccoli is loaded with fiber, high amounts of vitamin C, and folate which can reduce risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke. After being forced to eat it as a child, I developed a taste for broccoli and even sometimes crave it! My favorite way to prepare broccoli is baked in the oven, or steamed with lemon juice and a little bit of salt.
5- Salmon:
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Salmon is probably my favorite type of fish to eat, and for good reason! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Did you know that omega-3 is also linked with reduction in depression? Studies have shown that cultures that eat foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression -WebMD- Salmon may also aid in protecting your skin from the sun and the ugly effects of UV rays. There are many ways to prepare salmon that will make you crave it! My favorite way is with bread crumbs and lemon, also with teriyaki sauce drizzled on top!
6- Watermelon:
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Watermelon was a surprising one to me. I never knew it was considered a superfood! I am glad it is because there is nothing better than cold watermelon on a hot summer day :) Some facts about watermelon: it is low in sugar and high in vitamins A and C. Watermelon may even reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease!
7- Eggs:
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Eggs have been consumed by people for centuries as they are inexpensive, and packed with protein and nutrients. A single large egg is about 70 calories and provides 6 grams of protein! Eggs are also a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids. Not to mention they are delicious and offer a wide variety of ways to prepare them! One of my favorite snacks at night are hard boiled eggs.
8- Ginger:
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This spicy root is one of my favorites on top of sushi, in tea, and when I have an upset stomach. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory remedy that really seems to work! It also adds great flavor.
9- Pumpkin:
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Hope this photo makes you chuckle :P Pumpkins should make you smile as they are a great superfood! The main nutrient in pumpkin is "beta-carotene, a provitamin that the body converts to vitamin A, which is known for its immune boosting powers and essential role in eye health." I personally love pumpkin and the pumpkin seeds! Around Halloween time, I love carving pumpkins and scooping out the seeds and baking them! Yummy! :)
10- Garlic:
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Garlic may not be a first date food, as it makes your breath wreak. But it is quite delicious on days where you have no plans on getting up close and personal with someone :P Garlic helps lower cholesterol levels due to the antioxidant properties of Allicin. It is also helpful in regulating blood pressure and and sugar levels! Garlic plays an essential role in adding flavor to foods and tastes great! (garlic bread anyone??)
So thats it for my list of 10 superfoods that you need in your life. Hope you all enjoyed! :)
Source: https://greatist.com/health/25-greatist-superfoods-and-why-theyre-super