Ever get tired of taking so much medicine? It seems like today there is a pill out there for everything from medical issues to nutritional supplements. Ever wonder if there is a natural alternative to all these pills? Superfoods just might be the answer you’re looking for. Superfoods are foods packed with vitamins, nutrients, and other natural enzymes that can help improve your health and even help reduce the risk of certain diseases, while containing low calorie and fat counts.
While some superfoods are not easily found in every marketplace, some are common staples in most kitchens around the globe. Most superfoods can also be added seamlessly into any dish or meal.
Take blueberries for example, these possess great anti-inflammatory properties and can lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Blueberries make great sauces, jams, snacks and add a ton of flavor to almost any desert.
Salmon is another great example of an easy to find superfood. Salmon is very high in Omega 3’s which can help with memory loss and arthritis. If salmon is not easily available in your area herring, sardines and mackerel are great substitutes. These fish make a great entrée for any meal when grilled, baked or sautéed, but try to avoid deep frying or breading.
Both coconut oil and olive oil contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Coconut oil can also boost thyroid function, help control blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. Both olive oil and coconut oil are great for sautéing meats and vegetables. Coconut oils also make a great replacement for vegetable oil in most baked goods.
Sweet potatoes, especially purple sweet potatoes sometimes called imo, are rich in Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is used to help treat Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, headaches, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and schizophrenia. Sweet potatoes are great baked, roasted or mashed, but try to avoid adding large amounts of sugar, butter and fats.
Both avocado and pomegranate seeds help suppress and reduce joint inflammation. These are both great additions to salads. Avocados also make great dips and sauces. Pomegranate seeds make a great snack when covered in chocolate or can be added to deserts.
Dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids which can help reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants which can lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. When selecting dark chocolate keep in mind the darker the better. Look for chocolates that have the highest percentage of cocoa, these have a lower sugar and fat content.
Red wine is another great superfood that contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Don’t drink? Simply substitute wine for grape juice. Just make sure you drink 100% grape juice, not grape juice cocktail that contains much more sugar.
Be sure to check back next week for ideas for an enitre meal, including recipes, made almost entirely with superfoods!