Do a search for ‘superfoods’ and at least 20 ‘Top 10’ lists will pop up. Opinions and advice about nutrition are never in short supply, but the key to optimal health is balance.
Kale: Eat your greens! If there’s only one superfood you add to your diet, green vegetables should be it. Kale fights free radicals, balances your body’s pH levels, improves muscle recovery, aids in digestion, lowers cholesterol, and protects you against cancer. Oh, and it also contains a boatload of vitamins, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Seriously; there’s nothing this superfood can’t do. Steam it, sauté, it, juice it, or blend it up with other fruits and veggies for a super smoothie.
Lentils: Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, folate, and iron. Regular consumption of lentils helps build muscle, burn fat and regulate digestion. Add lentils to a salad or use them as an accompanying side dish with your favorite entrée.
Wild Caught Salmon: Healthy fats are an important part of any well balanced diet. Look for heart healthy protein sources such as wild caught salmon, which is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Regular consumption of salmon decreases inflammation in the body while supporting eye, heart, skin, and hair health. Grill, broil, or poach a fillet and pair it with your favorite green vegetables, helping your body assimilate as many nutrients as possible.
Quinoa: This ancient grain is a complete protein that provides all the essential amino acids needed to build muscle and rev up metabolism. Quinoa is also a great source of fiber, iron and calcium. This grain is used as an alternative to wheat or rice, and if you want to get really wild, substitute quinoa in place of oats for breakfast, which will leave you satisfied and energized all morning long.
Flax Seeds: Seeds in general are a great addition to any diet, and flax seeds are a nutritional powerhouse loaded with alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that reduces inflammation and helps to lower cholesterol. Flax is also a good source of protein, fiber, and body health minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Mix them in with fruit and yogurt, or toss some into the blender when you make your favorite smoothie.
(Visited 143 times, 1 visits today)