Do you consume foods containing superpowers to improve your health? If not, you should be. Eleven of the top superfoods include avocado, pomegranate, berries, broccoli, seafood, garlic and onions, mushrooms, nuts and seeds, and dark, leafy greens.
Avocados offer heart-healthy poly- and monounsaturated fat and half an avocado provides a healthy dose of magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Exotic fruits such as pomegranate, acai berries, dragon fruit and mango also do your heart good while enhancing your brain health and fending off Alzheimer’s disease.
High-fiber, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage and maca help lower your risk of cancer and help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Seafood is full of protein and is rich in healthy fats — omega-3 fatty acids — and can also reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, alleviate depression and aid in infant development. Consuming at least two servings of fattier fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring is especially healthy.
Garlic and onions contribute to healthier blood pressure levels while nuts and seeds are a great source of “good” fat, fiber and protein. Mushrooms are still used in traditional Chinese medicine to cleanse the body and promote longevity. The antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms are well known, while mycotherapy — the use of mushrooms as medicine — is used as a complementary treatment for breast cancer.
Dark, leafy greens such as kale, arugula, collard greens, spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard are loaded with dietary fiber that helps decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.
Source: Everyday Health May 13, 2020