In this age-sensitive and somewhat ageist times, aren’t we all looking for ways to keep ourselves looking and feeling young and youthful. Having said that is it ohh so difficult to sift through all the information out there that promises us eternal youth and longevity.
We also need to keep in mind the fact that we need to put only quality food into our bodies so as to prevent the onset of the most commonly dreaded age-related illnesses from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Of course with cardiac health being of utmost priority!
So here is a breakdown of the Superfoods that will get you picking the right ones on your next shopping trip to the local supermarket.
Beetroots
From roasting to grinding it to making soups and of course juicing it, beetroots have truckloads of Vitamin A and C and of course minerals such as calcium, manganese, potassium and iron as well as folic acid and fibre.
Beetroots are very low in calories hence great for weight loss. The high antioxidant content can help lower blood pressure significantly and may help in improving exercise performance and also proven to help prevent dementia in some cases.
Blueberries
High in vitamin C and K and manganese start the day off with these little babies and you will feel a significant difference in your energy levels! Blueberries are also full of powerful antioxidants and soluble fibre and help optimize blood sugar levels and reduce the LDL levels. Add them to your smoothies, yoghurt, oatmeal or just pop them straight as a healthy energizing snack.
Mixed Nuts
What do we generally reach out for when feeling puckish? Yes, those dratted chips, crackers, and muffins. What if instead of stocking our kitchen cupboards and office drawers with all these nasties, we were to stock them with a mix of nuts and dried fruits?
Not only are they high in omegas and antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, they actually help quench your sweet cravings big time! A small handful of nuts just when the sugar monster attacks, will make you feel strangely full and satisfied. Intriguing huh??
Nuts can also help with weight loss and help reduce inflammation, prevent heart attacks and strokes and help digestion big time. Just make sure you do not exceed the recommended handful per day otherwise you start seeing adverse effects like weight gain and a spike in cholesterol levels.
Dark Dark Chocolate
Now many of us are conditioned to think that all things good are bad for you. It would seem that way right? Wrong!
Here is our favourite indulgence that is actually good for you! Just 40 grams of 80% dark chocolate a day can help in significantly lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
Dark chocolate consists of fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium and selenium. These minerals also help in improving your mood significantly due to the endorphins being stimulated and released in our bloodstream.
Verdict
Pick your Superfoods and include them in your daily diet. These nutrient-dense foods can help stave off so may ailments that you will wonder why you didn’t include them in your diet all these years!! Better late than never right??
