Supercharge your plate with superfoods.
Superfoods are the new ‘it’ item to have in your shopping cart. Not only are they colorful, affordable, and easy to eat, but they are proven to fight disease and boost energy. There’s certainly a handful of food items that are considered ‘super’ for plenty of reasons.
The following foods can fend off serious diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and fortify your immune system, protect and smooth your skin, and help you to lose weight or stay slim. Are you intrigued yet? Stock on these foods that help you to feel and look better from the inside, out.
Lemons
Just one humble lemon has more than 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, a vitamin which may help to increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels and strengthens bones. We’re not saying you should eat a whole lemon, but you can add a slice to your water or green tea to help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Add lemon juice to your protein shake or put on your salad to add a fresh zest.
Beans
Beans are one of the best. One cup of cooked beans provides as much as 17g of fiber, a good source of protein, and plenty of key nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Keep your cupboards stocked with all kinds: black, white, kidney, and pinto to use in salads, baked potatoes, and veggie chili.
Nuts
We’re simply nuts about nuts! USDA researchers say that eating 1½ ounces of tree nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Walnuts are rich in omega-3s, hazelnuts contain arginine (which may lower blood pressure) and almonds are full of heart-healthy polyphenols. Since nuts are high in calories, it’s important to keep consumption in moderation.
Broccoli
Pick any life-threatening disease (cancer, heart disease, you name it), and know that eating broccoli and its cruciferous cousins may help you to beat it. One medium stalk of broccoli contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement and almost 200 percent of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C. These two vitamins are essential in bone building.
While you pack your plate full of these superfoods, learn how to better your heart with fitness and performance training. Once you perfect your diet and exercise, you’ll start to see your desired results. For more information on how to obtain your goals, contact Genesis Performance & Fitness, located in Thousand Oaks, California.