33 Superfoods That Will Change Your Body
What exactly is a superfood? Though there is no scientific definition, it is generally accepted that a superfood is a food that offers the body a wide variety of much-needed nutrients and has substantial health benefits ranging from fighting cancer to building a strong immune system. Some of them you’ve heard of and others you’ve not – but it’s likely safe to say you could use more of them in your diet. Here are 33 superfoods that will actually change your body for the better:
1. Date Palm
If you’re looking for fiber, potassium, or copper, look no further than dates. While dates are rich in many vital nutrients and therefore offer many health benefits. Dates are great for Weight loss, Relieving constipation, supporting regular bowel movements, Promoting heart health, reducing heart disease risk
Diarrhea, Iron-deficiency anemia, Reducing blood pressure, Impotence, Promoting respiratory and digestive health, Pregnancy deliveries, Hemorrhoid prevention,
Chronic conditions such as arthritis, Reducing colitis risk and Preventing colon cancer
2. Tea
Tea is a powerhouse of awesome for you. The antioxidants in tea boost your metabolism, making your workouts that much more effective. It reduces your risk of heart attack and can help protect against degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Apparently, these antioxidants also help protect you against a wide variety of cancers including oral, ovarian, liver, breast and more. It lowers your risk of Parkinson’s disease and helps fight free radicals.
3. Mangosteens
This bizarre looking fruit has been part of traditional medicine in Asian countries for a long, long time. It contains nutrients that are necessary for healthy growth and well being. Mangosteens possess two types of xanthones, alpha mangosteen and gamma mangosteen. These are what make the mangosteen an anti-inflammatory remedy and helps fight various cardiovascular disease. It’s rich in Vitamin C and promotes red blood cells.
4. Seaweed
Seaweed is special for one main reason; it’s an amazing source of iodine. Iodine is incredibly challenging to come across in other foods. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy thyroid, the gland that regulates your hormones.
5. Goji Berries
This berry is considered a fruit and an herb. These berries are natural remedies for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, malaria and can calm fevers. They’re rich in antioxidants and have been referred to as a “fountain of youth” even though it has not yet been backed by scientific research. It got this nickname from its high content of beta-carotene, which promotes healthy skin. These berries have a reputation for protecting eye health and boosting immune systems. Studies have also discovered that drinking goji berry juice can increase energy levels.
6. Dark Chocolate
Another delicious superfood, dark chocolate has a high content of falvanoids, which, again, have been proven to reduce blood pressure and improve overall health. If the chocolate is well made then it might even boost your mood.
7. Pomegranates
This fruit’s high-antioxidant content makes it an excellent way to help fight high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attacks and congestive heart failure. You might have guessed it, but the pomegranate is a great source for heart health. This is because the antioxidants prevent fatty deposits from accumulating around arteries.
8. Salmon
Salmon is best known for its abundant omega-3 fatty acids, which is a type of fat that reduces the risk of heart disease. Alongside that, it is an excellent source of protein, Vitamin A and Vitamin B. The fatty acids are also attributed to promoting joint health and improving brain and nervous system functioning.
9. Blueberries
This superfood is not much of a secret. By now you’ve read about flavanoids a lot, but did you know blue berries get their hue from these compounds? Blueberries are great for improving memory. They have a wicked high water content and are considered great for your skin and cells. They’re high in Vitamin C, E and are attributed to anti-aging. Blueberries’ high antioxidant content also make them great for heart health.
10. Kale
Referred to as the antioxidant superstar, Kale is a top performing superfood. It’s packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, kaempferol and quercetin. Kale has the ability to scavenge free radicals in the body. This means it can eradicate unstable molecules that can harm you at a cellular level. It also keeps your skin looking great and healthy by preventing loss of skin elasticity. It’s known for improving urinary health and has anti-cancer effects.
11. Garlic
Garlic is an excellent way to boost your immune system, which now that it’s winter is a huge plus (goodbye colds!). This is a result of it’s high levels of antioxidants. Some studies have show that garlic can improve your skin by killing some of the bacteria that causes acne. Another major benefit of garlic is it’s positive affects on your heart health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
12. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are considered a superfood mainly for the linseed oil they’re comprised of. There are three main reasons why flaxseeds are so great for you. First, it’s made up of omega-3 fatty acids, the same kind you find in fish oil. Secondly, linagans, which are compounds that studies show provide protection against cancer (specifically breast, prostate and colon). Lastly, they’re known for being rich in fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health.
13. Açaí Berries
Açaí berries possess ten times more antioxidants than grapes and 10-30 times more anthocyanins than red wine, which helps with premature aging. It contains monounsaturated fats, fiber and phytosterols that promote digestive and cardiovascular health. According to Oprah Health, the açaí berry has almost the perfect essential amino acid complex combine with trace minerals, which can rebuild muscle tissue.
14. Pineapple
Pineapples are great for their anti-inflammatory benefits. They possess an enzyme called bromelain, which is what reduces inflammation, slows blood clotting and boosts the absorption of antibiotics. Research has also discovered that this enzyme plays role in managing the growth of tumors and malignant cells. It’s also jam-packed with fiber and Vitamin C.
15. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are super high in Vitamin K, which is something majority of American’s hardly get in their routine diets. These green are excellent for improving blood and bone strength. They also possess glucosinolates, which have the reputation for breaking down into isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are cancer-fighting compounds (specifically bladder, colon, breast, lung, prostate and ovaries).
16. Cabbage
Cabbage is considered the headmaster of the entire Brassica genus (including broccoli, bok choy, etc.). It contains indoles, which is a compound that has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of cancer. As quoted in Everyday Health, “Eating cabbage more than once a week cut men’s colon cancer odds by 66 percent,” said Bauman. It boosts the immune system and kills both bacteria and viruses.
17. Beef Liver
Liver is not something people necessarily jump for joy at the thought of eating. It’s been consumed for thousands of years and for good reason. It possesses incredibly high levels of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients (higher than in fruits and vegetables). Beef liver contains higher levels of all nutrients than both apples and carrots.
18. Cherries
Research has proven that cherries pretty much rock. They are packed with beta-carotene, Vitamin C, boron and a bunch of potent antioxidants called anthocyanins, which prevent genetic mutations that lead to cancer. Next, cherries are one of the few natural sources of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. And lastly, they are excellent natural pain relievers. This is again attributed to the cherries’ anthocyanins.
19. Dried Apricots
These brightly colored snacks often go unrecognized for their awesome health benefits. They’re jam-packed with beta-carotene and fiber. Dried apricots have tons of Vitamin A, C, potassium and copper. They have potent antioxidants and have been linked to reducing heart disease.
20. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds possess super high levels of zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in prostate health for men. For women, since it’s an important player in the development of a healthy fetus. They’re filled with Vitamin A, B, C and E. On top of that, pumpkin seeds are packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium and copper. These seeds also have an equal amount of tryptophan as milk! Read also 10 benefits of pumpkin seeds.
21. Avocados
Lots of people don’t indulge in avocados because they have a high fat content but its actually the kind of fat that helps you lose weight. Avocados have double the amount of potassium as bananas and has Vitamin E, niacin and riboflavin. They posses glutathione, which is known for preventing some kinds of cancer. It slows blood sugar from spiking and is great for unborn babies’ brain function. A unique thing about avocados is that they’re rich in Vitamin B6 and folic acid, which helps regulate sexual hormone function.
22. Lemon
Lemons are a goldmine for antioxidants- specifically flavoniods, which decrease heart disease risk and fight come cancers. They’re super rich in Vitamin C, which is important for building collagen in the body. Collagen is a main component of blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
23. Walnuts
There are many places around the world where the walnut is consider the food of the Gods. These nuts are rich in Vitamin B and E, calcium, manganese, potassium and protein. It’s most renowned for its ability to significantly improve brain function. It’s great for weight management because it possesses appetite-curbing omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts can prevent depression and have anti-inflammatory properties.
24. Quinoa
Quinoa (KEEN-wah) is also known as a supergrain for its high fiber content and quality protein. Quinoa alone possesses more protein than any other grain. It’s rich in iron and potassium while also being gluten-free.
25. Beans
Beans are a superfood too often underestimated. They’re filled with nutrients and play a vital role in weight-management, which is the constant variable between cancer, diabetes and heart disease. They’re filled with water and fiber which both make us feel fuller, faster. Beans are aslo digested slowly, which means you feel fuller for a longer period of time. According to WebMD, a study shows that people who eat beans weight an average 7 lbs. less than people who avoid beans.
26. Eggs
There is no need to fear eggs because of what you’ve heard about cholesterol. Eggs, in moderation, are incredibly good for you. They’re considering one of the best sources of protein in the world; better than beef, milk, soy and whey. Eggs are comprised of all nine essential amino acids and jam-packed with nutrients. The yolk can improve the heart and brain while also preventing fat from accumulating in the liver.
27. Mushrooms
Mushrooms have a wide range of abilities to improve your diet. They help with weight management, boost your immune system and posses some of the most potent nutrients in the world. Not only that, but mushrooms can kills cancer cells and eradicate viruses (like the flu and smallpox). Lastly, they can kill bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
28. Sage
Sage has a very high-level of antioxidants that fight oxidative stress in liver cells. It’s also been proven to be an antimicrobial agent against some bacterias including salmonella, shigella and staphlococcus. And to wrap it up, it also improves memory function.
29. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is packed with rich probiotics that can help improve digestion and boost your immune system. It’s also known for reducing high blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart. Greek yogurt posses double the amount of protein as regular yogurt.
30. Oysters
The zinc-rich superfood. Oysters are known for boosting you immune system, which attributes to energy levels and metabolism. Oysters also contain selenium, a mineral known for protecting against joint inflammation and is depended on by the thyroid. They’re considered a protein goldmine possessing all essential amino acids to rebuild muscle tissue.
31. Goat’s milk
Goat’s milk offers a wide variety of health benefits, with very few of the negative side effects of drinking regular cow milk. Goat’s milk are great for reaction to Inflammation, Metabolic agent, High in Fatty Acids, Calcium-rich, Anti-Mucousal and Boost Immune System.
32. Coconut water
Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young green coconuts. Naturally refreshing, coconut water has a sweet, nutty taste. It contains easily digested carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes. The water is actually obtained by opening a tender, green, healthy, and undamaged coconut. Inside, it's clear liquid is sweet, and sterile and composed of unique chemicals such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, cytokine, and phyto-hormones. In general, young and slightly immature coconuts gathered from the coconut tree after they reach about 5-7 months of age for the purpose of reaping its drink.
33. Honey
Honey has been used by countless cultures all around the world over the past 2,500 years. While the numerous health benefits of honey have made it an important element of traditional medicines such as Ayurvedic treatments, scientists are also researching the benefits of honey in relation to modern medicine, particularly in the healing of wounds. You should read 50 Benefits Of Honey.