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Superfoods Boost Health and Energy By Katrina Bertol
For a food to be considered a "super food" it must be nutrient dense (low calorie to high nutrient ratio) and packed with vitamins and minerals that will benefit your health and decrease the chance of nutrient deficiency. Super foods provide many nutrients that support each other and prevent the kind of imbalances that often occur when vitamins are taken individually.
Who can benefit from super foods? In theory, if your diet is good, you should need nothing more to supplement your daily fare. However, with the depletion of our soils, the widespread use of additives and the prevalence of sugar, refined carbohydrates and rancid vegetable oils, no one today can say that their diet has been perfect and therefore a daily supply of super foods is essential. Examples include:
AVOCADO
One avocado has the same amount of potassium as 3 bananas. A 3.5-ounce or 100-gram serving of avocado (half an avocado) provides 160 calories, 2.0 grams of protein, 14.7 grams of fat, 8.5 grams of carbohydrates and 6.7 grams of fiber.
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BROCCOLI
Rich in vitamin A, B6, C, K and E, high in protein, great source of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.
A 3.5-ounce or 100-gram serving of broccoli provides 35 calories, 2.3 grams of protein, 0.4 grams of fat, 7.2 grams of carbohydrates, 3.3 grams of fiber and not an ounce of cholesterol.
Broccoli demonstrates remarkable anti-cancer effects, particularly when concerning breast cancer. Compounds in broccoli known as glucosinolates increase the excretion of the form of estrogen linked to breast cancer.
Indole-3 carbinol is also an important compound found in broccoli known to detoxify the livers toxic compounds, as well as decrease the growth of human papillomavirus (a virus linked to cervical cancer).
BEE POLLEN
Bee pollen builds the immune system and provides energy for the entire body. It contains 35 percent protein, 55 percent carbohydrate, 2 percent fatty acids and 3 percent minerals and vitamins. It is high in B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E. It also contains lecithin, beta-carotene, selenium.
Bee pollen is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and stimulates immunological responses. It has proved beneficial for nausea, sleep disorders, and urinary and rectal disorders following radiation treatment.
Athletes often use this supplement to help increase their strength, endurance, energy and speed. Bee pollen aids the body in recovering from exercise, returning breathing and heart rate to normal, and improves endurance for repeat exertion. It provides energy, stamina and strength as well as improving mental and physical reactions.
Many people with allergies have found relief by ingesting bee pollen. It reduces the production of histamine, which can cause allergic responses such as hay fever. It can strengthen the respiratory system and provide protein that can help the body build a natural defense shield against allergic responses.
To use bee pollen, consider sprinkling on cereal or toast. Add to smoothies or take by the tablespoon straight!
SUPER GREEN ALGAE
Blue-green algae is rich in vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and to make sure that protein, folic acid, iron, and vitamin C can mature properly and thus carry more oxygen to the cells.
The chlorophyll found in algae helps the body to obtain more oxygen, aiding digestion, acting as an anti-inflammatory, healing gum disease, preventing infection, minimizing effects of pollution and accelerating wound healing.
Helps to eliminate sweet craving and eliminate chances of blood sugar irregularities.
May help with treating skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, warts and cold sores.
Due to the high nutritional content and B vitamins, blue-green algae is a good food for mental health.
Spirulina and chlorella are types of green algae. Both can be purchased in capsule and powdered form. As a powder, consider adding to smoothies, juices or water.
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Katrina Bertol is Naturally Savvy's Whole Health Expert. She is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitione and Certified Personal Trainer.
© 2012, NATURALLY SAVVY DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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