Everyone’s heard that old truism “You are what you eat.” While this isn’t exactly true, it’s not exactly false, either.
The foods you choose to consume can affect both your physical and your emotional health. Instead of mindlessly munching on junkie foods, choose smart, opting for foods that make you feel good on the inside and help you look good on the outside. Start your diet makeovers with some of the best-of-the-best edibles: superfoods!
1. Salmon
Salmon falls into the category of “oily fish,” which is a very healthy category of protein. This health friendly fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids improve circulation, reduce inflammation and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes offer a hearty dose of lycopene. This antioxidant is a rare one that offers lots of benefits. Studies show that lycopene can protect the skin against UV rays, lower cholesterol and prevent some cancers. As an added bonus, these juicy reds also contain potassium, fiber and vitamin C.
3. Black Beans
Many protein packed foods also come with a healthy dose of saturated fat. Such is not the case with black beans. These healthy legumes don’t just pack a protein punch, they also have lots of fiber and iron to round out their health benefits.
4. Blueberries
Along with tasting great in muffins, blueberries provide lots of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients help neutralize free radicals, which prevent aging and cell damage. Along with obvious physical benefits, these phytonutrients may stave of the onset of age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
5. Broccoli
There’s a reason your mom always made you eat your broccoli before you left the table This veggie is rich in a phytonutrient that has be tied to tumor growth suppression and reduced cancer risks. It’s also crazy high in vitamin C and folic acid.
6. Kale
A long-time staple in many master-eaters health plans, Kale provides access to a phytonutrient that seem to reduce rates of certain types of cancer. Scientists don’t have it all figured out just yet, but they suspect that kale performs this feat by triggering the liver to produce neutralizing enzymes.
7. Oats
Oats make up for in health benefits what they lack in size. These petite grains are rich in fiber, so they aide in cholesterol maintenance and help prevent the onset of heart disease. They also offer lots of magnesium, which helps your body regulate blood-sugar levels and may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes.
8. Sage
Welding a lot of power for a seemingly simple spice, sage contains antioxidants that closely resemble those found in Alzheimer’s medications. A June 2003 study found that sage consumption substantially improved short-term memory in test subjects, making this an addition to your diet for which your brain will thank you.
9. Coffee
Along with being an oh-so-welcome treat at day’s start, coffee has health benefits that can’t be denied. This low-calorie drink is rich in caffeine, a substance that, along with waking you up temporarily, may have long-lasting health benefits. A Harvard University study found that coffee consumption reduced subjects’ risks of developing depression, making this drink a surprisingly powerful one.
10. Water
While it is far from an exotic food, water is undeniably a super one. Because dehydration can have a negative effect on brain function, consuming water regularly is vital to sustained mental health and maintaining cognitive functions. Along with helping out your brain, water also flushes out your system, ridding your body of lots of toxins that would otherwise remain in your blood stream.
11. Avocado
This key ingredient in oh-so-tasty guacamole is rich in folate. Because folate deficiency has been tied to increased levels of fear and anxiety, consuming lots of this food might help put your mind at ease. Additionally beneficial, avocados contain lots of omega-3, which is helps preserve your overall brain health.
