What are these super foods everyone is talking about? Some sound so unusual and hard to find that it may seem you have to live on a remote island or pay exorbitant prices for them. When you get them home, you’re not sure you really want to eat them. You may ask yourself if this is really what you have to eat to stay healthy.
The short answer is no! Superfoods are not exotic and expensive which is a common misconception. They include fruits and vegetables, abundantly available at markets, stores and produce stand.
The beauty and vibrancy of fruits and vegetables, in all the colors of the rainbow, contain all the protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals a healthy body needs. As we age and our appetites and metabolism slow down, we need to eat superfoods to stay healthy. Superfoods can help to avoid Parkinson’s and prevent symptoms of aging. Superfoods pack the most nutritional punch in every bite. They contain the fiber, essential fatty acids and micronutrients our bodies need, all of which are found in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. Eat them in abundance for taste and good health.
Colors of the rainbow
Eating foods that are the colors of the rainbow offers dozens of choices of delicious, mouth-watering meals that benefit your body and satisfy your taste buds. Here are a few rainbow choices.
Red
Tomatoes are widely cultivated and grown around the world. They are superfoods because they contain lycopene, an antioxidant rarely found in other foods. Lycopene favorably affects DNA, skin, heart function and vision. Look for different types of tomatoes, including roma, early girl, beefsteak, cherry, plum and grape, to provide a wide array of flavors to your recipes.
Orange
The papaya’s health benefits are almost countless. This rich, tropical fruit is full of beta-carotene which helps the body fight cancer cells, especially oral cavity and lung cancer. Papayas help control blood pressure, facilitate regular bowel movements, prevent blood clots and help skin glow and heal.
Yellow
Bell peppers come in variety of colors, including green, red, orange and yellow. The bell pepper is loaded with vitamins A, C and E. They are low in calories with only 45 calories in one full cup. You can eat your fill without worrying about the scale! Bell peppers also contain fiber, protein and iron.
Green
Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and chard, as well as the bright green florets of broccoli, are loaded with properties that help fight cancer, protect against eye disease, strengthen bones and boost brainpower. They can be eaten raw or cooked and will benefit you with every bite.
Purple
Berries are shown to be some of the healthiest foods on the planet. They are packed with antioxidants that have been found to increase good HDL levels and lower blood pressure. Berries help to keep our brain functioning well as we age. Beneficial berries include blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. Also, be sure to add strawberries and cherries to your list of superfoods to support healthy sleep rhythms and a youthful appearance.