Superfoods is a term used to describe various kinds of foods that is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants that combats chronic diseases. Commonly, superfoods are unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, poultry, or fish. These superfoods contain phytochemicals that reduces the risk of cancers, heart diseases, and other conditions. These foods are also beneficial in strengthening the immune system.
Superfoods should be part of the healthy diet, not only because it has disease fighting properties but as well as it helps you to stay fit and thin. Some of the superfoods that are known for its weight loss assets are:
Superfoods that can help you lose weight
Black Beans
Beans stand in two important spots in the food pyramid. They are comparable to meat because they contain a high amount of protein while they are also full of vitamins and fiber that makes it a veggie. A cup of black beans gives you the amount of protein that your body needs while leaving out the saturated fat found in meat and poultry. This powerful bean does not only contribute to weight loss, it also supports the stability of chemicals and other microorganisms that is necessary for the digestive system.
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the best thirst quenching superfood because it is made up of 92% water which keeps you hydrated. It is sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving too much calories in your body. Watermelon is also a good source of lycopene, a famous cancer fighting substance. An adequate consumption of lycopene prevents aging by protecting the skin from the UV rays. Watermelons contains a naturally occurring plant compounds called bioflavonoids and carotenoids that combat against cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver diseases, and other chronic conditions.
Salmon
Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 an essential fatty acids that is important for brain development. Omega-3 is associated to reduce the risk of heart diseases and certain kind of cancer. Salmon is a good substitute for red meat due to its high level of protein and low-fat properties. Studies shows that salmon holds bioactive peptides that is very useful for the human body as it acts as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor properties.
Blueberries
Blueberries have a distinctive substance called anthocyanins that helps prevents the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related memory loss. This fruit is rich in fiber and low in fat and calories making them a good choice for a healthy snack. As reported by Brian Willet on Yahoo health, a cup of blueberries has over 30% RDA of vitamin C, 20%of manganese, 15% of dietary fiber, and over 5% of vitamin E. Vitamin C improves iron and calcium absorption and promotes ha healthy immune system. Manganese helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in your body while protecting your body’s healthy cells from free-radical damage.
Broccoli
Aside from it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, broccoli is also a good selection for a healthy diet because it is low in calorie and gives you the feeling of fullness. A key component found in broccoli is sulforaphane, a substance that has been known to distinctively destroy cancer cells. According to an author John Phillip in NaturalNews.com, Sulforaphane targets prostate and other hormone dependent cancer cells while leaving the normal healthy cells. While sulforaphane is substantial in broccoli, many cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale contains this compound. Broccoli is also loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and calcium.
Oats
Oats contain significant amount of fiber and protein and is considered an excellent breakfast meal as it keeps you full until lunch. It is an excellent choice for those who want to stay slim as it helps reduce cholesterol in your body. It is rich in protein and essential fats that help build and repair cells and body tissues. The oats contains some of the B vitamins that support the nervous system as well as keeping healthy skin, nails, and hair. Oats are widely known for its high fiber content which aids in the digestive process by scraping of the digestive walls.
Turkey
Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, and other nutrients such as niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12. It has Leucine an amino acid that aids in blood-sugar level function and helps your muscle to use glucose rather than storing it as fats. The niacin and vitamin B6 inhibits the buildup of homocysteine thus reducing the risk of heart disease and damaged blood vessels. Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 aids in processing carbohydrates into glucose, which then will be utilize to produce energy.
Grapefruit
This tangy fruit is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants making it as one of the superfoods. This fruit is capable of reducing a fat-storage hormone known as insulin hence leading to weight loss. It is a good source of fiber with lesser level of calories, approximately 41 calories is found in a half grapefruit.
Green tea
Green tea or green tea extracts include epigallocatechin-3-gallate an antioxidant that delays the growth of cancer cells. Green tea supports in weight loss by promoting fat oxidation and reducing LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol. As stated in the book of Nadine Taylor, “Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life”, the powerful green tea has been used as a medicine in China for relatively 4,000 years. This tea is pointed out to be beneficial to rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, infection, and faulty immune system.
Bananas
Bananas are the most common superfood because they can easily be found. The fruit is jam-packed with various vitamins and minerals and are widely used for many diseases. Bananas is rich in potassium which aids in restoring a regular bowel movement, helps in replacing the electrolytes lost due to diarrhea, and other digestive conditions. Not only that it helps in the digestive functions, potassium in bananas plays a vital role in heart function. According to the American Heart Association, American men who ingest an adequate amount of potassium had a reduced risk of a stroke. Aside from potassium, this herb contains a significant amount of vitamin B6, C, and carotenoids.