Thursday, October 9, 2008

"Super Foods" for a Healthy Body

The following group of foods are called "Super Foods" as they can help to ward off heart disease, cancer, cholesterol, and more.


Oily Fish



Such as sardines, salmons and mackerels are the best known source of omega-3 fatty acids, which discourage the clotting tendency of the blood.

Yogurt

It encourages healthy bacteria to your gut to thrive and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts. Yogurt helps to relieves gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and food poisoning and prevents bad breath. Yogurt is also a great source of calcium.

Tomatoes

Lycopene, the natural pigment that makes tomatoes red, can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It can also offer protection against cervical cancer of the cervix in women.


Shiitake Mushrooms
It contains a compound called lentinan, which is thought to protect against cancer in two ways. It prevents normal cells from developing into tumours and also inhibits the growth of tumours.

Milk

It is a good source of protein and the calcium it contains is readily absorbed by the body.
Milk has essential B vitamins as well as phosphorus and zinc (which boosts the immune system).



Pineapple
It is rich in vitamin C and contains beta carotene, a helpful antioxidant which protects the immune system. It also has generous amounts of fibre which is helpful if you have problems with constipation.

Soya

Soya beans contain an amazing range of health-protective and disease-fighting compounds. They are rich in isoflavones, a group of hormone-like substances that behave a similar way to natural oestrogen, which are known to combat heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses. Soya also contains several types of antioxidants that help to protect against various forms of cancer, including breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Prunes

Prunes are very effective in relieving constipation as they contain a substance called hydroxyphenylisatin which stimulates the muscles of the large bowel. They also provide potassium, iron and vitamin B.


Walnuts


Walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrients. Walnut lower blood cholesterol levels and thereby helps to protect the heart from disease. Their polyunsaturated fats supply essential fatty acids that the body cannot manufacture for itself (these have a special function in blood clotting).

Bananas
Bananas are high in natural sugar which is released quickly into the bloodstream providing a rapid source of energy. They are packed with potassium, a mineral crucial for muscle and nerve function. Bananas also contain starch for energy as well as vitamins B3, B6 and C.




Blueberries
Naturally sweet, rich in vitamin C and high in fibre, blueberries makes delicious desk snacks. They may be helpful in improving eyesight and protecting against eye disorders. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, antibacterial compounds that are highly effective in fighting E coli bacteria, the cause of many gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections.



Leafy Vegetables

Spinach, all varieties of cabbage, pak choi, rocket, curly kale and spring greens are easily available dark green leafy vegetables. In addition to providing essential vitamins, mineral and fibre, they contain concentrated phytochemicals – natural compounds that are believed to help combat certain forms of cancer. These vegetables may also protect against heart disease by helping to prevent the clogging of blood vessels.

A word of advice, take these foods in moderation as too much of one thing is not good for the body.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the info on super food. I know a lot of ppl took soya as a replacement for milk, a good supplement for healthy protein as well as for slimming. Ladies especially should be caution with the amount of soya consumed. There are testimonies that consuming too much soya may cause cancer though scientifically no journal has been published on this. If i found the testimonies, I will email to you for sharing.
Lauren