There are a lot of overlooked fruits and vegetables in the world that could do wonders to the body if only they would be noticed and added to one’s diet. These “superfoods” offer a lot of benefits to one’s health and well-being. Here are more of them that you should start adding to your diet to ensure you get all the nutrients and vitamins you need to function properly.
Beets
Recent studies of this purple root has shown that it is effective in helping the body limit the amount of oxygen it needs to finish a cardio session and in enhancing its performance. The nitrates in this superfood increases the body’s production of nitric acid that helps blood vessels dilate so it could distribute more blood and oxygen to the muscles. Beets are rich in folate and betaine that prevents stroke and other cardiovascular diseases from developing. Other researches have also shown that there are anti-carcinogenic agents in this purple root that helps prevent cancer.
Chia Seeds
This seed that hails from the mint family is a good source of energy, fiber and protein to help you in weight-loss and building muscles. It has the ability to absorb a lot of water up to ten times its weight, which is a good way to feel full minus the guilt. Because of its high protein content, this seed is a good addition to protein shakes sans the artificial ingredients. It also has a high level of fiber, which aids in regulating the digestive system and bowel movement.
Spinach
Pop-eye The Sailorman wasn’t kidding when he chose to munch on this leafy vegetable to get his groove on. Spinach is dense with vitamins A, C and E as well as calcium and folic acid. Some studies made on this vegetable also showed high content in flavonoid compounds that act as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents to the body. This leafy green is also a good way to check the body’s alkalinity and decrease its acidity, which causes other diseases and infections. Last but not the last, spinach contain carotenoids that keeps the eyes safe from development of cataracts and degeneration of macula.
Grapefruit
This orange on the outside but pink on the inside citrus is a popular superfood for dieters and people who are aiming to lose weight. It contains naringenin that controls the blood sugar levels in the body and helps burn it instead of storing it in the body as fat. Some researches have also shown that this nutrient could help the repair of DNA in prostate cancer cells. The pinkish color of the fruit is due to its high content of lycopene that protects the body and its immune system from cancer-causing agents. Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, which helps in boosting the body’s immunity from infection.
Pomegranates
This fruit might be weird looking to some but it sure packs in a lot of nutrients and minerals the body could definitely benefit from. The seeds of this fruit are where its title of a “superfood” comes from. Polyphenols are found on the seeds, which is every effective in protecting the heart. It is also an antioxidant that helps prevent the development of cancer cells in the body. Pomegranate juice helps lower one’s blood pressure and aids patients with coronary heart disease by delaying the oxidation of their LDL cholesterol. This fruit is also a good source of potassium, fiber and vitamin K.
Papaya
This fruit is a good source of phytonutrients, antioxidants and minerals needed by the body to function well internally and externally. Papaya contains lycopene and beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which help keep the skin looking healthy and free from radicals that destroy it. These nutrients are also vital to maintain clear vision and healthy eyes. The lutein and zeaxanthin phytonutrients protect the macular area of the eye from the harmful effects of the UV rays and blue light that your eyes get exposed to.
Turmeric
A popular spice used in most curry recipes, turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which aids in the body’s fight against liver problems and cancer. This has also been proven to be effective in lowering the body’s cholesterol level.
