| My
Top Ten Superfoods |
| I
have named this ‘my top ten superfoods’ because they
are ‘super’ due to the fact that most of these are exceptionally
healthy and offer a whole host of nutrients also because they are
personal favourites of mine all for good reason.
I am not going to add obscure foods only found in
the middle of the rainforest because it simply doesn’t make
sense to ask people to incorporate foods into their diet that are
hard to find and/or expensive. Sustainability is very important.
These foods are found in most countries in the world, are affordable
and easy to prepare (some don’t even need preparation).
These
foods are simple and always in my kitchen;
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- Quaker
oats:- Fantastic breakfast food with slow releasing
carbohydrates. This is the perfect way to start your day. Oats
have been shown to reduce cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar
and enhance immune response to infection, thanks to a fibre
called Beta-glucan.They have also been found
to have antioxidant properties due to compounds called avenanthramides,
unique to oats, helping prevent free radicals from damaging
LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Oats are an excellent source of manganese, selenium
and good sources of vitamin B1, tryptophan
and phosphorus and magnesium.
My
favourite way to make it is by adding cinnamon, raw chocolate
powder, some dried fruits or banana and a little Stevia to
sweeten.
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Sweet
potato:- Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of
vitamin A. They are also a very good source
of vitamin C and manganese.
In addition, they are a good source of copper,
dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and
iron. They are also one of the best sources of slow
releasing carbohydrates, loved by athletes and bodybuilders
for this reason and perfect for diabetics due to its blood
sugar balancing properties.
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Berries:
– Blueberries, Strawberries, Cranberries and Raspberries
are amongst the best sources of antioxidants, with blueberries
consistently coming top of the list. Blueberries improve nighttime
visual acuity, protect the brain from oxidative stress and
may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's
disease. They are also high in the soluble fiber pectin,
which has been shown to lower cholesterol and prevent bile
acid from being transformed into a potentially cancer-causing
form.
Cranberries may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health,
prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise
HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even
help prevent cancer. Cranberries have also been valued for
their ability to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
Raspberries are an excellent source of manganese
and vitamin C. They are also a
good source of riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium,
potassium and copper.
and B vitamins.
Strawberries' unique phenol content makes them a heart-protective
fruit, an anti-
cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into
one. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin
C and manganese. They are also a
very good source of dietary fiber and iodine.
Plus, strawberries are a good source of potassium,
folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty
acids, magnesium, copper, and vitamin K.
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Eggs:-
Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, providing
5.5 grams of protein in only one egg. Eggs are a rich source
of Choline, a nutrient important in brain
health that also has an impact on cardiovascular health since
it is one of the B vitamins that helps convert homocysteine,
a molecule that can damage blood vessels, into other benign
substances.
Eggs are also a good source of vitamin B12,
another B vitamin that is of major importance in the process
of converting homocysteine into safe molecules.
Eggs can also contain Lutein, a carotenoid
thought to help prevent age-related
macular degeneration and cataracts.
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Olive
oil:- The beneficial health effects of olive oil
are due to its high content
of monounsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil has many amazing
benefits such as its
high content of antioxidative substances which offer protection
against
heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol
levels while raising HDL
(the "good" cholesterol) levels.
Olive oil has also been shown to have anti–inflammatory
benefits thanks to a naturally occurring chemical known as
oleocanthal, the compound inhibits activity of cyclooxygenase,
a pharmacological action shared by ibuprofen. This makes it
particularly useful for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
and asthma.
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Nuts
and seeds:- Peanuts are a very good source of monounsaturated
fats, the type of fat ever present in the heart-healthy Mediterranean
diet. They are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate,
protein and manganese. Roasted peanuts rival the antioxidant
content of blackberries and strawberries, and are far richer
in antioxidants than apples, carrots or beets. It seems that
that roasting can increase peanuts' p-coumaric acid levels,
boosting their overall antioxidant content by as much as 22%.
Peanuts also help Prevent Gallstones and protects against
Alzheimer's and Age-related Cognitive Decline.Cashews have
a lower fat content than most other nuts, approximately 75%
of their fat is unsaturated fatty acids, plus about 75% of
this unsaturated fatty acid content is oleic acid, the same
heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil.
Studies show that oleic acid promotes good cardiovascular
health, even in
individuals with diabetes. Cashews are also high in copper,
essential for antioxidant defenses and energy production and
magnesium, which is essential for bone health.
Flaxseeds are high in Omega-3, manganese and rich in beneficial
fibre Flaxseeds have been shown to have protective effects
against breast cancer, thanks to a special compound called
lignans. Other great nuts and seeds are almonds pumpkin seeds,
sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
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Garlic:-
Principal active ingredients are Allicin and several sulphur
compounds. Allicin is an anti-coagulant which inhibits blood
clotting and helps to break down existing clots, allowing
the blood to flow more freely and reducing blood pressure.
Garlic inhibits the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Allicin has powerful antibacterial and anti fungal properties
and is also helpful in the balancing of bacteria in the gut.
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Herbs
and Spices:-
My favourites are; Tumeric- Acts as anti-inflammatory
by lowering histamine levels, acts as an anti-oxidant protecting
against free radical damage, Protects liver from certain toxins,
Improves circulation by inhibiting blood platelets from sticking
together, Curcumin induces the flow of bile, which breaks
down fats. The herb's volatile oil functions as an external
antibiotic, preventing bacterial infection in wounds and Curcumin
is an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the aches and
pains associated with arthritis.
Cinnamon- A bactericide that improves the
function of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It
is also antispasmodic and stimulates digestion. The bark of
the cinnamon tree is used to treat diarrhoea, nausea and loss
of appetite.
Ginger- Ginger is great for a number of gastrointestinal
problems such as gas, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting
during pregnancy. Ginger also has the ability to inhibit the
formation of inflammatory compounds, and has direct anti-
inflammatory effects which makes it very useful in the treatment
of arthritis. Ginger may also ease sore throats, headaches,
ulcerative colitis, some types of menstrual pain, and fevers
and aches caused by colds and flu.
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Low
fat cottage cheese:- With most major supermarkets
offering a minimum of five different flavours of low fat cottage
cheese each, you no longer have to hold your nose when you
eat it, telling yourself it’s a good source of low fat
protein and calcium without the cholesterol found in the fatty
cheeses.
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Pulses:-
Pulses such as lentil and beans are a must in any household
although they are mostly ignored in many non vegetarian households.
Beans are packed with magnesium, iron, calcium, fibre and
potassium and are an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates.
Lentils are renowned for their cholesterol lowering properties
as well as their managing of blood-sugar disorders due to
their high fiber content. Lentils are also a great source
of B-vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium with virtually
no fat.
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| Quaker
oats |
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| Sweet
potato |
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| Berries |
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| Eggs |
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| Olive
oil |
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| Garlic |
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Spices |
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Low
fat cottage cheese |
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| Trial
Mix |
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Beans |
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