Nature’s Super Foods 1

Apple

This fruit has a lot of nutritional value. It has been found to be highly effective in reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. If you smoke, then apples are a good antidote.

Apples are also known to include the fiber called pectin that lowers cholesterol levels and stabilizes blood sugar content; boron, a mineral that can help minimize calcium loss in the bones; and quercetin, a phytochemical that fights the free radicals that lead to heart failure. Apples are also certified fat-free.

Avocado

Avocado is known to be high in fat, but relax, most of it is unsaturated. A serving of one sliced avocado amounts to 160 calories and contains vitamins C and B. It also provides folate, a nutrient derived from folic acid in vitamin B, which breaks down and utilizes the proteins that can help minimize heart attack.

Broccoli

The heads of broccoli, called florets, are rich in beta carotene. Broccoli also contains sulforophane, a phytochemical that can prevent cancerous tumors. Lutein, the antioxidant found in eggs, is also present in broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

This cruciferous plant is also rich in folate, fiber, and vitamin C, which help prevent heart disease. When buying broccoli, choose the ones that have a darker green shade – they have higher nutritional amounts.

Brown rice

Why not shift to something better than polished white rice? Wholegrain brown rice contains minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, which are crucial to maintaining healthy bones, as well as vitamin B. Its rich fiber content also helps balance blood sugar levels, and the presence of carbohydrates makes it a rich source of minerals like zinc.

Chickpeas (Garbanzos)

One of the most easy-to-digest beans, chickpeas are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is also very rich in vitamin C (far more than other legumes) that it’s now regarded as one of the best disease-fighting legumes.

Eggs

“Avoid eggs,” others might say, “they’re loaded with cholesterol.” An average egg yolk has generally two-thirds of the recommended daily value of the dreaded fat, but it also contains phosphatidylcholine, which may actually help lower cholesterol content in the body. The yolk also contains lutein, an antioxidant that may prevent age-related bodily degradation, and lecithin, which can minimize the build-up of fat in the liver. Eggs are actually rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats.

Garlic

Health specialists regard garlic as a modern-day miracle food. The same sulfur compounds that are responsible for its pungent odor are virtually the same compounds that help lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Increased garlic consumption can also inhibit blood clotting. It can also be eaten raw to reduce nasal congestion and to help relieve colds. Never mind if your breath smells after eating it—garlic is good!

Ginger

This rhizome or underground stem has been considered a great healer throughout the centuries. It can alleviate motion sickness and nausea, relieve migraines and arthritis, and inhibits blood clots.

Ginger also contains a compound called gingerol that lowers blood pressure. Ginger can also block the effects of prostaglandins, substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraines.

Guavas

Did you know that just one ordinary-sized guava contains five times more vitamin C than an orange? The vitamin content is an antioxidant, which helps decrease bad cholesterol levels in the body. Guavas are also recognized as a good source of potassium.

Mangoes

The mango is perhaps the best fruit source of beta carotene, which helps fight cancer. Mangoes are also rich in the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Mangoes are a good substitute for sweets such as candies and cakes. That’s because a medium-sized fruit contains only about 15% sugar compared to commercially manufactured sweets.

Click here to read Part Two.