Nature’s Super Foods 2

Click here to read the first part.

Oatmeal

          Unlike refined or polished grains, whole grains are made up of the fiber-rich bran, the endosperm, and the nutrient-rich germ.  Thus, whole grain foods like oatmeal contain vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates needed for energy.  Fiber can also help maintain healthy body weight, reduce blood cholesterol levels and maintain blood sugar levels.

          Doctors have long recommended that a good breakfast includes a bowl of oatmeal.  It fills you up so you eat less throughout the day, and the soluble fiber prevents cholesterol and saturated fats from entering the bloodstream while the insoluble fiber helps cancer-causing agents to exit through your intestines.

Onions

          Onions don’t just make you cry—they make you healthier as well!  Eating raw onions actually help reduce cholesterol levels because they increase your HDL or high-density lipoprotein level that helps reduce the cholesterol deposit in your body tissues and blood vessels.

          Onions contain sulfur compounds which result in the distinct odor and flavor used in cooking.  These compounds can actually help prevent the growth of cancer cells.  Evidence also suggests that onions can help prevent circulatory diseases such as heart disease, stroke and poor circulation—and that’s well worth the tears every time you peel open an onion!

Papaya

          Papaya is one of nature’s best foods because it’s full of beta carotene and vitamin C.  One large slice can give you not just good amounts of calcium and iron but up to a third of your daily vitamin C requirement!  It’s a good source of soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol.  It’s most precious derivative is an enzyme called papain that helps digestion and eases inflammation.  In fact, papain-based ointments can be used to remove roughened skin from wounds.

Peanuts

          They may have substantial amounts of fat, but peanuts are also good sources of fiber, helping control blood glucose and prevent dietary fat and cholesterol from entering the blood.  It also contains arginine, an amino acid that may help relax blood vessels for better blood pressure control.

Peppers

          Chili peppers are known to speed up metabolism so that you can burn more calories during relaxed moments.  They can also relieve sinusitis by thinning down the mucus in sinuses.  Chilies are also a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help eject oxygen molecules that naturally come with aging.

          Capsaicin, the potent compound in chilies which gives off that hot, burning sensation in the mouth, may help you lose weight.  Nutritional data reveals that people eat fewer calories in a meal that includes chili peppers.

          Red bell peppers provide three times more vitamin C than oranges.  They also contain the anti-cancer nutrient beta carotene.

Sesame seeds

          Sesame seeds maintain steady blood sugar levels because they’re rich in protein and good fats, along with vitamins E & B.  These fats reduce LDL cholesterol because they’re mostly unsaturated.  Sesame seeds are also a source of bone-strengthening calcium and magnesium.

Sweet potato

          The sweet news about this starchy root crop is that it’s actually an excellent source of the cancer-fighting beta carotene, especially in the orange-fleshed variety.  It also contributes vitamin C, potassium and fiber.

Tomatoes

          Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant (it’s more potent than beta carotene, in fact) that can keep cancerous agents out of your system.  Lycopene also gives tomatoes its distinctive red color.  A Harvard University study reveals that middle-aged men who eat ten or more servings of tomatoes a week cut their risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%.  Trivia:  a tomato is botanically a fruit and not a vegetable!

Watermelon

          If all those advertisements for tomato ketchup get you raving about the anti-cancer compound lycopene, here’s a surprise: watermelon contains almost 50% more lycopene than tomatoes.  It helps protect against prostate cancer, prevent heart attack by reducing arterial plaque buildup, and minimize cellular damage leading to other age-related illnesses such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

          Remember, you are what you eat.  The power of nutrition is downright real.  The effects that our diets have on our health are proven, and all it takes is motivation and dedication in ensuring that you eat only what’s best for you.  Stay away from fatty and low-nutrition foods as much as possible.  It may be a challenge at first, but you’ll get used to it in the long run.  Make it a habit to always know the nutritional content of everything you consume.