Superfood List

Read about the first five top superfoods on the top 10 superfood list here.

6-Orange and Red Vegetables and Fruit

Peppers of all colors, melons, sweet potatoes, oranges, vine-ripened tomatoes and red cabbage are nutritional superstars.

Orange fruits and vegetables are rich sources of beta-carotene and Vitamin C.

Lycopene in tomatoes, especially when cooked, protects against various cancers, especially prostate cancer.

Carotenoids in pumpkins, sweet potatoes and carrots help the immune system defend against cancer and aging.

7-Green Superfood

When Mom said, "Eat your greens", she knew what she was talking about. And although you won't get muscles like Popeye from eating spinach, it does protect your eyes from macular degeneration and your cardiovascular system from disease.

Dark greens protects against some cancers and provides vitamins and minerals to the bones and muscles.

Barley grass and wheat grass are green superfood all-stars. They are often sold in powdered form.

Some people have pots of them growing in their homes so they are readily available fresh for juicing.

Like all dark greens, grasses provide chlorophyll and vitamins.

8-Quality Proteins

Protein is the essential nutrient used in building and repairing body tissues. It is a building block of enzymes and hormones.

Tradition often dictates that animal proteins be eaten raw. This is not always practical or safe in modern times. If you do eat raw meat or fish, freeze it for at least two weeks to kill any parasites. To protect proteins from damage, it is best to cook meats for longer periods at low heat.

The much maligned egg has finely earned its place on the superfood list. Eggs contain twelve vitamins and minerals including choline for memory and brain development. Hard-boiled eggs make a nutritious snack.

Wild-caught salmon, mackarel, sardines and herring are good sources of quality protein. Their Omega-3 fatty acids reduce coronary heart disease risk and provide some protection against memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, and depression.

Chicken and turkey are lean sources of protein. Grass-fed beef, buffalo and venison are also naturally low in saturated fats. Grain fed beef which are unnaturally high in saturated fats.

9-Nuts and Seeds

Nuts are a good source of protein, heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Pistachios contain plant sterols that help lower cholesterol. Brazil nuts contain selenium for cancer protection.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in prostate protecting zinc. Pomegranate seeds are noted for keeping LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.

Some people avoid nuts because they are high in calories. Portion control is important if you are watching your weight. Eat one ounce of nuts a day to enjoy their benefits, including appetite control.

If you find nuts to feel "too heavy" in your stomach, soak them overnight in water and then dry them in a dehydrator or the lowest setting of your oven. This enhances taste and digestibility. Delicious!

10-Fiber-rich Foods

Although not a nutrient, fiber makes the superfood list because it is essential to the proper functioning of the digestive system. Fiber helps you feel full longer after a meal, absorbs toxins on the way out of the body and feeds healthy bacteria in intestines.

Soluble fiber promotes healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber absorbs water and bulks up stools. Your body needs both kinds. Lately, manufacturers have been adding inulin (mostly from chicory root) to foods as fiber. This type of fiber feeds healthy bacteria.

There are many excellent food sources of fiber. All whole fruits, vegetables and grains contain some fiber. Beans provide complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Combined with grains they provide all the needed amino acids, making this a good combination for vegetarians. Canning may damage the proteins in beans. Eat 1//4-1/2 cup a day.

Hulled barley has more fiber than pearled barley. It is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Like flaxseed, it provides lignans that protect against breast cancer. Hulled barley is low-glycemic, has heart-healthy niacin and tocotrienols, the best form of Vitamin E.

Buckwheat is not a grain, but a fruit. It contains no gluten, making it ideal for people with grain allergies or celiac disease.

Buckwheat contains all eight essential amino acids in good proportion. It is a better source of complete protein than soybeans. It contains B-vitamins and minerals.

Buckwheat is a superior cholesterol-lowering food thanks to its proteins and high fiber content. It helps reduce and stabilize blood sugars after eating.

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables earn a place on the superfood list in more than one category because they are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are touted for their cancer-fighting ability.

Our top 10 superfood list would not be complete without adding a very healhty and popular drink that is making health headlines.Black and green teas contain antioxidants. Green tea has ECGC, an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol. Tea has also been shown to inhibit cancer cells. Tea is the perfect drink to enjoy along with your top superfoods.

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