5 Superfoods for Superhuman Strength

 

Superfoods is a buzzword that has been floating around most nutrition advice columns, and with good reason. Not only do they taste good when taken whole and unprocessed, but they also provide a host of benefits, from improving sex drive to lowering cholesterol and weight to preventing cancer. We take a look at five superfoods that you could easily get on your next supermarket visit.

 

#1. Blueberries.

Berries not only make for sweet desserts and breakfasts, but they also pack in a load of antioxidants. Among them is anthocyanin, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and makes blood vessels more elastic. it contains phytochemicals that could influence the way your body stores and burns fat, helping you trim your waistline and cut your risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

If that’s not enough, blueberries are also rich in the so-called “miracle molecule”, Resveratrol, which helps to prevent heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. To reap the benefits, have a handful regularly with your breakfast cereal or dessert.

#2. Almonds.

Almonds, when taken in their natural state, are packed with monounsaturated fats, as well as essential minerals including magnesium, potassium and calcium. Having a handful of nuts also provides half the daily intake of Vitamin B6, which is essential to keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy.

 

Snacking on it while on the couch could help you lose weight too. “It seems that their fibre structure may help block absorption of fat and carbohydrates and improve satiety, which could help prevent weight gain and stave off the onset of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

#3. Green Tea.

Cheap and readily available, green tea is packed with the seemingly miraculous polyphenols and cathechins. Polyphenols are known to activate an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps use and burn off excess triglyceride.

 

Catechins, on the other hand, are powerful antioxidants that can help prevent aging, and cancer. Studies have shown that consuming 2 to 3 cups per day is needed to reap the benefits of green tea, which are best bought in loose-leaf form.

#4. Dark Chocolate.

 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is the best way to round off a meal. A serving of dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) provides more antioxidants and polyphenols than cranberries, pomegranates and acai fruit.

"These substances help keep the arteries healthy and are protective against cardiovascular disease. "When looking for a sweet snack, a square of dark chocolate might, in fact, be your healthiest choice!" To get the best out of the chocolates, look out for non-alkalized chocolates. Alkalization is a process used to mellow the flavor of cocoa, but it also destroys the polyphenolic compounds.

#5. Oats

Fiber isn’t only taken to improve bowel movement, but it’s also vital in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. Besides, having loads of fiber also helps you feel full longer, making it a good way to trick your brain that you’ve eaten enough.

So the next time you’re having breakfast muesli, throw in a tablespoonful of oats to bulk it up, or have plenty of high-fiber fruit and nuts to complement your meal.