Foods are not meant to simply satisfy our hunger. Some foods are so healthy you’d think it’s ridiculous. These foods provide the body with a variety of benefits that are good to the overall well-being of the human body. Foods such as these, aptly called superfoods, can provide several nutritional benefits to human. Below are 15 known superfoods that should be part of your dining table starting today.

1. 1.   Salmon

   The popularity of salmon is due mainly to its highly abundant concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Because of its high concentration, it is beneficial in lowering the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart dysrhythmia, that may lead to complications such as heart attack and stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, all found in salmon, has also shown to decrease problems in the brain and can enhance the mood and thoughts. It also helps protect joints and decrease the risk of acquiring cancer.

2. Beans

   Beans vary, yet they are one in providing health benefits to the body. First, beans can easily fill up and satisfy one’s appetite, therefore, one will have reduced amount of calorie intake. Depending on the type of beans, beans are beneficial in preventing cancer, reduce heart problems, stabilize blood sugar levels and lower the risk of developing cognitive-related problems.

3. Nuts

   There are different types of nuts, and each has varied nutritional content. Although nuts are rich in fats, they are mostly unsaturated fats that do not greatly harm the body. Nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower the blood pressure and increase the levels of good cholesterol, also known as the HDL. Aside from that, nuts are good in enhancing the function of the immune system of the human body.

4. Oatmeal

   A bowl of cooked oatmeal does not just provide strength and energy in the morning, but it also has long lasting health benefits. Several studies showed that oats and oatmeal, a high fiber food, lowers cholesterol level by removing cholesterol in the digestive system. Oatmeal also is rich in antioxidants which have been proven to be helpful in lowering cardiovascular diseases risk. It also contains beta-glucan that helps enhance the immune system in responding to infection by bacteria. Additionally, it is rich in magnesium that can help reverse problems of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

5. Flaxseed

   This seeds are slightly larger than sesame seeds and are very rich in alpha linoleic acid (ALA). But the flaxseed oil has a greater concentration of ALA than the seeds themselves. Flaxseeds and its oil have anti-inflammatory effect and it is good in protecting the bones. Since ALA is a precursor of omega-3 fatty acids, it also protects the person from cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Compared to statin drugs, it lowers cholesterol effectively in the body.

6. Olive Oil

   Those who live in the Mediterranean countries can attest to the health benefits of olive oil. Mixed in pasta, salads, fish and other food, olive oil lowers the chances of oxidative damage into fat, therefore lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and is known to be anti-cancer. Additionally, it helps stop the growth of H. pylori, a microorganism implicated in peptic ulcer diseases, and promises to strengthen bones.

7. Avocado

   Contrary to many beliefs, the fats in avocado are beneficial to the body. Avocado is rich in beta-carotene and lycopene, types of antioxidants that provide several health benefits. It promotes healthy heart and regulates blood sugar in the body. It is also a great anti-inflammatory agent, especially when it is combined with other fruits and vegetables, since it optimizes the absorption of many types of carotenoids. Because of this, avocado is also a great anti-cancer agent.

8. Broccoli

   A big bunch of steamed broccoli has been known to lower cholesterol, as it binds with the bile acids in the intestine, thereby decreasing the breakdown and absorption of cholesterol. Broccoli is also very good in detoxifying the body since it contains molecules that regulate the detoxifying system of the cells. Aside from that, broccoli can regulate the vitamin D in the blood which lowers the deficiency risk.

9. Spinach

Just by the look of it, spinach is certainly highly nutritious and is very rich in vitamin C. It also contains carotenoids and flavonoids that can help in lowering the risk of inflammation and cancer. Lastly, spinach is highly abundant in vitamin K, calcium and magnesium, nutrients that supports the bone’s health.

10. Tomatoes

    Long ago, tomatoes have been known to trump out all other fruits and vegetables in vitamin C content. Now, studies have shown that tomatoes are really rich in lycopene that can help in preventing cancers. But not only is tomato good cancer prevention, it is also good for those having colon problems, prostate problems, pancreatic disorders and heart diseases. Lastly, tomato is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

11. Garlic

    Garlic must always be part of one’s diet as it is abundant in flavonoids and nutrients containing sulphur. Not only does garlic give taste and aroma to food, studies have shown that it has cardiovascular benefits and can prevent cancer. Moreover, it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for the body.

12. Red Peppers

    Used commonly as a food garnish, red pepper is actually rich in phytonutrients, carotenoids, and beta-carotene and is known to be rich in vitamin C, the most abundant antioxidant in nature. Because of this, red peppers are widely known to have anti-cancer benefits.

13. Blueberries

    For people with memory problems, blueberries have shown to have potential in improving one’s memory. Aside from that, blueberry may be beneficial in slowing down cognitive problems related to the process of aging. Blueberries are also excellent antioxidants because of its very rich amount of phytonutrients. Therefore it can help in preventing cancers, lower the risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases, improve the health of the eyes and regulate the blood sugar in the body.

14. Apples

    An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. This adage is true since apples are very rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that are beneficial in lowering the risk of inflammation and cancers. Studies have also shown that apples have the ability to lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Additionally it helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels in the body due to its influence in the digestion process and in the absorption of carbohydrates in the body.

15. Dark Chocolate

    Real dark chocolate has 65 percent or more contents of cocoa. Although it is true that chocolate is fattening, dark chocolate is good for the body. The higher its cocoa content, the darker the chocolate, the healthier it is for the body. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants that can help in slowing down the aging process, lower the blood pressure and lower the cholesterol of the body. This therefore provides one with a healthy heart.

Sources
prevention.com
whfoods.com
longevity.about.com
nutshealthbenefits.com