Constantly stimulating our nervous system with caffeine, guarana and
other popular energy supplements is a certain road to health problems.
There is a reason why fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and
certain spices are referred to as
"superfoods".
Anybody who craves
glorious health, the loss of body fat and explosive energy should load
their body with natural substances in these powerful foods.
Here is a
superfoods list that will have anyone running out the door, filled with
exuberance and vitality.
Top Superfoods #1: Beans and Legumes
Lentils:
Lentils are slim, disk-shaped green, brownish green or brick red
legumes which grow on a bush-like plant that produces an annual crop.
They are native to Asia. These energizing legumes are dried immediately
as they ripen. There are at least 50 varieties, and are distinguished
from beans because they contain no sulfur so there is no problem with
gas - a big deal to many people. The real claim-to- fame for lentils is
that they're filled with fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and
control blood sugar. One single cup of lentils offers a nice amount of
protein - about 18 grams - and includes a tremendous 16 grams of
roughage, both of which are important for athletes. Note: unlike beans,
lentils need no presoaking and can be eaten in 20-30 minutes.
Garbanzo:
Garbanzos, also called chickpeas, are in the same food groups as
legumes or pulses, which also includes peas, lentils [green, red and
brown] and beans. Eating more legumes is almost guaranteed to shrink the
risk of heart trouble due to their superior fiber content. Roughage
most likely will also reduce blood cholesterol levels and slow the
amount of sugar in the blood, which is enormously important both for
diabetics and for people with imminent blood sugar problems (metabolic
syndrome). Chickpeas have both magnesium & calcium in a 1:1 ratio,
Green Peas:
Peas are really legumes that started in western Asia. There are an
amazing 1,000 different varieties of garden peas, the most common of
which are the 'common' and familiar green pea that we usually find in
our grocery store freezer. Peas are a little high in sugar as legumes
(or vegetables) go, but that detriment is balanced by the fact that
approximately four ounces of cooked peas have 5 1/2 grams of roughage.
Dried peas don't hold their shape like fresh and frozen green peas do,
plus they taste a bit more earthy than their sweeter fresh cousins.
They're best used in purees, soups, and dishes that must have a bit of
thickening.
Adzuki, red, black-eyed peas:
Ordinary, take-them-for-granted beans are undoubtedly one of the
greatest sources of fiber on planet Earth. Fiber is a great protector in
ways that definitely haven't been entirely comprehended, but by now
we've discovered that foods with lots of fiber are linked with lower
risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Overall a cup of
just about any kind of cooked beans will give roughly 11-17 grams of
roughage. That's absolutely awesome! Just one serving of cooked beans a
day can be counted on to reduce your total cholesterol by up to 10% in
only six weeks. Beans are the very best low-glycemic food, because their
advanced roughage content means they raise blood sugar very slowly
which is a huge advantage for athletic endurance.
Top Superfoods #2: Herbs, Spices, and Condiments
Ginger:
In Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine, ginger is renowned as the "universal
remedy." No wonder. The small ginger plant is bursting with an entire
pharmacy of ingredients with health benefits. Lots of folks interested
in natural health are already aware of ginger's glorious power to
comfort an upset stomach and end nausea. It aids pregnant women who are
battling morning sickness, and by energizing saliva, it aids with
digestion.
Garlic:
Garlic is one of the best medicinal foods in history. Garlic is
acknowledged even by conventional, traditional medicine as a weapon for
reducing cholesterol. It also helps lower triglycerides, trims plaque,
and prevents blood clots. Garlic also has anticancer properties and even
helps to battle the common cold. Much research indicates that garlic
can even help with weight control! The key to the astounding wide range
of health benefits of garlic seems to lie in a compound called allicin,
which is brought about when garlic is crushed or digested. The fresher
the garlic the more powerful the allicin.
Note: microwaving completely destroys the benefits of the allicin - sorry.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon contains phytochemicals called "chalcone polymers" that
step-up glucose metabolism in the cells, thus giving this spice an a
phenomenal power to affect blood sugar. Also, cinnamon contains
"anthocyanins", which help capillary functions, as well as
phytochemicals which assist in combatting candida, the proliferation of
yeast in the human body that can cause so many problems. Cinnamon is
also excellent for digestive problems and it just might reduce blood
pressure, making it the perfect anti-aging spice.
Oregano:
Oregano is rich in a host of nutrients, including calcium, magnesium,
zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin A,
and niacin, and also seems to be the herb with the highest antioxidant
activity. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it traditionally
has been used to support joint function. It also has antifungal,
antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties, and is a popular choice in
combating candida yeast infections.
Tumeric:
Tumeric is pretty much a "super-spice", not only for an almost
encyclopedic number of health benefits, but also for its taste! It's a
powerful anti-inflammatory, highly regarded for easing joint pain and
arthritis - and even carpal tunnel syndrome. What make this more
splendid is that there are a minimum of 30 published studies indicating
that the active ingredient in turmeric, "curcumin", combats tumors, both
cancerous and benign. Curcumin additionally brings down cholesterol and
has powerful antioxidant properties too. Curcumin is a very
liver-friendly food, making it mighty medicine for those with variable
liver ailments, including hepatitis.
Top Superfoods #3: Grains
Rolled Oats:
Oats are an extraordinary reservoir of roughage and also offer a
perfect combination of both kinds (soluble and insoluble). Oatmeal also
has an extremely low glycemic load, meaning this valuable oat has a
almost no effect on our blood sugar and so can provide anybody with
energy that lasts throughout the day. Adding a modest amount of fat like
walnuts and some of protein (like an egg) and you're good to go for the
entire day.
Quinoa - The Grain Of The Aztecs:
Quinoa is an exceedingly wholesome food that's actually a seed, but
cooks up (and tastes just like) a grain. And it provides a good deal of
protein. The protein quality and quantity in quinoa seed is often
superior to that of more common grains, and the nutritional quality of
this little known grain is comparable to that of dried whole milk. It is
as versatile as rice, and very much healthier for the human body.
Quinoa has a lower amount of sodium and possesses more calcium,
phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc than
more ordinary grains like corn, wheat or barley.
So next time you find your hand reaching for that energy drinking,
pause and remember this superfoods list. A
rich superfoods diet will not
only mean that high-caffeine supplements won't be necessary, but after a
while you won't be craving them anymore.
Instead, you will greet your
morning cup of coffee with disinterest. Really.
