HEALTHY BUT HUMBLE SUPERFOODS (PART 1)

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    “Superfoods” are getting a lot of attention, and specialty stores offer them at premium prices. Quinoa, goji berries, kombucha, acai berries and chia seeds are a great addition to your diet, but they can be hard to find and expensive to buy. Fortunately, your local grocery offers many reasonably priced everyday superfoods. Here are ten humble, healthy superfoods:

    1. Avocados
    For years, people were encouraged to avoid avocados, because they are a high fat food. It’s true avocados are high in fat, but they are good, healthy fats that provide cardiovascular protection and reduce dangerous inflammation. Avocados give us omega fatty acids, potassium, folic acid, lutein, and vitamin E.

    2. Beans
    Because of their high protein value, beans are a good substitute for meat. They are low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in water content, filled with antioxidants, calcium, iron, B vitamins and potassium.

    3. Bell Peppers
    Peppers are an excellent source of antioxidants to fight aging, enhance vision, and protect your heart. They are high in vitamins A and C. Red bell peppers, particularly, are high in fiber and vitamin K, lycopene, lutein, B vitamins and manganese. Gold and orange are also highly nutritious.

    4. Black Pepper
    Black pepper is a little known superfood, rich in minerals. It assists in digestion, supports intestinal health, relieves congestion, accelerates healing, and enhances the absorption of tumeric, another great superfood.

    5. Blueberries
    Blueberries are a powerful antioxidant, and their deep purple-blue color shows they are rich in phytonutrients. They are high in fiber and water content, but low in calories. They protect the eyes and the heart from damaging free radicals.

    6. Broccoli
    This tasty green vegetable is high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium and iron. It supports digestion and is believed to help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

    7. Brown Rice
    You may never have tried brown rice, but it has numerous benefits over white rice, which has been stripped of many nutrients. Brown rice is rich in fiber, so it has a low-glycemic index. It is also delicious and filling.

    8. Cabbage
    When you think of cabbage, you may think of slaw and sauerkraut. But cabbage is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and iodine to support your brain and nervous system, as well as sulfur compounds to fight infection and disease. Try cabbage in soups, salad, and as a cooked vegetable.

    9. Carrots
    You know carrots are good for your eyes, and that’s because they are high in beta carotene, but they are also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin K, B vitamins, and many minerals.

    10. Celery
    This humble veggie is rich in antioxidants, and it lowers inflammation. It is currently being researched for its potential to prevent breast cancer. It is even rumored to be a mild aphrodisiac!

    In our next article, we’ll tell you about ten more humble superfoods.