If you could eat foods that were tasty, nutritious and helped reduce your risk of disease, what more could you want? These 10 super foods are proven, expert-beloved disease fighters and energy boosters. Add them to your meals and get on the fast track to a super-healthy body
Chili
Eating chili regularly helps keep your heart healthy by lowering cholesterol, keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range. Studies have shown that those cultures whose diets include plenty of hot chillies have lower rates of certain types of cancer, including colon and stomach cancer.
Yogurt
Yogurt eaters will get a dose of animal protein plus several other nutrients found in dairy foods, like calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium. Probiotics are "friendly bacteria" that are naturally present in the digestive system. Some strains of probiotics can help boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Walnut
Walnuts contain the most omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce cholesterol, of all nuts. Omega-3s have been shown to improve mood and fight cancer; they may protect against sun damage, too (but DO NOT skip the SPF!). Munch a handful of walnuts a day and you will have enough recommended levels of minerals, vitamins, and protein.
Lemon
The two biggest health benefits of lemons' are strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances; notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoid, pectin, and limonene, that promote immunity and fight infection.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is made up of cocoa beans, which are rich in flavonoids. Flavanoids are a rich source of health benefits so greater the cocoa content; greater is the amount of flavanoids. The dark chocolate also serves as a powerhouse of antioxidants. People undergoing through the treatment of high blood sugar can also have dark chocolate as it is beneficial for diabetes.
Broccoli
Besides providing calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients (compounds that may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.) Broccoli contains the antioxidant beta-carotene and is also an excellent source of vitamin C.
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with calcium, folic acid, vitamin K and iron. Spinach is also rich in vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids. Spinach's secret weapon, lutein, makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the elderly. Foods rich in lutein are also thought to help prevent cancer.
Sweet Potato
The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they're high in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. One sweet potato has almost eight times the amount of cancer-fighting and immune-boosting vitamin A you need daily. And, they're fat-free and relatively low in calories.
