15 Super Foods That Will Change Your Life

You’re probably wondering, What does this have anything to do with super foods?

Bear with me for a second. Ok, so you know that bad foods will hurt your health. But did you know there are some foods that can help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk for cancer, and maintain your weight all at the same time?

Super foods, they are called, and they really are amazing!

Here, I’ve gathered a list of what I found to be the top 15 super foods out there. By incorporating these widely available yet beneficial foods into your snacks, you will be fighting off disease, living longer, and feeling great in no time!

The Top Super Foods...

Whether you are eating kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans – just make sure you eat your beans! Beans are wonderful because they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. The antioxidants help you fight off diseases like cancer while the fiber makes you feel fuller, faster and longer. Try incorporating beans in your dips and spreads for a perfect healthy snack!

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are super because they are jam-packed with antioxidants, and they are a great source of vitamin C and potassium! Not only do blueberries help you prevent heart disease, they also act as an anti-inflammatory. When you shopping for blueberries or any berry for that matter, just keep in mind that the darker the berry, the more antioxidants it contains. Try snacking on frozen blueberries at work – they are just as good and good for you as fresh ones!

3. Broccoli

Did you know that broccoli has more vitamin C than oranges? Well now you know! Not only is it one of the best sources for vitamin C, broccoli is also a great source of folate, potassium, calcium, antioxidants, and vitamin K. So, whenever you decide to nibble on this green super food, you will be fighting cancer, building stronger bones, and reducing your risk for heart disease all at the same time!

4. Dark Chocolate

This is probably my favorite super food on this list (do I need to explain why?). Dark chocolate is chock-full of antioxidants and flavanols. These two key nutrients help reduce your risk for high blood pressure as well as kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. A key tip when you’re shopping for chocolate is to look for the darkest ones. The darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar and fat content. So, don’t forget to snack on chocolate today (you don’t need to tell me twice)!

5. Fish

Fish, such as tuna and salmon, are so beneficial because they have high levels of omega-3 fats. These fats help prevent you from sudden heart attacks, and they reduce the risk for heart disease and high cholesterol. It is no wonder why the Inuit of Alaska have remained heart disease free for so many years! Try mixing canned tuna into your salads and dips!

6. Nuts

Nuts are fantastic because they are a great source of vitamin E, unsaturated fats, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating them will drastically reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Plus, they will make you feel fuller, faster, which is perfect for healthy snacking! So don’t feel guilty if you like to snack on a spoonful of peanut butter like me. Whether its peanuts, walnuts, cashews, or even peanut butter, snacking on nuts will definitely benefit your health!

7. Oats

Oats aren’t just the kings of fiber. They also have an abundance of antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, protein, manganese, zinc and vitamin R. This means that, not only do oats reduce your risk for heart disease; they also help lower high cholesterol (due to their high fiber content). Oats are great for healthy snacking because they are cheap, readily available, and so versatile. For healthy munching, try incorporating oats into your cookies and snack/trail mixes!

8. Olive Oil

Who would have guessed it? Oil can be really good for you! Well, only certain oils that is, like olive oil. Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. These two key factors help reduce your risk for heart disease, heart attack, cancer, and diabetes. Olive oil can also help lower and maintain your weight as well as reduce your blood pressure. Try dipping crusty bread into a mixture of olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano for a satisfying healthy snack!

9. Oranges

Citrus fruits, like oranges, are a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium. By snacking on oranges, you will be lowering your cholesterol and high blood pressure. You will also be reducing your risk for certain cancers, boosting your immune system, and fighting off cardiovascular disease! Plus, oranges are delicious to snack on and easy to carry around. They really are the perfect healthy snack!

10. Soy

If you want to lower your cholesterol, and reduce your risk for heart disease, certain cancers, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s, try snacking on soy today! Soy contains special antioxidants that help fight off cellular damage. To incorporate more soy into your diet, try soy milk, tofu, or edamame. Soy sauce won’t help you out here (since it doesn’t have real soy)!

11. Spinach

Spinach is often called the super food for your eyes, and it’s no wonder why. Spinach is loaded with vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which all promote eye health. Spinach is also a great source of iron, antioxidants, and vitamins B, C, and E, making it super beneficial for your heart. Plus, spinach has virtually zero calories so eat as much as you want! For a healthy snack, try adding spinach into your dips or on top of a cheesy hunk of crusty bread. Or, if you’re like Popeye, just swallow a whole can-full!

12. Tea

Tea is amazing for you all around. It helps you lower your cholesterol, prevent heart attack and disease, strengthen your immune system, fight off cancers, and reduce the negative effects of a fatty diet! The reason why green tea is so beneficial is because it contains a powerful antioxidant called EGCG. No matter if it’s black or green tea, be sure to drink this super food instead of soda when you are snacking!

13. Tomatoes

This fruit (yes, it is a fruit) has the power to lower your risk for prostate, breast, lung, and stomach cancers as well as heart attacks and stroke. The main reason why the tomato can accomplish all these things is because it contains a potent antioxidant called lycopene. No matter if you eat fresh tomatoes or simple ketchup; you will still enjoy all of the benefits. For a delicious, healthy snack, try making a Caprese salad. Simply arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternatively with basil leaves. Add salt and pepper and a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil on top! Enjoy!

14. Turkey

This sadly ignored bird is usually eaten only one time a year. However, studies have shown that turkey is quite beneficial as well! Turkey is a great source of protein, iron, riboflavin, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. These heart-healthy nutrients help fight off cancers while strengthening your immune system. Plus, turkey is a cheap, readily available, and extremely lean meat. So, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be eating it all year round! Try substituting ham for turkey when you’re making your next sandwich!

15. Yogurt

The last super food on this list is yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of calcium, protein, and bacterial cultures. Don’t freak out! The bacterial cultures I’m talking are healthy and quite beneficial for your immune system. Not only do they strengthen your body’s good bacteria, they also help fight off certain cancers! Instead of sour cream or mayonnaise, try using yogurt for tasty dips and spreads!

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