Did you know about the benefits of these superfoods?

Not all the vitamins and nutrients you need for optimum health are stored by the body. Our bodies can store fat soluble vitamins such as A, D and E as well as essential omega fatty acids, but water soluble vitamins such as B (including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and foliate) and C stay in the bloodstream for only 4 to 6 hours. To maintain optimal blood levels of important nutrients, you should eat a variety of the following superfoods throughout the day, not just at one meal. And remember – supplements are supplemental. Real food is the winning ticket for a strong and healthy body!

1. Tomatoes. They contain tons of vitamins A and C and lycopene, which helps to protect our bodies against cancer and our skin against UV damage from the sun. Lycopene is concentrated when tomatoes are cooked. Cooking tomatoes with the small amount of oil increases lycopene absorption by the body.
2. Bell peppers. Low in calories and loaded with antioxidants, one pepper has only 30 calories and twice your daily requirement of vitamin C.
3. Avocado. Contains good fats that help you absorb fat soluble vitamins. Has lutein that promotes eye health. A 1 oz serving of avocado has 50 calories – less than in a tablespoon of mayonnaise.
4. Beans and other legumes. They are excellent source of fiber, rich in folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and antioxidants. Their high protein and complex carbohydrate provide steady energy, that last for hours. They also contain prebiotics, which helps the growth of the good bacteria in the intestine. Lentils, for example, loaded with vitamins, nutrients, protein and fiber, they take only 20 minutes to cook and are an inexpensive form of protein. A half cup of cooked lentils contains 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber.
5. Wild salmon and other cold water fish. Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fats not produced by our bodies. They are vital for our brain function, healthy skin and hair and cardiovascular and nervous systems. Omega-3 are also found in seaweed, watercress, flaxseed, walnuts and almonds.
6. Lean proteins. Contain micronutrients ( such us calcium, iron, selenium, zinc) that are essential for bone formation, nerve transmission, fighting cancer, forming blood cells, keeping our immune system strong. They also repair tissue, build and preserve muscle, make important enzymes and hormones.
7. Whole grains. Offer protein, B vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants, that help protect against heart disease, obesity, diabetes.
8. Greek style yogurt. Contains less carbohydrates and more protein that regular yogurt.
9. Berries. Contain antioxidants that are known to block cancer and the effects of many age related diseases.
10. Nuts. Contain healthy fats and phytosterois that promote heart health and may prevent colon cancer.

Do you try to eat as much of these superfoods as possible? Do you know any other superfoods that are good for you? Comment below.