You’ve probably heard of superfoods, foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants that offer a wide variety of health benefits. It can be tough to sort through the superfood-of-the-day being promoted by one media outlet or another, but here are some stalwarts with proven results:
Blueberries
These berries aren’t just tasty, they’re high in antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, potassium, and vitamin C, giving them anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogen properties. Enjoy them fresh or frozen in a smoothie or by themselves.
Green Tea
All tea is high in antioxidants, but only green tea contains ECGC, an antioxidant which has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies conducted in Japan have shown that men who regularly drink green tea have lower cholesterol than those who don’t.
Omega-3 Rich Fish
Wild salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines and other fatty cold-water fish are the highest in Omega-3s, which help reduce arthritis inflammation and heart disease risk. These fish are also high in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol.
Turmeric
This yellow spice used primarily in Indian cooking has been found to inhibit cancer cell growth, especially when combined with cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.
Spinach
Popeye was right – this tasty green is high in protein and iron, rich in antioxidants that fight cancer and heart disease, and is one of the best sources of Vitamin A. For the most nutritional bang for your buck, eat spinach raw or lightly steamed.
