Wondering what the deal is with foods that are labeled as “superfoods”? Is it all just marketing hype, better off ignored? Or are superfoods really better than others?
The truth? Certain fish, vegetables, and fruit do have a higher nutritional value than their cousins. For lack of a better phrase, you get more bang for your buck with some than with others.
Eating kale might not turn you into a cape-wearing superhero, but it is on the higher end of the vegetable ranking. Picture kale as wearing a little red cape and booties if it helps you remember that it is a tad more powerful than its lesser associates. Hey, no one will judge. Everyone’s Memory Palace is populated differently.
Here are the other foods and ingredients that rank high in being excellent for your health.
Beta sitosterol
This one is just for the guys out there. Beta sitosterol is an herb that is taken from various plants and which contains plant fats. It is often recommended for those who want to improve the health of their prostate. As men age, they begin to experience enlarged prostate problems, causing bladder discomfort. Other issues include a persistent feeling of needing to urinate.
Beta sitosterol can be found in Prostagenix – all natural prostate relief supplement. Fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables all contain this substance in varying degrees. Avocados are high in this ingredient, as are pistachios. So it will be no difficulty adding this super-charged ingredient to your day. Eat pistachios as a midday snack. And avocados go well with just about any meal!
Almonds
You probably know that almonds pack a nutritious punch. After all, President Obama eats them as a bedtime snack. But did you know that it topped BBC’s list of the 100 most nutritious foods?
BBC.com notes that almonds promote heart health and may help reduce the risk of diabetes through their fatty acid content. Almonds are high in both fiber and protein. And they have a special appeal to dieters as 10 to 15 percent of the calories are too difficult for the body to absorb.
The best part of this story is that almonds can be found at almost any grocery or food store you walk into. Almonds can be eaten as is or can be added as salad toppings. And for those who really want to go all out, almond flour can be used in place of traditional flour for baking cakes and cookies!
Avocados and avocado oil
Yet another reason to love this amazing fruit. You can now use it as an oil for your omelets or when creating any of your latest culinary concoctions. It is less well known than olive oil, but give it time, and you should see this one popping up everywhere.
For some quick health stats and facts:
Avocado oil contains 70 percent oleic acid, a heart-healthy omega 9 fatty acid. Oleic acid has been found to improve a person’s glucose and insulin levels. That makes this oil a fantastic way to lower one’s risk of diabetes and other heart diseases. Additionally, it has been studied for its ability to increase energy and enhance a person’s mood.
Avocado oil can be drizzled on top of a salad or used as a basis for a dip or pasta sauce. Pizzas, soups, and salad dressings all are fair game, too.
Chia seeds
Unlike almonds, these seeds are often only sold in stores that have a natural supplements aisle. But the nutritional value of these tiny seeds makes them worth hunting them down in a health specialty store.
In a 1 ounce serving, you will get…
- 4 grams of protein
- 11 grams of fiber
- 5 grams of Omega 3
- 18 percent of your calcium requirement
- 30 percent of your magnesium requirement
- 30 percent of your manganese requirement
- 27 percent of your phosphorus requirement
All for only 137 calories!
These tiny black seeds could be mistaken for sesame seeds. But they require a different prep method. To make them edible, they must be soaked in milk, water, or yogurt for a couple hours. Once soaked, they swell to 2 to 3 times its original size and have a jelly-like texture, not unlike pomegranate seeds. Some individuals sprinkle the seeds as-is on salad but be careful if you do so. Chia seeds will absorb liquid in the stomach, so be sure to drink lots of water if you do not pre soak them first.
