These superfoods are based on their high antioxidant power and their ability to help the body cope with several diseases. Super one foods improve our health and skin.
Here you will find a selection of these antioxidants. There is nothing new you probably eat them daily, but maybe you are not aware of their excellent health benefits.
Nuts
Nuts are superfoods and everybody should incorporate them as a part of a healthy diet. These super 1 foods are mainly composed of good fats, the same we can find in olive oil. They are also high in vegetal proteins, flavonoids, fiber, vitamins, especially
vitamin e
, b and
vitamin c
.
Health benefits of nuts
Good for a healthy heart
Good for stress
Good for PMS
Lower cholesterol levels
Diminish the risk of strokes
Boost energy levels, so are especially recommended for active people
With moisturizing properties, improving hair and skin condition
All nuts have health benefits: almonds, brasil nuts, hazelnuts, pecan nuts, peanuts, walnuts, pine nuts,...but remember to choose nuts without salt, and eat just a handful because they are high in calories.
Oily Fish
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, trout,...should form part of a healthy, balanced diet. These superfoods contain omega 3 fatty acids, which reduces the risk of developing heart related conditions. Other oily fish health benefits are:
Lowers cholesterol
Improves brain function and age related conditions
Lowers risk of cancer
lowers diabetes risk
Keeps the joints lubricated
It has anti-inflammatory properties
Moisturize the skin inside out, improving hair and skin condition
Researchers suggest eating two to three portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish is higher in calories than white fish, but is worth to eat it because of all the health benefits.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils around and my favorite. This potent antioxidant has many uses as a natural medicine and in skin care, especially anti aging skin care. The best is virgin olive oil from the first press. It keeps all its flavour because it comes directly from olive's juice. Is very rich in "oleic acid" a monounsaturated fat, and vitamin e.
Health benefits of olive oil
Lowers cholesterol
Lowers the risk of cancer
Prevents heart related conditions
Prevents arteriosclerosis
Good for constipation
Stimulates the liver
Beneficial for elderly people
Stimulates children growth
Protects and moisturize hair and skin
You should use olive oil in your daily cooking, and extra virgin olive oil for dressings and salads.
Tea
Tea is after water the second most consumed drink in the world. There are around 3000 types of tea worldwide, but the main types are black, green, red and white. Tea is rich in antioxidant compounds called "polyphenols" which have great health benefits such as:
Lowers the risk of cancer
Lowers the risk of heart related conditions
Lowers cholesterol
Can help to reduce body fat
It has anti-bacterial properties
Scar healing properties
Tea Antiaging Properties
Tea has been incorporated by the cosmetic industry as an skin care ingredient in many cosmetic products, because of its high antioxidant power and healing properties. Researchers suggest that drinking at least four cups a day, will lower the risk of developing some forms of cancers, and heart related conditions.
Dark Chocolate
Researchers have discovered that dark chocolate has more health benefits than milk chocolate because when the milk is added, it looses its antioxidant properties. The cocoa that we find in dark chocolate is a good source of "flavonoids", which are antioxidant compounds with many health benefits such as
Lowers blood pressure
Improves circulation
Lowers the risk of developing heart related conditions
Increases good HDL cholesterol
Good for the kidneys
Good for the skin due to its antioxidant action
Dark chocolate taste bitter, and in my opinion is not as good in taste as milk chocolate, but is worth to eat it because of all the health benefits, just be careful if you are watching your weight because is high in calories.
There are, of course more superfoods that I will be adding to this list of anti oxidant food to keep you up to date. Find out which fruits have more antioxidant power here
antioxidant food
and the
list of antioxidants
vegetables. Please, read these related articles
blueberry recipe
and
antioxidant cranberry
.
Are you interested in skin care and other related topics? Then, why not subscribe to the free monthly newsletter to receive articles and the latest news about beauty and skin care. Your email address is safe with us, we hate spam as much as you do.