List of Super Foods That Prevent Disease

I present to you a list of super foods you may want to add to your diet. Diet is a key factor in maintaining your health and preventing disease. To further reduce the risk of disease, many people are adding super foods to their diets. Super foods have the property that they provide health benefits that surpass just providing nutrition for your body.

What makes these foods different? They contain high amounts of phytonutrients that provide additional protection against disease. The foods that can be classified as super foods is open for debate, but there is no question, certain foods stand above the rest in protecting against chronic disease.

Broccoli-Broccolli contains a high concentration of vitamin C as well as fiber and isothiocyanates(a potential cancer preventative).

Spinach-Spinach contains a diverse range of flavonoids as well as vitamins K, A and C. It is known to help prevent a host of chronic disease. Low in calories and high in nutrition.

Watercress-This super food contains nasturtin which gets changed into an isothyocyanate called PEITC. In recent studies, the growth of certain types of cancer have been shown to be slowed by this chemical. Watercress has also been though to reduce the potential for macular degeneration. It is best to eat this raw, as heat can cause the breakdown of PEITC.

Blueberries-Blueberries are known to have high amounts of antioxidants, including anthocyanins. They help with memory, learning, motor skills and the nervous system.

Raspberries-An excellent alternate for a dessert, raspberries contain anthocyanins
similarly to blueberries.

Apples-Rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. There is a correlation between apple consumption and reduced risk of stroke and diabetes. They also have vitamin C.

Yogurt-Yogurt contains probiotics, or friendly bacteria. Yogurt supplies bacteria to the intestines to help digest food. This helps the entire perform better, by removing wastes and toxins more effectively. Not to mention the calcium and protein yogurt contains.

Wild salmon-Salmon has a high content of omega 3's, similarly to walnuts. Wild salmon is much better since farm raised can contain pesticides that cause cancer.

Kale-Kale has similar benefits as the other green vegetables, broccoli and watercress. It contains isothiocyanates and other vitamins and minerals such as A, C and E.

Tomatoes-Many people don't think tomatoes should be considered a super food, but it is a great source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may prevent prostate cancer. Lycopene is best absorbed when cooked(tomato sauce is a good source).

Green tea-A source of catechins such as EGCG, which help prevent certain cancers and heart disease.

Flaxseed-Another source of omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed is known to help protect heart health and reduce inflammation. It also has lignans, which may slow breast tumor growth. The seeds must be ground, as whole seeds pass through undigested.

Avocados-Avocados contain oleic acid, a compound known to lower the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol. They also contain fiber, potassium and folate.

Walnuts-Omega 3 fatty acids are the main beneficial ingredient in walnuts. Omega 3's lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They also contain fiber, vitamin E and B's and other vitamins. Should be eaten in moderation as they are high in calories. Recommended amount: handful a day.

If you want to add an additional nutrition punch to your diet, try these foods!