Superfoods - Go Nuts and Get Fruity

Seeds, pulses and nuts contain fibre and protein. They are also low in
saturated fats. When you add to the fact that they are completely free
from Cholesterol, then you can see the benefits of including them in your
diet.


Pulses include peas, beans, and lentils. They are inexpensive and easy
to cook giving you a valuable source of protein which is believed by
many leading experts to actually reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
They are also beneficial to diabetics because the sugars in them are
converted into glucose in the blood stream at a slower rate. This means
that it will not cause spikes in the blood glucose levels.
One thing to remember though is that although seeds and nuts and
pulses are low in cholesterol they are high in calories. So if you're on a
diet of some kind you will have to limit your intake.


Fruits are naturally sweet and colourful. Easy to eat and packed with
healthy nutrients. Everyone can benefit by including at least some fruit in
their diet. Research has shown that people who readily consume one or
two portions of fruit a day are less likely to suffer from many well known
diseases.


Fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Antioxidants are your friends,
they roam around the bloodstream and destroy less than friendly
substances called free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be a cause
of some cancers.


There are tons of ways to increase your fruit intake. Green salad comes
to life if you add some orange segments or sliced peaches. Breakfast
can be fun as well. Just add your favourite berries and nuts to your
regular cereal.


Fruits that many years ago would have been unavailable are now
plentiful in modern supermarkets and stores. It is well worth
experimenting with fruits like mangoes, figs and lychees.


Do not overlook dried fruit either- they may be thought of as content for
cakes or pies but dried fruit retains all the goodness in its dehydrated
form as normal fruit. Dried fruit is great again in cereal if you wish to be a
little creative and is even easier to carry around with you in case you feel
like snacking.


If anti-oxidants are the ‘good guys’ that support your immune system and
work to combat those harmful elements within your body, then ‘free
radicals’ are the terror wielding extremists that wreak havoc and threaten
your well-being. These facts have been widely circulated but often
people don’t understand the importance of how a healthy and balanced
diet works.


Goji Berries
Grown on vines, these red berries have a very distinctive flavour- and
reportedly, contain 500 times more Vitamin C than other fruit per ounce.
They do have a cluster of Vitamins such as: A, B1, B2, B6 and E and
include 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals.


Raw Cacao
Raw cacao beans have the most concentrated source of antioxidants
and boast of high quantities of magnesium which is often deficient in
even those who follow a healthy diet. Raw cacao beans also provide
iron.


Maca
Maca powder which comes from the maca root in Peru has been
cultivated for thousands of years and has long been considered a
superfood – consumed initially by Inca warriors in a bid to increase their
endurance and strength, supplements are readily available.


Acai

Acai berries formed part of the staple diet for tribes within the Amazon.
Acai berries are considered to have powerful antioxidant qualities and
contain high levels of anthocynanins.


Coconuts
Coconuts contain high qualities of electrolytes (young coconuts are best
for this) and these electrolytes are ionized salts found in your cells and
they work to transport energy throughout the body. As opposed to
drinking commercial sports drinks- which are incredibly high in sugars,
instead choose coconut water as its molecular structure is identical to
your blood plasma, so your body recognises it immediately and it is put
to good use.


Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil can actually speed up your metabolic rate helping you to
burn more calories as opposed to other saturated fats which become
stored in the cells of your body. The fatty acids in coconut oil are
converted into energy immediately as they are sent directly to your liver.


So go nuts and get fruity.