Superfoods for a Gorgeous You
It’s that word again – Superfood! We are talking about beauty foods that make us feel and look good too. They are nutrients dense that provides the impetus for your body cells to repair, nourish and renew. Rich in organic minerals and phytochemicals, they offer the best in strengthening the body immune systems against illnesses and ageing. Superfoods are also high in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) levels and work like natural medicine against aging and promoting longevity. Here are 8 of my favorites:
1. Goji Berries – a complete protein source and has one of the highest ORAC levels. It is superbly rich in antioxidants and minerals and vitamins. Goji berries helps to promote production of human growth hormone, necessary to keep you immortal looking.
2. Blueberries- great tasting not too sweet nor too sour, these little fruits are bursting with nutrients including Vitamin C and have a high antioxidant capability to destroy free radicals that cause skin ageing. The anthocyanidins found in blueberries helps in maintaining body collagen integrity and keep you looking good.
3. Dark Chocolate –it has a high ORAC of 13,120. Dark chocolate (at least 60-65% cocoa) contains about 8 times more antioxidants than strawberries. Flavonoids called catechins found in dark chocolate help keep your heart and mental faculty in good order. Chocolate is also rich in a beauty mineral, sulphur that is necessary for supple skin and lustrous hair and strong nails. Beware of sugar in dark chocolate though.
4. Walnuts- thought of as a brain food due to high content of omega fatty acids. Melatonin, a hormone substance with antioxidant activity is also available in walnuts, making them the perfect food for a good night’s sleep. Another antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, blocks the metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.
5. Papaya- Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin E and beta-carotene, and some very powerful antioxidants. The enzymes contained in papaya are helpful in reducing body inflammation and building a healthy immune function against infections, colds and flu. Papaya’s fibers keep your colon healthy too.
6. Yogurt – a beauty food with its live probiotics that are so essential for a healthy bowel system. Choose organic yogurt for the best calcium content. Eating yogurt prevents candida and other fungal infections. Top your daily cup of yogurt with a handful of walnuts, rich melted dark chocolate and some frozen blueberries or dried goji berries for a quick, highly nutritious snack.
7. Chlorella- truly a perfect food with complete protein and containing all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other healing nutrients. A natural detoxifier of heavy metals and it will help guard you against most degenerative diseases. Chlorella has one of the highest forms of chlorophyll – the green blood of all plants is also the blood for the human body cells.
8. Broccoli – another of nature’s superfood. Vitamin A found in broccoli helps supports healthy cell growth to prevent dry, tough and scaly skin. The rich sulforaphane, a phytochemical compound available in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli is anti-cancer and anti-carcinogenic and studies have shown to be effective against breast cancer, so women folks take note!
There you have it. Stay healthy by eating healthier!
