The Amazing "Super" foods of our times

Read on to know some of the amazing super foods of our times

Given below is a compilation of some of the natural super foods & their benefits

Wheatgrass

Not many people know of this but wheatgrass, in its most natural form, is the miracle weed that has chlorophyll, live enzymes, vitamins and minerals that have several health benefits.

The most prominent among these are
• liver detoxification
• Purifies the blood
• Helps in regenerating cells
• Anti biotic and anti inflammatory
• Provides energy and immunity
• Improves digestion
• Anti ageing
• Builds muscles
• Helps in dealing with skin ailments

The wheatgrass is available in many forms such as powder, juice, capsules and can also be grown at home easily.

Flaxseeds

Tiny but mighty and the biggest health benefit that it can provide is in the form of Omega 3 fatty acids and remains a good alternative for those who do not eat fish.

Most important health benefits
• Helps lowering the bad (LDL) cholesterol levels
• Lowers blood triglyceride
• Lowers High blood pressure
• Anti inflammatory
• Aids weight loss
• Helps protect against cardiovascular diseases
• Corrects hormonal imbalances
• Reduces symptoms of PMS
• Helps hair growth
• Thyroid problems

No side effects save except initial stomach discomfort and nausea but it is rare. Drink plenty of water with flax seeds. Pregnant women should not take flax seeds and people with high blood sugar should also avoid taking it. Flax seeds can be taken with water, sprinkled on curd or salads, can be taken with vegetables also.

Don't go overboard and take it in large quantities - one or two teaspoons a day is sufficient.

Oatmeal

Oats are a good source of soluble fibre and have a low glycaemic index.

Health benefits
• Reduces high / excess blood cholesterol
• Lowers blood sugar
• Helps control diabetes
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Contains high protein

Green tea

Green tea is the natural remedy for almost everything and the nature's secret for a healthier life. Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols which is a powerful antioxidant

• Helps eliminate cancerous growth / cells
• Lowers LDL cholesterol
• Eliminates formation of blood clots thereby reducing the risk of developing heart disease manifold
• Helps reducing fat formation
• Helps in reducing weight - good news for dieters (This is as good as it gets)

Blackcurrants

Full on antioxidants and vitamin C and helps protect against heart diseases. Anti inflammatory and helps fight against urinary tract infections.

Broccoli

Super veggie with high amount of vitamin C, it helps prevent cataract and common cold, reduces high blood pressure, gastric problems, provides good balanced hormonal balance, prevents alzheimer's disease, diabetes, stomach and colon cancer, malignant tumors...the list is endless.

Cucumber

The humble cucumber has several health benefits

Just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B6/C/folic acid/calcium/iron/phosphorous/potassium and zinc.

Feeling exhausted - eat a cucumber
Want to rid of cellulite - rub a slice or two
Helps in getting rid of headaches and hangovers
Great for relieving eye stress - put a slice on the eyes and see the result
Finally, what about the foods that we want to eat and still stay healthy!!
Well, here you go with some of these...

Popcorn

Now, who would not love eating popcorn.
Here is the good news for people who love popcorn.
Popcorn is a wholegrain and contains more fibre than sunflower seeds and is very filling due to its high fibre content.
It balances blood sugar level and helps dieters. Has antioxidants.
Binge on it wholeheartedly guys

Cheese

It provides the essential calcium and other nutrients which are essential for strong teeth and bones. Great for healthy skin and eyes.
Caveat: eat only in moderation as high on fat.

Tomato sauce

Tomato contains lycopene - a wonderful and most powerful anti oxidant
And the good news is that tomato sauce contains more lycopene than eating a raw tomato and can be more readily absorbed into the body when the tomato is processed into sauce, ketchup or a paste.
Lycopene has anti ageing benefits and provides protection against many types of cancers.
Spread it over lavishly!!
Some of the great Indian healthy spices

Methi (fenugreek) seeds

The humble methi seeds - a must have in your daily diet.
Extremely rich in protein, calcium and phosphorous and contains Lecithin which is a powerful brain food.
• Reduces fat deposits
• Lowers cholesterol
• Helps in reducing blood glucose levels
• Cures skin rashes

Best way to derive maximum benefit is to have it in the morning on an empty stomach. Soak it in water overnight and have it with water early morning or make a paste of it.

Zeera (cumin) seeds

Used intensively in Indian homes, this ordinary looking seed is high in iron and helps correcting digestive disorders. It is rich in mineral, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A & C.

Turmeric (haldi) powder

The most common of the spices used in Indian kitchens has amazing health and cosmetic benefits
• Antiseptic
• Contains anti oxidants
• Reduces pigmentation
• Softens the skin
• Makes the skin supple
• Strengthens bones
• Fights diarrhea
• Helps relieve cough and chest infections (have it with warm milk before retiring for the day and see the improvement)

Curry leaves

Loaded with Vitamin C, it helps cleaning the blood, leaving you with a glowing skin, helps lower blood pressure, cures nausea, sickness and vomiting, piles, prevents premature graying of hair.

Well...I have tried to cover as much as possible but that's not all and I will be back with the 2nd edition on it, hopefully with some recipes thrown in for good measure.

Till then, hope it helps the readers in deriving maximum health benefits by incorporating these in their daily diets.