I came across this great list of “Super Foods” on the Food Network and thought I would share.  Here are 7 of the 10 they listed on their website.  I’ve provided a summary of each, but click through if you want to read more about the benefits of each one.

Berries - All fruits are stellar sources of nutrients, but strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries stand out from the pack.  They’re high in vitamin and fiber content.  They’re an excellent source of antioxidants, compounds that protect our bodies from the stress of day to day living. The antioxidant anthocyanin has triple the stress-fighting power of vitamin C and is known to block cancer-causing damage as well as the effects of many age-related diseases.  Read more here.

Legumes - The inexpensive legume family, which includes beans, peas, peanuts and lentils, has priceless benefits.  Legumes are rich in folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and antioxidants.  Their high protein and complex carbohydrates provide steady energy that lasts for hours.  They are especially high in soluble fiber, and a daily serving of cooked beans may lower blood cholesterol by as much as 18 percent, decreasing the risk of heart disease.  Read more here.

Citrus - We all know citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C; one orange has a whole day’s requirement. But that’s not all citrus fruits have to offer.  Citrus juice contains flavonoids, a phytonutrient that lowers the body’s production of cholesterol, inhibits blood clot formation and boosts the bang of vitamin C.  They’re also loaded with soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol, maintains healthy blood sugar levels and helps you to manage your weight.  Read more here.

Protein - Modest portions of these meat and dairy products will fill you up without adding to your waistline.  Protein is an important part of every diet and is found in many different foods. Lean protein, the best kind, can be found in fish, skinless chicken and turkey, pork tenderloin and certain cuts of beef, like the top round. Low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, ricotta and other cheeses supply both protein and calcium. Protein is crucial for tissue repair, building and preserving muscle, and making important enzymes and hormones.  Read more here.

Olive Oil - Olive oil is an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol.  It contains Vitamin E and antioxidants. Extra-virgin olive oil has the highest concentration of Vitamin E and antioxidants. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil on uncooked dishes, where its assertive flavor will complement your finished dishes. Lighter olive oils like those labeled pure, refined or light contain lower concentrations of nutrients but withstand higher temperatures required for cooking.  Read more here.

Nuts and Seeds - Although high in calories, nuts often enable people to maintain or lose weight. A small handful eaten between meals or added to salads, grains or vegetables gives a sense of satiety and results in less total food intake. Nuts have great nutritional benefits, as well.  Almonds, pecans and pistachios are rich in protein. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are particularly good sources of phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, which promote heart health.  Read more here.

Salmon - All fish are great sources of protein and low in saturated fat. But cold-water fish, like salmon, mackerel and herring, are premiere sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. These are fats our bodies can’t produce, so it’s essential we include them in our diet. Omega-3s offer many benefits. They reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They minimize the symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory diseases. They contribute to healthy skin and hair and they may help with depression.  Read more here.

Thanks for stopping by Making Mommy Hot! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Technorati Tags: eating healthy, healthy foods, super foods for better health