Imagine something powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and even put you in a better mood. No, it’s not a drug. It’s a superfood! And, best of all, these life-changing superfoods are available right now in your local supermarket. Here are 7 superfoods that will benefit you as both a mom and a woman.
1) Blueberries – Antioxidant Superfood
Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C. Eating blueberries can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, prevent memory loss and help lower blood pressure. Plus, they help fight wrinkles! When it comes to fruit and veggies, the more color they have, the more antioxidants they contain.
2) Salmon – Omega 3 Superfood
Wild salmon contains two kinds of Omega-3s, including DHA, a fatty acid essential for a healthy pregnancy. More Omega-3 benefits: boosts mood, fights depression, and may protect against Alzheimer’s and cancer.
3) Dark Chocolate – Sensual Superfood
See, you CAN eat chocolate. Just make sure it’s dark chocolate, which is filled with antioxidants and may reduce the risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, hydrate the skin, and sharpen thinking. Look for chocolate with 60% or higher cocoa content. When it comes to chocolate: the darker, the better. How can you resist indulging in a rich piece of dark chocolate? Mmm.
4) Tea – Cancer-Fighting Superfood
The overall antioxidant power of black tea is the same as green tea, but green tea contains ECGC, a powerful antioxidant that may fight heart disease and help prevent dementia, diabetes and stroke. Researchers in Spain and the United Kingdom have also shown that ECGC can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Plus, it’s good for your figure too – drinking enough green tea daily could help you burn more calories!
5) Soy – Cholesterol-Fighting Superfood
Who knew soy was so impressive? A 2003 study reported in The Journal of the American Medical Association showed that a diet of soy fiber, protein from oats and barley, almonds, and margarine from plant sterols lowered cholesterol as much as statins, the most widely prescribed cholesterol medicine. The best ways to get soy? Tofu, soy milk or edamame. But beware, if you have a family history of breast cancer, it is not recommended that eat extra soy.
6) Avocados – Good-Fat Superfood
While avocados are high in fat, they provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids that can help you lose belly fat, a risk factor for heart disease and fertility problems. This superfood is also packed with potassium, protein, magnesium, vitamins and fiber.
7) Broccoli – Breast Cancer-Fighting Antioxidant
Make sure you eat your broccoli too, mom! This vegetable may help prevent breast cancer by keeping excess estrogen at bay. As if that wasn’t enough reason to eat it, broccoli is rich in Vitamins C and A, fiber, folic acid, calcium, iron and potassium. Eat it cooked or raw!
