Six Amazing Superfoods That Can Prevent Heart Attack, Cancer And Stroke

We’re always hearing about the latest ‘superfoods’ – and how they could have a powerful effect on our health and wellbeing.

And while the term ‘superfood’ might be thrown around a little too freely sometimes, there are some fruits and seeds that really are a powerhouse of nutritional value.

Here, I reveal which ones are worth adding to your shopping basket today…

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Sour cherries contain high levels of antioxidants and as a result are anti-inflammatory, can help a person sleep and can improve recovery after a sports injury, Dr Sally Norton said.

Tart cherries

What are the benefits?

Tart or sour cherries have been found to contain high levels of antioxidants.

As a result, the benefits include anti-inflammation, boosted sleep, and improved sports recovery.

Reports have suggested that an increased intake of tart cherries could help to reduce certain post-workout side-effects, such as muscle aches, inflammation, and weakness.

Avocado

What are the benefits?

More than just the main ingredient in guacamole, avocados seem to be having a real moment in the spotlight, and it’s not surprising.

They’re a great source of healthy, mono-saturated fats – which have been known to help lower bad cholesterol, and as a result, reduce our risk of heart attack and stroke.

In fact, a recent study has suggested that combining a moderate-fat diet with one avocado a day could actually lower your levels of bad cholesterol by more than a low-fat, or moderate-fat diet without avocados.

Avocados are a great source of healthy, mono-saturated fats, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and reduce a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke.

Cranberries

What are the benefits?

As many of you will know, cranberries have been used for years as an aid against urinary tract infections.

But studies have suggested these berries could also have a wide range of other benefits – from improving our heart health, helping to prevent certain cancers, to boosting our oral health and helping to reduce infections.

What helps to make them just so good for us are the polyphenols that are present in those little red berries.

Polyphenols have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, to name just a few.

Just be careful where you get your cranberry intake from, as cranberry juice and juice drinks are often full of sugar.

Polyphenols found in cranberries are reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown they can improve heart health and help prevent certain cancers.

Blueberries

What are the benefits?

With their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, blueberries have been linked to all kinds of health benefits, including heart health, cancer prevention, enhanced brain function and improved eyesight.

And if that’s not enough, some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in blueberries could help to delay the ageing process – a much cheaper alternative to all those anti-ageing creams.

Pumpkin seeds

What are the benefits?

We all know how nutritious pumpkins are, but there’s, even more, to be said for the pumpkin seed.

It provides great levels of protein, fiber, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorous, and is a rich source of zinc – important for immunity, cell growth, and division, as well as sleep, mood, and eye and skin health.

It’s not surprising it’s been dubbed a ‘super-seed’.

A handful of these little seeds make a great, nutrient-packed snack, or add them to your porridge for a tasty nutrient boost.

Blueberries, left, have been linked to a wide range of health benefits including improved heart health, cancer prevention and improved eyesight. And pumpkin seeds, right, dubbed ‘superseeds’, are thought to help a person sleep, improve their mood and boost eyesight.

Chia seeds

What are the benefits?

Seed du jour, the chia seed has seen a steep rise in popularity over the past couple of years – unsurprising, given its high levels of nutrients and low-calorie intake.

Loaded with antioxidants, soluble fibre, and minerals, chia seeds are also a source of omega-3 – though not as easily used by our bodies as that obtained from fish – and contain more calcium, ounce for ounce, than milk.

If you’re after an easy way to add chia seeds to your diet, try out our simple, creamy chia porridge recipe.

Sprinkle the seeds on to porridge that has been mixed with low-calorie, but vitamin-rich rice milk, and you’ve got yourself a healthy, creamy, nutrient-packed breakfast.

If you’re not a fan of rice milk, then almond milk or soya milk could work just as well.

To find out more visit www.vavista.com 

Loaded with antioxidants, soluble fibre and minerals, chia seeds are also a source of omega-3 and contain more calcium, ounce for ounce, than milk

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Emergency Food Recipe Of The Week #10: Tomato Pesto Bean And Shrimp Salad

photo source: busycooks.about.com

This is it. The moment I’ve feared ever since discovering the emergency food recipes on busycooks.about.com. This is the last recipe left untested by me, so I thought it’s time I’d give it shot.

It’s a tomato pesto bean and shrimp salad. I’m not crazy about pesto, especially tomato pesto, but I’ve got to admit… I actually liked this salad. And so did our friends’ kids, and they are very picky when it comes to food.

So this is the proof that you can make great meals with emergency food that even your kids or grandkids will eat. And very healthy, too.

You may not know this, but shrimps have no less than 10 health benefits, according to HealthMad. Here they are:

#1: It helps fight cancer

“Every 85 g (8oz) of steamed shrimps can provide the body with 48% of the DV of selenium. Lack of selenium in the body has been linked to the incidence of many types of cancer, including prostate.”

#2: It keeps skin, hair and nails healthy and beautiful

“The most expensive shampoo and lotion will be useless to hair and skin without the adequate supply of protein in the body. Protein is a vital part of every living tissue and shrimps are excellent sources of this mineral.”

#3: It prevents anemia

“Shrimps are rich in vitamin B12, a nutrient which supports the production of red blood cells and help prevent pernicious anemia.”

#4: It gives you energy

“Fatigue and weakness may indicate low levels of iron in the body. Iron is an essential nutrient needed for energy and vitality and shrimps are rich with this mineral.”

#5: It keeps your bones strong

“These crustaceans are loaded with phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus are the two chief nutrients which work closely together to build strong bones and teeth.”

#6: It helps process fats

“Niacin (vitamin B3) helps process fats, carbohydrates and protein and turns it into energy. Shrimps can provide a good amount of this essential vitamin.”

#7: It helps fight depression

“Just like fish, shrimps can also supply omega-3 fatty acids. Study participants have shown that omega-3’s offer powerful protection against depression and may help improve mood to those who are already suffering from the disorder.”

#8: It improves prostate health

“Preliminary studies have shown that zinc slow down prostate cancer cell growth. Eating shrimps will add to the body’s needed daily value of this mineral which is only 10-15 mg.”

#9: It keeps thyroid healthy

“Shrimps can contribute to thyroid health through its supply of copper.”

#10: It helps stabilize blood sugar levels

“These scrumptious seafoods are also good sources of magnesium, which studies suggest can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes”

Now let’s see what you need for this recipe:

• 1/2 cup dried tomato pesto mix

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup tomato juice

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons evaporated milk

• 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans

• 1 (15-ounce) can Great Northern Beans

• 3 (6-ounce) cans medium shrimp, drained

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained, reserving juice

You’ll also need a large bowl, where you’ll throw in the pesto mix, olive oil, tomato juice reserved from the drained tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Mix it well, then add evaporated milk and stir. Then let it stand for 5 minutes.

Next, you can add the remaining ingredients, using fresh vegetables (if you have any at hand. Last thing on the To do list: stir to coat.

Now you can enjoy this wonderful salad with your family. Hope you’ll like it.

By Anne Sunday