Did you know that adding superfoods to your daily diet can help you lose weight as well as improve your overall health? What are superfoods, you might ask? They are specific foods loaded with minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients (plant chemicals that fight disease), fibre and antioxidants.
Here are the top must-have superfoods.
1. Avocados
Although avocados are high in fat, the majority of fat is heart-healthy oleic acid or monounsaturated fat. These tasty fruits are also sodium and cholesterol free and have proved to be beneficial for high cholesterol levels. Avocados are great sliced on top of salads or spread on a sandwich - a great substitute for mayo. Avocados ripen in about five to seven days at room temperature. If you need to ripen an avocado, place it in a paper bag where the fruit's production of ethylene will speed up the ripening process.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a long history of medicinal use. In the Ayurvedic medical tradition, cinnamon was used to treat diabetes. Recent investigation has supported this finding and has demonstrated that extracts of cinnamon increase insulin activity, which leads to better blood sugar regulation. Try using cinnamon for breakfast by mixing some into your oatmeal or pancake batter.
3. Edamame
Edamame is the immature green form of edible soybeans. It differs from field soybeans, which are used for tofu and soybean oil, by its large seeds, milder taste and tender texture. This tasty bean is a common health food snack as it's high in fibre and offers a complete source of protein. Fresh edamame can be found in Asian and specialty stores but is also available frozen, both in and out of the pods, in many grocery and health food stores.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is a seed that's similar to a grain. It has a tasty, nutty flavour and creamy texture. Used like rice, quinoa is gluten-free, easy to digest and one of the least allergenic "grains". It also offers a high protein content (about twice that of rice) and contains all eight essential amino acids making it a complete protein.
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