Best Superfoods

Chia

Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet, they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to raise HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol that helps protect against heart attack and stroke). Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants and full of fiber, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium.

Originally grown in Mexico, the seeds were highly valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value. In fact, they were even used as currency, in this article we will see some of the major benefits of this superfood.

Seeds are the new superfoods as not only are they rich in fiber but provide energy too. Just a handful of chia seeds when mixed with nuts and dry fruits or included in smoothies or shakes can help you keep full for longer. These can soak a lot of liquid and expand in the stomach, which helps in suppressing appetite, warding off untimely hunger pangs, preventing binge-eating, and thereby facilitating weight-loss. Every 100g of chia seeds has close to 480 calories and 30g of fat out of which polyunsaturated fats (good/essential fats including omega 3, 6) make up to 23g.

Nigella seeds

You may or may not have heard of Black seed (nigella sativa) however these seeds are absolutely loaded with health benefits. Also referred to as black caraway, black cumin, and Roman coriander, these little seeds pack a powerful punch, offering protection against things like MRSA and cancer, it also helps reducing mutant cell proliferation. It may also reduce histamine production, helping to alleviate inflammatory conditions, and also reduces the activity of parasites and bacteria in the mouth and gut.

Nigella Sativa seeds are carminative, meaning they aid in digestion and may decrease gas, bloating and stomach pain. Black seed oil is often sometimes used in remedies for intestinal parasites. In preliminary studies, it was also shown to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells with no negative side effects.

Avocados

Some people avoid putting avocados in their diet because of the high fat content, however is high in healthy fats that promote weight loss.

It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods, avocados are high in fiber and, ounce for ounce, they top the charts among all fruits for folate, potassium, vitamin E and magnesium. No doubt, avocado nutrition makes it a powerful SuperFood.

Numerous studies show that it has powerful beneficial effects on health. It’s been shown to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and protect against cancer, avocados are basically nature’s butter.

One study indicated that this potent fruit can help in preventing liver damage. Another study used avocado and other fruits to feed to laboratory rats. The rats were injected with a strong substance that is harmful to the liver. This toxic chemical negatively affected cell production and led to apoptosis. The lab rats that were given avocado experienced only limited liver damage compared to those who were not fed with the said fruit.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as a source of the mineral zinc, and the World Health Organization recommends their consumption as a good way of obtaining this nutrient. These seeds also contain wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper and protein, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package. They also contain plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants, which can give your health an added boost.

Flax seeds

Flaxseeds are tiny brown or gold seeds that come from the flax plant. They have a very mild, nutty flavor and are rich in fiber and a variety of other nutrients. Flaxseed is a source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber; modern research has found evidence to suggest that flaxseed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

In recent years, flax seed has become popular in the mainstream market. It can be found in a number of forms, including oils, oil capsules, whole seeds, ground seeds, and as an ingredient in breads, cereals, muffins, and breakfast bars. Since 80% of Americans may be deficient in the omega-3 essential fatty acids that flax provides, flax is one of the most important and most widely accepted of the herbal health foods.