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Healthy foods to keep you fighting fit in 2011

After the excess many of us enjoyed over the Christmas and New Year celebrations, there will have been plenty of resolutions made to make 2011 a year of moderation and healthy eating. A great way to kick start your campaign towards healthier eating is to discover the benefits of Nature’s ‘superfoods’.

There is a common misconception that these ‘superfoods’ are expensive and hard to come by, however, this simply isn’t the case. You can actually grow a number of superfoods yourself at home, and if not then they will be easy to find in your local grocer or supermarket; and won’t end up costing you an arm and a leg either. Below is a list of just a few, as well as some of the benefits they are purported to offer.

Watercress – Aside from the many health benefits it has to offer – what’s so great about watercress is that it’s so easy and fast to grow yourself. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, and also has a high iron, calcium and folic acid content.

Apples – Apples are not only an excellent source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, but they contain a fibre called pectin that’ll help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels too. Taking an apple to work each day is therefore a great way to keep your skin, gums and digestive system healthy.

Beans – Whether they’re of the baked variety, or green beans out of the garden, beans are high in fiber, iron and calcium, which all go a long way to help keep your intestines in good working order.

Parsley – Like many herbs, parsley can be grown quite easily in a pot outside the home and is a great accompaniment to lots of meal types. It has the highest concentration of vitamin C than any other vegetable, and is full of iron and potassium, and is great for your skin, gums, eyesight and general metabolism.

Broccoli – As well as containing many of the antioxidants of Nature’s other superfoods, broccoli is high in folic acid, thought to be a go a long way in the prevention of heart disease; antioxidants including vitamin C, and a phytochemical said to have specific anti-cancer properties too.

Ginger – As one of the most widely used herbs in medicine for centuries, Ginger has a number of health benefits. Some of which include relief for colds, migraines and heartburn. It is also an anti-inflammatory, and is considered to help reduce the chances of several forms of cancer.

Tea – The nation’s favorite drink is known for its great social benefits and caffeine properties, however, it’s also a rich source of catechins – antioxidants that are said to help protect the heart from disease and blood clots.

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