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.
This post was brought to you by Snugg Nightwear – an online boutique specialising in children’s nightwear and bedtime accessories.
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