The Super of All Superfoods

I’ve talked about Superfoods, how to use them, how to get them throughout your day, etc.  Now I want to talk to you about the Super of all Superfoods.  I want to tell you what they are and what makes them so super…The first Super of all Superfoods I want to discuss is Salmon.  So what does Salmon have to offer other than being a flavorful fish:

1. Has 8 different vitamins that are important to your immune system, your metabolizm and cognition.
2. It has Potassium which helps your heart
3. It has Magnesium that helps reduce blood pressure and migraines
4. It has Selenium which acts as an antioxidant that reduces your risk of cancer
5. Has a lot of protein
6. It has the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids of all commercial fish.  This helps reduce your cholesterol and can lower your blood pressure and helps prevent heart disease.
7. A 6 ounce fillet has only 240 calories

Cooking Salmon is quite easy.  You can broil it (10 minutes for each inch of thickness) or you can bake it at 350″F for 20 minutes.

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Spinach is the next Super Superfood I want to discuss.

1. Good source of vitamins A, E and K.  This can help prevent some cancers, cardiovascular disease and helps your blood to clot the way it is suppose to.
2. It has large amounts of Beta carotene which protects your body’s cells
3. It is rich in folate, potassium and magnesium which helps your cardiovascular system and promotes healthy nerves and muscles.
4. Good plant source of iron
5. Helps prevent cancer
6. Maintains a healthy heart by reducing the plaque buildup in the arteries
7. Makes your bones stronger
8. Helps with your vision
9. Helps keep your mind sharp
10. Boosts energy
11. Prevents anemia
12. Fights infections

When eating fresh spinach, you want to wash only the amount of spinach you are going to use at that time.  Spinach doesn’t like to be washed up and put aside.  Rinse what you are going to use under cold water.

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Tomatoes are another Super Superfood that is worth getting to know.

1. One tomato gives you half the vitamin C recommend for your day
2. Good source of fiber
3. Has lycopene which helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.  You actually get more lycopene from heated tomatoes, such as:  in spaghetti sauce, salsa, tomato juice and ketchup (where the tomato had to be heated first for the juice and ketchup to be made)
4. Rich in potassium
5. Very low in sodium

You want your tomatoes to be deep red, firm and heavy.  Store at room temperature.  Tomatoes tend to lose their flavor in the refrigerator.

Blueberries are a sweet and powerful choice as a Super Superfood.  They are filled with more antioxidants than any other fruit.

1. They keep blood vessels strong
2. They help prevent colon and ovarian cancer
3. They keep your vision sharp
4. They keep your mind sharp, which helps protect you from Alzheimer’s disease
5. They prevent UTI (urinary tract infection) by protecting the walls of your bladder

Look for blueberries that are deep blue and have no to very little green on them.  Don’t wash your blueberries until you are ready to use them.  Eat them within a few days of purchasing them because they do have a tendency to go bad quickly.

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Strawberries are another tasty Super Superfood.

1. Good source of fiber
2. Very sweet so no added sugars are needed.
3. Can help whiten your teeth when eaten
4. One serving of Strawberries gives you all the Vitamin C you need for the day.
5. They keep your heart healthy
6. Have natural anti-inflammatory agents that keep your arteries healthy
7. They help with your eyesight
8. They help prevent rheumatoid arthritis
9. They are a natural painkiller.  They can work just as well as ibuprofen
10. They keep your immune system strong

Look for rich red color and firm to the touch.  If you buy your strawberries frozen, make sure they do NOT have any added sugars.  Only buy what fresh strawberries you know you will be using and don’t wash or remove the stem until you are ready to use them.

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The last Super Superfood I want to discuss is whole-grain oatmeal.

1. They are high in fiber
2. Lowers cholesterol
3. Decreases cardiovascular disease
4. Strengthens your immune system
5. Stabilizes blood sugar

You can add flax or chia seeds to your oatmeal for an even healthier breakfast.  If you are making the instant oatmeal, make sure you are reading the labels to check for added sugars.

Oatmeal can be a great substitute in muffins, as breadcrumbs, etc.