20 Super Foods

20 Super Foods

Here are some interesting facts about 20 super foods. These high nutrient foods not only nourish and protect - they taste great too!

Asparagus Asparagus is high in glutathione, an important anticarcinogen It also contains rutin, which protects small blood vessels from rupturing and may protect against radiation Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C and E, B-complex vitamins, potassium and zinc.

Avocado Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat, which is easily burned for energy. An avocado has more than twice as much potassium as a banana. For a delicious, creamy salad dressing, mix together avocado and fresh carrot juice.

Bananas You don't need to eat bananas for the potassium! (Although it is present in bananas, potassium is the predominant nutrient among most all fruits and vegetables.) Bananas are high in sugar, so they should not be eaten if you have blood sugar problems. Don't eat bananas on an empty stomach; combining them with a bit of protein will help to normalize the insulin response caused by the sugar in the banana. Green-tipped bananas are better for your health than over-ripe bananas.

Beet Greens Beet greens contain notable amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus They also contain vitamins A, B-complex and C

Broccoli Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange. It has almost as much calcium as whole milk–and the calcium is better absorbed It contains selenium, a mineral that has been found to have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties Broccoli is a modest source of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol vitamin E. It also has antioxidant properties.

Celery Celery is the best vegetable source of naturally occurring sodium. It is high in potassium. The high water content in celery makes it ideal for vegetable juicing. As an easy way to reduce grains in your diet, spread peanut butter on celery rather than bread.

Cilantro Cilantro may be useful to treat urinary tract infections. Both the leaves and seeds aid digestion, relieve intestinal gas, pain and distention They also treat nausea, soothe inflammation, rheumatic pain, headaches, coughs and mental stress Cilantro is a member of the carrot family.

Chicory Chicory contains inulin, which helps diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels. Chicory is closely related to lettuce and dandelion but is a member of the sunflower family It may be cleansing to the liver and gallbladder Chicory is beneficial for digestion, the circulatory system and the blood Chicory leaves are a good source of calcium, vitamin A and potassium.

Chinese Cabbage Chinese cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties. It is an excellent source of folic acid Chinese cabbage is low in calories and low in sodium It is also high in vitamin A and a good source of potassium.

Dandelion Greens Dandelion is beneficial to digestion and is an antiviral that may be useful in the treatment of AIDS and herpes. It may also be useful in treating jaundice, cirrhosis, edema due to high blood pressure, gout, eczema and acne Dandelion is also used to treat and prevent breast and lung tumors and premenstrual bloating Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A in the form of antioxidant carotenoid and vitamin C They also contain calcium and potassium Dandelion root contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar in diabetics.

Fennel Fennel contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin. This herb is anticarcinogenic and can be useful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation Fennel can be useful for indigestion and spasms of the digestive tract It also helps expel phlegm from the lungs.

Kale Kale eases lung congestion and is beneficial to the stomach, liver and immune system. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from macular degeneration It also contains indole-3-carbinol, which may protect against colon cancer Kale is an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and chlorophyll.

Kohlrabi Kohlrabi, which belongs to the cabbage family, is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. It is also high in fiber Kohlrabi helps to stabilize blood sugar and is therefore useful hypoglycemia and diabetes It can also be effective against edema, candida and viral conditions.

Mustard Greens Mustard greens are an excellent anticancer vegetable. They may also be beneficial for colds, arthritis or depression While mustard greens sold in the United States are relatively mild in flavor, some mustard green varieties, especially those in Asia, can be as hot as a jalapeno pepper depending on their mustard oil content.

Onions Onions are an excellent antioxidant, and they contain anti-allergy, antiviral and antihistamine properties. Sulfur compounds in onions help to detoxify the body. Onions aid in cellular repair. Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant. To obtain the maximum nutritional benefits, onions should be eaten raw or lightly steamed.

Parsley Parsley is useful as a digestive aid It helps to purify the blood and stimulate the bowels. Parsley is an anticarcinogen. It contains three times as much vitamin C as oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach. Parsley contains vitamin A and is a good source of copper and manganese.

Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is good for the prostate and building the immune system. They also contain fatty acids that kill parasites. Raw pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids and beneficial proteins. For maximum nutritional benefits, seeds should be eaten raw. Roasted seeds contain damaged fat that can lead to plaque in the arteries.

Radishes Radishes have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. They are a member of the cabbage family Radishes contain vitamin C, potassium and other trace minerals Grown in Egypt since at least 2780 B.C., radishes were originally black.

Tomatoes Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, flavonoids and other phytochemicals with anticarcinogenic properties. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (the vitamin C is most concentrated in the jelly-like substance that surrounds the seeds) They also contain vitamin A and B-complex vitamins, potassium and phosphorus A tomato grown in a hothouse has half the vitamin C content as a vine-ripened tomato.

Zucchini (Summer Squash) Zucchini and other summer squash varieties contain vitamins A and C. They also contain potassium and calcium.

Re: 20 Super Foods

Wow Cree! Thank you for posting this wonderful information on greens. Very informative! Which are your favorite greens?

Re: 20 Super Foods

Hi Buffy ~

My favorites at the moment, (they seem to rotate based on what my bod is in need of) are nettle, dandelion, lamb's quarter, and chickweed!

Yumm!

I'm getting hungry.

xo

cree.