A to Z SuperFoods

Here is a fabulous A to Z Superfoods Chart from Superherbalfoods.com.

Although superfoods are often thought of as belonging to a category of exotic and often expensive foods like Maca, Lacuma or Camu Camu, you might be surprised that many of the common fruits and vegetables in your supermarket can actually be classified as a "super food" due to their vitamin, mineral, micronutrient content and other properties that have been shown to be beneficial to human health.

Some important points to remember:

• Buy locally grown and organic whenever possible
• Buy produce that is in season
• Eat fresh produce as soon as possible for maximum health benefits
• Eat at least 5 servings a day (recommended by U.S., EU and world health organizations)
• Eat more servings for weight loss and detoxification
• Eat a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables - eating a daily "rainbow" is recommended

Related:

• Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
• 15 Foods to Include in an Everyday Diet
• 7 Superfoods to Power Up Your Life

Superfoods A to Z from SuperHerbalFoods.com

Foods Included in this Chart:

Apples

Blueberries

Carrots

Damsons

Eggplant

Figs

Grapes

Hubbard Squash

Iceberg Lettuce

Jalapeno Peppers

Kiwi

Leek

Melon

Nectarines

Onions

Peppers (Sweet)

Quince

Raspberries

Strawberries

Tomatoes

Ugli Fruit

Vine Leaves

Watercress

Xigua

Yellow Plums

Zucchini

7 Superfoods to Power Up Your Life [Infographic]

Eat for Health:  7 Superb Superfoods to Power Up Your Life
Infographic from Mercola.com

What, exactly, is a superfood?

In nutrition circles, superfoods are defined as a class of foods that are the most nutrient dense and best health promoting foods found in nature.

These tremendously beneficial foods are exceptionally high in a wide range of important micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals (phytonutrients).

Generally, in order to be classified as a superfood, a particular food must have at least twelve or more unique health benefiting properties.

Many "common" superfoods can be found in the produce department of most supermarkets or, better yet, at a local farmer's market.  These "common" superfoods include:

✿ Artichoke
✿ Broccoli
✿ Brussels Sprouts
✿ Kale

Less common, "exotic" superfoods can generally be found at specialty health and natural food stores and include:

✿ Acai Berry
✿ Chlorella
✿ Spirulina

Naturally, it is always best to purchase organic, locally or sustainably grown produce whenever possible.

This infographic entitled 7 Superb Superfoods to Power Up Your Life from Mercola.com illustrates and explains the nutritional makeup of seven common and exotic superfoods.  It also lists some of the health benefits associated with each superfood.

Related:
10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
SuperFood Salad Best Ingredients
6 Food Based Medicines that May Save Your Life
15 Foods to Include in Your Everyday Diet

Infographic source and more information about superfoods, health and wellness guides and interesting infographics, visit Mercola.com - 7 Superb Superfoods to Power Up Your Life

SuperFood Salad: Best Ingredients [Infographic]

Superfood Salad:  Best Ingredients
Infographic from One Green Planet

There are salads and then there are superfood salads.

In a superfood salad, every ingredient is selected for its unique nutrient profile, taking into consideration things like macronutrients, micronutrients, caloric density and other important factors.  Together, the carefully selected ingredients that make up the superfood salad deliver a balanced dose of healthy protein and fats, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and an array of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

This infographic entitled "The Best Ingredients for a Superfood Salad" illustrates one example of a really great combination of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, raw nuts and spices, that make up a super nutritious salad.  Each of the ingredients is considered a superfood:

Black Pepper
Red Bell Pepper
Lemon Juice
Avocado
Tomato
Zucchini
Basil
Artichoke Hearts
Almonds
Leafy Greens

For more information on creating a healthy superfood salad, nutrition and specific superfoods, visit One Green Planet - the creator of this infographic.

Related:
Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
15 Foods to Include in an Everyday Diet
15 Foods that Boost Metabolism

Chia Seed Ounce Per Ounce Comparison [Infographic}

Chia Seed Ounce Per Ounce Comparison
Infographic from KitchenKneads.com

In the health and wellness community, chia seeds are regarded as a superfood because it is a nutrient dense food that delivers a good amount of quality, plant-based protein, is very high in dietary fiber, is an excellent source of  healthy Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and is packed with other important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients.

For those trying to lose weight, chia seeds are considered by many weight loss experts to be a perfect diet food because of their high dietary fiber and healthy fatty acid content - many experts now believe that consuming adequate amounts healthy fats, especially Omega-3, aids in weight loss.

Unlike flaxseeds, there is no need to grind chia seeds before eating them.  They are easy to incorporate into meals.  For example, they are a great way to add protein and essential fats to your morning green smoothie. They can be added to a variety of dishes including soups, stews, salads, rice, beans, and desserts.

This infographic entitled Chia Seed Ounce Per Ounce Comparison highlights some of key nutrients in chia seeds and how an ounce of chia seeds compares to an ounce of another food for that particular nutrient.  Its really nice to see that the author of this infographic chose comparison foods that are generally known to be rich in the particular nutrient being compared.  

Infographic source and for more information, visit

Kitchen Kneads - Chia Seeds:  A Super Food!

Related:

Benefits of Chia

Chia vs. Flax Seeds

Benefits of Seeds

Snake Oil Superfoods? [Interactive Infographic]

Snake Oil Superfoods? [Interactive Infographic] from
Information is Beautiful

For anyone who is interested is scientific evidence supporting possible health and healing benefits of certain foods, herbs and spices that are regarded as "Superfoods", this infographic is a fun and informative way to explore the strength and solidity of such evidence.

The infographic entitled "Snake Oil Superfoods" is interactive and allows the user to filter the search and results by both health conditions and types of foods.

Health conditions include ageing, diabetes, digestion, infections, mental health and weight control.  Types of foods include animal products, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, herbs and spices.

To use the interactive feature of the Infographic, visit this page:
Information is Beautiful - Snake Oil Superfoods?

Related:
Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
10 Daily Nutrients
10 Herbs that Heal
Top 10 Spices with Health Benefits

Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health [Infographic]

Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health [Infographic]
from HealthPost.co.nz

As more research into the health benefits of various foods emerges, so grows the list of superfoods.

Superfoods are powerhouses of many nutrients (antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals) that are essential to optimal health.

Nutrition experts advise regularly eating superfoods to prevent and potentially heal an array of ailments and chronic diseases.  And, the inclusion of certain superfoods (like flaxseed) in one's regular diet has also been linked to prevention of weight gain and successful weight loss.

This infographic spotlights the following 10 foods that are included by many wellness practitioners at the top of the list for their exceptional health benefits:

❤ Acai
❤ Bee Pollen
❤ Cacao
❤ Chia Seeds
❤ Coconut Oil
❤ Goji Berries
❤ Kelp
❤ Maca Root
❤ Manuka Honey
❤ Spirulina

In addition to explaining the source, nutritional ingredients and offering "super tips" on using these foods, the infographic also provides information on the potential benefits of each of the 10 foods in the areas of:

✿ Immune Function
✿ Digestive Health
✿ Heart Health
✿ Lung Health
✿ Mental Health
✿ Sexual Health
✿ Fatigue and Energy
✿ Weight Loss

Related:

6 Food Based Medicines That May Save Your Life

15 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Foods You Should Never Eat Again

Infographic Source and more informations and exception health tips:

HealthPost - Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health

Benefits of Chia Seeds [Infographic]

Benefits of Chia [Infographic] from NaturalNews.com

Chia seeds are tiny black and white seeds that come from a flowering desert plant (herb) in the mint family and are native to Central America.

"Chia" means strength and historic evidence shows that it was cultivated as an important food crop by the Aztecs.

Today we regard Chia seeds as a superfood because of its high concentrations of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, antioxidants, iron, calcium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals.

These tiny, nutrient dense seeds are thought to have many health benefits, including:

Combating diabetes by slowing digestion and improving blood sugar levels

Improving heart health by
increasing healthy cholesterol while decreasing bad LDL and triglyceride cholesterol

Supporting digestive health and intestinal regularity (high fiber content)

Improving brain health (high omega-3 fatty acids content)

Aiding in weight loss by helping to regulate appetite (Tryptophan content)

Fighting belly fat by helping to stabilize blood sugar and fighting insulin resistance

Helping to build and maintain strong bones and teeth (calcium, phosphorus and manganese content)

Providing energy (plant-based complex carbohydrate content)

Boosting strength and endurance (plant-based protein content)

Related:
Health Benefits of Seeds
Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds
Top 10 Flax Seed Health Benefits

Infographic Source:
Natural News - Chia

Blueberries, a Handful of Health [Infographic]

Blueberries:  Superfood, Superfruit, Health Benefits

Blueberries:  A Superfood

There are lots of reasons to love blueberries - one of nature's miracle foods that is at top of every power food, superfoods and superfruits list!

And with good reason: these miniature berries are a nutritional powerhouse that are thought to provide many important health benefits.

Blueberries are also smart choice of individuals on a diet.  They are full of flavor and satisfy a craving for sweets, yet a whole cup only has about 80 calories and contains virtually no fat. As such, blueberries may aid in the weight loss or healthy weight maintenance process.

Infographic

This infographic entitled "Blueberries, a Handful of Health" illustrates the recent notable increase in consumption of blueberries in North America.

It seems that Americans are paying attention to health and nutrition experts and doctors like Joel Furhman.  Dr. Furhman recommends eating "G-BOM-BS" (an acronym for 6 nutrient-dense foods that promote health and longevity and help prevent disease) every day.  The "B" in "G-BOM-BS" stands for "Berries".

As noted in this infographic, blueberries are:

❤ Full of dietary fiber

❤ Rich in phytonutrients

❤ Packed with vitamin C

❤ An excellent source of manganese


Based on the latest research and scientific studies, blueberries are thought to play a role in the following areas of health:

Cancer risk reduction
Insulin response
Cardiovascular health
Brain health

Related

Top 15 Nutrient Rich Foods
Top 10 Superfoods for Exceptional Health
Top 15 Anti-Inflammatory Foods
15 Foods to Include in an Everyday Diet
25 Common Fruits and Their Health Benefits

Infographic

Infographic source:  U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

Infographic: Garlic Medicinal Properties Uses

Garlic is one of nature's healthiest foods (considered a superfood) and oldest cultivated plants.  For thousands of years the world over, it has been valued for its medicinal properties and used in various natural healing remedies, both internally and topically.

Garlic is a member of the allium family of vegetables and is related to onions, leeks, scallions, shallots and chives.  It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory across all body systems.  Its unique nutrient composition is thought to (among other things):

✔ Reduce the risk of certain cancers
✔ Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
✔ Prevent hardening of the arteries
✔ Reduce risk of blood clots
✔ Destroy bacteria and viruses
✔ Enhance detoxification

Further Reading:
What's New and Beneficial About Garlic
All About Allium Vegetables


Infographic Source:  Pharmacognosy's Topics - Medical Plants (Garlic)

Negative Calorie Food List

Back in July, 2011, I wrote about foods that are on both the super foods and negative calorie list.  A few days ago, I came across this neat little Negative Calorie Foods List and thought to post a reminder that eating more of these nutrient dense foods (i.e., replacing these foods for junk, fast and processed foods) not only aids in weight loss but also has the effect of dramatically improving one's health.







Original Source:  Featherweightt.tumblr.com

Secondary Source: homebasedbusinessprogram.com via morgan on Pinterest

Foods that Are on Both the SuperFoods and Negative Calorie List

Superfoods are usually defined as natural foods that have exceptional health benefits.  Negative calorie foods, sometimes also called "zero calorie foods" are foods that use more calories during the digestion process than are contained in such foods, thus resulting in a net loss of calories simply by consuming them.  Hence, negative calorie foods are thought to be natural fat burners and beneficial in weight loss. 

Many books and articles have been written based on this premise, such as  "Foods that Cause You to Lose Weight:  The Negative Calorie Effect" by Neal Barnard, also support this concept.


The fact that certain negative or zero calorie foods are also considered to be superfoods is a tremendous bonus in any healthy weight loss program because, by opting to eat such foods, you nourish your body with beneficial nutrients while you diet.


So, assuming that the weight loss claim of negative calorie foods has merit, then these foods are really worth serious consideration for inclusion into your diet plan as much as possible (subject to any allergies, intolerances or medically-related restrictions).  Here then is the negative calorie superfood list:


Vegetables:

Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chili Peppers
Garlic
Green Beans
Leeks
Lettuce (Dark Green or Red Leaf Varieties)
Onions
Spinach


Fruits:


Apples
Apricots
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Grapefruit
Lemon
Lime
Strawberries
Tangerines
Tomatoes

Herbs and Spices:

Cilantro
Cinnamon


Related:  Negative Calorie Food List