Super food is a term that is often used to describe foods that contain high levels of antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C and dietary fiber. These foods are thought by many to possess healing abilities and are effective in preventing and treating diseases. If you're a senior, eating some of these foods in addition to a healthy lifestyle may help you live a fuller life. It is important to know, however, that medical science is much more reliable than alternative methods of healing and preventing illness. It should be advised that seniors should listen to their physician's advice before relying on holistic methods like eating super foods to replace medical treatments.
Some Notable Super Foods
Acai berries, some of the most powerful super foods in the world, contain up to 30 times more anthocyanins than red wine. They are an adequate weight loss supplement and contain high levels of antioxidants. For seniors, the acai berry can provide a source of dietary fiber for digestive health. This information is according to the Oprah show's Doctor Oz.
Barley is an ancient grain that is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps in metabolizing the food you ingest. Eating hulled barley as a senior can help lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar levels. It also helps with cardiovascular health due to its high B vitamin and niacin content.
Sprouts come in different varieties and have different flavors like onion and garlic sprouts, which are spicy, and mung bean and alfalfa sprouts, which are most commonly used in salads. Sprouts are super foods because of their extremely high enzyme count. As seniors, it is important to eat as many sprouts in your diet as possible because your ability to produce its own enzymes decreases with age.
Yogurt is a vital super food that is essential to all age groups because it contains probiotic organisms that form during the fermenting process of making the yogurt. It is a form of bacteria that is beneficial to your digestive tract.
All plants in the allium family provide highly essential nutrients that aid in fighting diseases and staying healthy. Onions, garlic and leeks are valuable additions to any senior's diet because they raise good cholesterol while lowering the total cholesterol in your body. These foods also lower blood pressure and prevent the development of hardened arteries.
Nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, are versatile sources of protein. They can eliminate the need for carbohydrates when they are crushed and used as breading, according to Dr. Perricone, a leading doctor who is featured on the Oprah show. Dr Perricone also claims that eating more nuts can reduce the signs of aging in seniors.
Wheat grass, barley grass and some forms of algae like BGA are believed to contain concentrated nutrients found in many green vegetables. The Chlorophyll in these young green plants can be good for blood circulation and respiration.
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