There are so many health benefits when you make smarter choices about food. Chosen Foods shares superfoods that can be included in everyone's diet.
Top Superfoods
1. Beets
Beets are high in lipoic acid, an antioxidant linked to preventing damage in our cells as we age. Beets have also been tied to lowering blood cholesterol levels. Enjoy beets in this tasty vegetarian poke beet bowl recipe, made with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo.
Tip & Trick: Beet stems are just as healthy for you as the actual vegetable. Wash well and sautee with onion, garlic and lemon juice for a twist on your usual wilted spinach.
2. Onions
Onions contain high quantities of chromium. The FDA recommends 25-35mcg of chromium a day. A cup of raw onion (1/2 cup cooked) contains 24mcg.
Tip & Trick: If you only need 1/2 an onion, use the top half. The root will stay fresh longer in the refrigerator.
3. Nuts
Just 2 ounces of this superfood a day can have a positive impact on those suffering. “Mixed, unsalted, raw, or dry-roasted nuts have benefits for both blood glucose control and blood lipids,” said Dr. David Jenkins of the University of Toronto Department of Nutritional Sciences.
Tip & Trick: Nuts contain enzyme inhibitors that prevent all their possible nutrients from being absorbed when eaten. Soak nuts for 2-24 hours, dump the yucky water, then dehydrate back to crunchy in a low heat oven.
4. Avocado Oil
New research on avocado oil has it going toe-to-toe with the olive variety – its even been called “the olive oil of America”. Drizzle avocado oil on salads and and roasted veggies. Choose Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil to reap the health benefits while still enjoying the versatility of high heat cooking oil.
Tip & Trick: For the highest quality, buy oil that’s in dark containers, store away from heat and light and always close the lid tightly. This will prevent the oxidation of the fatty acids in the oil, keeping its health benefits in check.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an amazing superfood and is easy to use. Buy it in organic form and sprinkle it on a bowl full of oatmeal or toss a tablespoon into you favorite spaghetti sauce.
Tip & Trick: Cinnamon looses its flavor and potency quickly, so buy it from the bulk spice bin and only get what you expect to use in a month.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
The monounsaturated fats found in pumpkin seeds (also olive oil, nuts and avocado oil) have been shown to decrease the rates of metabolic syndrome by up to 15%. The added bonus of these little seeds is their fiber content. Pumpkin seeds are also high in iron and low in carbohydrates.
Tips & Trick: With fall coming up (pumpkin season!) you may want to try roasting your own seeds from the family jack-o-lantern. Use a bowl of water to separate the slimy pumpkin guts from the seeds more easily.
7. Nopal Cactus
Prickly pear cactus, also known as nopal, has a well documented history of success in regulating blood sugar levels. Try these delicious nopal cactus tacos. Use nopal cactus powder in cooking, baking and smoothies. Just a small sprinkling eaten with meals has shown positive effects on blood sugar.
Tip & Trick: Nopal cactus powder can be added to flour mixes to lower the glycemic load.
8. Sardines
Getting plenty of fatty, cold-water fish is critical for everyone. Sardines are high in omega-3’s, are a great source of fat and protein and may help to slow the absorption of blood sugar when eaten with carbohydrates. Small fish like sardines are lower in toxins than bigger cold-water fish and usually much more affordable. Buy fresh sardines at your local health food store and ask the fishmonger to order them for you if not a regular item.
Tip & Trick: While more convenient, canned sardines can be extra salty. Look for fish packed in water with the term “low sodium” on the package.
Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil has so many benefits along with being good for you including its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and not mixed with fake or other seed oils. Shop Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado online or find it in a store near you.
Resources
http://www.diabetesaction.org/site/PageServer?pagename=complementary_october_06
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712094201.htm
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-04/foas-aot041712.php
http://naturalsociety.com/cinnamon-for-diabetes-simple-effective/
http://www.joybauer.com/food-articles/nuts-and-seeds.aspx
http://www.realage.com/living-younger-with-diabetes/10-best-foods-for-diabetes-4