Superfoods That Combat Diseases And Increase Longevity! 

What Are Superfoods? How Superfoods Combat Diseases?

Superfoods are foods that are extremely nutrient-dense and give you the biggest bang for your buck compared to other foods. They contain amazing medicinal-like properties in that they have been used in different cultures for thousands of years for healing, endurance, vibrant health, and for their so-called anti-aging characteristics. They usually are high in antioxidants and minerals as well as enzyme-rich. Combat DiseasesCombat Diseases

Different Levels of Superfoods:

There are different levels of superfoods. In fact, some superfoods are very well known and most people do not realize they are eating what has been “labeled” as a superfood.

By label, I mean they are sometimes marketed as superfoods because there tends to be some evidence the foods are a healthier alternative, and perhaps this is true, but in fact, a true superfood will be at its healthiest state when it is in raw, uncooked form. Foods are often marketed as superfoods.

Superfoods Include Foods Such As:

• Garlic
• Broccoli.
• Kale.
• Tomatoes.
• papaya.
• Spinach.
• Parsley.
• Oats.
• Turkey.
• Eggs.
• Walnuts.
• Pumpkin.
• Almonds.
• Figs.
• Chili Peppers.
• Cayenne pepper.
• Pomegranate.
• Blueberries.
• Raspberries.
• And Wild Salmon.

Some of these are in fact extremely healthy foods.

Many of us have heard of these foods and have eaten them time and time again. It is certainly better to get the organic or wild variety of these foods in that they are even more “super” without the added chemicals and preservatives.

The Term Of Superfoods: Combat Diseases

The term superfood has been created by dieticians and nutritionists to describe foods that have great nutritional value or medicinal qualities. More and more people are realizing that their diseases and illnesses are being caused by the processed foods they are eating which contain too much sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and salt and that food is nature’s very own medicine.

Many Superfoods:

have been shown to help the body fight inflammation diseases like arthritis, heart disease, a buildup of bad cholesterol, and premature signs of aging. What follows is a list of some amazing examples of superfoods and an explanation of why they are so good. Combat Diseases

1. Superfoods to Combat Cirrhosis of the Liver:

Cirrhosis refers to the replacement of damaged liver cells by fibrous scar tissue which disrupts the liver’s important functions. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of excessive alcohol intake (most common), common viral hepatitis, obstruction of the bile ducts, and exposure to certain drugs or toxic substances.

People with cirrhosis often experience:

• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss, giving them an emaciated appearance.
• Diet alone does not contribute to the development of this liver disease.
• People who are well-nourished, for example, but drink large amounts of alcohol, are also susceptible to alcoholic disease.
• Adults with cirrhosis require a balanced diet rich in protein to allow the liver cells to regenerate.

However,

too much protein will result in an increased amount of ammonia in the blood; too little protein can reduce the healing of the liver. Doctors must carefully prescribe the correct amount of protein for a person with cirrhosis.

In addition to Protein,

A balanced diet with adequate calories, fats, and carbohydrates can actually help the damaged liver to regenerate new liver cells. In fact, in some liver diseases, nutrition becomes an essential form of treatment.

• Grains and legumes are great protein sources for those who suffer from cirrhosis.
• Red meat should be avoided since the liver is not working to its optimal capacity and most likely will have trouble processing fats. 
• Nuts, seeds, and soy products are also good sources of low-fat protein.
• Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain bread, and pasta should be part of a healthy balanced diet, as they are all whole grain carbohydrates that provide a steady supply of energy, important for your body’s ability to heal.

Cereals, Bread, Potatoes, And Legumes:

• Are great sources for the B-complex vitamins, which bolster metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance “Immune system” immune and “Nervous system” nervous system function, promote “Cell growth” cell growth and “Cell division” division including that of the  “Red blood cell” red blood cells that help prevent  “Anemia”. 

Together,

• They also help combat the symptoms and causes of  “Stress (medicine)” stress, which is important to keep in check when you’re nursing your body back to health.
• Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach, are all great sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system.
• It’s imperative to stay as healthy as possible during the healing process, so your body can focus on liver repair.

 

Coupled with plenty of rest and lots of freshwaters to help flush the toxins from your system, a well-balanced nutrition plan and a healthy, proactive relationship with your healthcare provider should put you well on the road to recovery. Combat Diseases

2. Superfoods For Conquering the Pain of Arthritis:

With some thought and planning, it’s easy to make these nutrient-dense foods part of your daily diet.  With choices from virtually every food group, you’ll soon be well on your way to arming yourself to battle the pain of arthritis and begin to manage it from the inside out. Combat Diseases

I. Salmon:

Salmon is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• In addition, salmon contains calcium, vitamin D, and folate.
• Besides helping with arthritis, eating salmon may protect the cardiovascular system by preventing blood clots, repairing artery damage, raising levels of good cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.

II. Banana:

• Commonly referred to as one of nature’s ‘perfect foods,’ bananas are perhaps best known for packing potassium, but they’re also good sources of arthritis-fighting vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C.
• They’re easy for your body to digest, and since they’re a great source of soluble fiber.
• They are an important player in your weight loss efforts because you feel full after eating one without consuming a large number of calories.

III. Green Pepper And Citrus:

If you are in need of vitamin C but aren’t a big fan of citrus fruits, reach for green pepper.

• A single green pepper contains 176 percent of your daily needs for vitamin C and colorful red and yellow varieties have more than double that amount.
• That makes them richer in C than citrus fruits, but sweet peppers are also excellent sources of vitamin B6 and folate.

 

IV. Shrimp:

• Vitamin D is a tough one to come by in foods, but shrimp fills that bill since they have about 30 percent of the daily recommended amount in about three ounces much more than a cup of milk.
• Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, along with other nutrients essential for general health, including iron and vitamin B12.
• It is high in several vitamins and minerals and is a rich source of protein. Eating shrimp may also promote heart and brain health due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin.

V. Cheese:

• Hard or soft, fresh or ripened, cheese in all its variety is an excellent source of calcium for bones, and protein for muscles and other joint-supporting tissues.
• Cheese can be easily sliced to put on a cracker or a sandwich, grated into your favorite recipe, or eaten alongside an apple or pear for a fresh, quick snack.
• Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Researchers suggest that eating around 40 grams (or 1.41 ounces) of cheese every day could help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

VI. Green Tea:

• Green tea contains hundreds of powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols and has been cited for helping prevent problems ranging from cancer to heart disease.
• But studies also suggest green tea may help prevent or ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Green tea has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. A 2013 review of many studies found green tea helped prevent a range of heart-related issues, from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure.

 

What is the best time to drink green tea?

• Studies suggest that the best time to drink green tea is in the morning and before the workout session.
• Swapping your cup of coffee with green tea is the best way to kick-start your day.
• Like coffee, green tea also contains some amount of caffeine and L-theanine.

3. Superfoods That Fight Cancer:

It’s logical that we take a good look at the foods we’re eating, and start introducing nutrient-rich foods that are known to help reduce the cancer risk. A diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, including juices made from 100 percent fruit juice, can make a big difference in your cancer risk.

Foods rich in phytochemicals which are found in beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are strong choices.

So are dark green leafy vegetables like:

• Spinach, romaine lettuce, and collard greens, which are packed with fiber, lutein, and carotenoids – all cancer-fighting substances.
• Focus on choosing foods that have abundant amounts of vitamins C, E, and A, all antioxidants themselves.
• This helps protects you from cancer by preventing the growth of free radicals in your body.

I. Tomatoes:

• Tomatoes are an awesome cancer-fighting superfood:
• Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the antioxidant phytochemical that also helps prevent heart disease, but they’re a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, all of which do battle against cancer-causing free radicals.
• Add them to your salad or use it as a topping on your homemade pizza. They’re also a great way of adding some zest to your favorite sandwich. Combat Diseases

II. Watermelon:

• Watermelon is also stuffed full of antioxidants and includes about 80 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement.
• It is also a great source of vitamin A or beta-carotene. And like tomatoes, it also contains lycopene.

II. Cabbage:

• Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which helps reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer.
• Plus cabbage is rich in fiber and has almost 50 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C, making it a well-rounded superfood with cancer-fighting power.

IV. Carrots:

• Carrots are also a wonderful source of fiber and beta-carotene, and they have about three times the daily requirement of vitamin A.
• A diet high in carrots can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a Dutch study. The orange pigment in carrots – carotene – can help cut breast cancer risk by up to 60%, the University Medical Centre, Utrecht found.
• Carotene is also found in a number of other vegetables including red peppers and spinach.

V. Beans:

• Did you know that one-quarter cup of kidney beans has the same amount of fiber and protein as two ounces of red meat?

 

Whole wheat pasta is also a good source of fiber, and broccoli will tip the daily scales for your daily vitamin A and C needs. Toss them all together with your favorite low-fat Italian dressing for a simple dinner of cancer-fighting proportions.

VI. Strawberries And Blueberries:

Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. They’re quick and simple finger food and easily be added to your favorite whole-grain cereal oatmeal or low-fat yogurt.

The blueberry often referred to as a superfood, is full of antioxidants. These antioxidants cause the berry to be an extremely healthy snack, as well as a tool in our cancer prevention toolbox. The cancer–fighting agents found in blueberries include anthocyanosides and resveratrol.

In a recent study,

berry extracts slowed the growth of cancer cells; specifically, strawberry and black raspberry extracts had the greatest impact on colon cancer cells. Strawberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and ellagic acid, a phytochemical.

VII. Turmeric:

• Turmeric – Containing Curcumin. it is a yellow spice and one of the most currently researched cancer-fighting food.
• Not only does it combats, but also able to block cancer growth and can reduce tumors by an astounding eighty-one percent!
• In addition to antioxidant effects, turmeric has also been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in people at risk of heart disease and may improve blood pressure.
• Antioxidants in turmeric may also reduce the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

VIII. Papaya leaf extract:

Without having the negative consequences of Chemotherapy, papaya’s powerful impact against lab-grown tumors has been documented. It is capable of eradicating various cancers including breast, liver, lung, pancreas, and cervix. Besides, it supports and boosts the immune system.

• Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
• Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• The antioxidants prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. When cholesterol oxidizes, it’s more likely to create blockages that lead to heart disease.

 

Who should not eat papaya?

Most health experts advise pregnant women to avoid eating papaya as the papaya seeds, roots, and infusion of the leaves can harm the fetus. Unripe papaya fruit has a high concentration of latex that can cause uterine contractions.

IX. Garlic:

• – Centuries have shown how garlic has benefitted the prevention and treatment of diseases, most notoriously known also for fighting cancer.
• The production of a compound in garlic called hydrogen sulfide, mainly attributed to garlic’s ability in preventing various cancers… apart from affording protection to the heart.
• Raw garlic retains higher amounts of allicin, a beneficial sulfur-containing compound. Garlic has been shown to improve immunity, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support heart and brain health.

How much garlic should I eat a day?

Dosages generally recommended in the literature for adults are 4 g (one to two cloves) of raw garlic per day, one 300-mg dried garlic powder tablet (standardized to 1.3 percent alliin or 0.6 percent allicin yield) two to three times per day, or 7.2 g of aged garlic extract per day.

X. Ginger:

• It is a cousin spice of turmeric and is known for its ability to shrink tumors! Its anti-cancer properties additionally reduce inflammation as it is enriched with life-enhancing antioxidants. It is effective in reducing flatulence too.
• Ginger tea may help improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Some research suggests that a daily intake of ginger may help lower the risk of chronic heart conditions by lowering hypertension. preventing heart attacks.

Who should not take ginger?

Don’t consume more than 4 grams of ginger on any given day in any form. People with heart conditions, diabetes, and gallstones should especially talk with their doctor before taking ginger as a supplement.

4. Superfoods that Squash Stress:

Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

Life,

Has a way of getting the best of us some days. Whether it’s working too many hours, shuffling your kids all over town for their activities, taking care of your household, or dealing with personal or family matters, stress can take its toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  But there are simple steps you can take to combat stress, starting with the foods you eat.

Steps to Combat Stress With The Foods You Eat:

• A. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is a good start when life’s particularly stressful.
  • Stimulants and depressants like these can both zap your energy and rob you of the fuel you need to successfully cope with tension.
• B. Sugary foods should also be avoided as well,
  • as they cause your blood sugar levels to spike then dip rapidly, which can, in turn, make your energy levels spike and dip at the same rate.

However,

There are several superfoods out there that provide you with the energy and nutrition your body needs to keep stress in check

I. Asparagus:

• Which is high in folic acid, can help level out your moods.
• Folic acid and vitamin B are key players in producing serotonin, a chemical that gets you into a good mood.
• And though we may hear negative things regarding red meat, it’s actually a wise dinner option for a stressed-out family.
• Beef’s high levels of iron, zinc and B vitamins not only help get you into a good mood but help you stay there as well.
• Your local butcher can help you select lean cuts for the healthiest options. Combat Diseases

II. Milk Really Does a Body Good:

• Chock full of calcium, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins B2 and B12, helps strengthen bones and promotes healthy cell regeneration.
• Paired with a healthy whole-grain cereal choice in the morning, low-fat milk is a great way to start your day and arm yourself to do battle with the stressors that await you.
• Cottage cheese is also another great dairy choice, and when coupled with a fruit that’s high in vitamin C, it helps the body battle free radicals that run rampant during your most stressed periods. Combat Diseases Combat Diseases Combat Diseases Combat Diseases

III. Almonds:

Almonds are also an awesome choice when it comes to arming yourself with stress. They’re high in magnesium, zinc, as well as vitamins B2, C, and E, and unsaturated fats, all of which are great warriors against free radicals, which have been shown to cause cancers and heart disease.

• Nuts Are a Great Stress-Busting Snack and They’re High in Healthy Fat. Nuts are full of nutrients, including B vitamins, along with healthy fatty acids. B vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet and can help reduce stress.
• Researchers have shown that magnesium may be an effective treatment for anxiety-related symptoms, as inadequate magnesium reduces the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Just 1 ounce of almonds (that’s about 12 nuts) contains 75mg of magnesium which is 19% of your daily recommended value.

 

Summing Up:

Introducing superfoods into your diet will allow you to replace the high-calorie low nutrient foods gradually, making the process simple and easy to accomplish. Conventional wisdom says it takes 28 days of repeating an action for it to become a habit. Train yourself to adopt new eating habits is going to take some time and determination.

If you have been eating the same way for years or decades they are habits not easy to break. Making a gradual switch with realistic planning and setting attainable goals will more likely result in success.

Unfortunately,

many doctors rely more on a pharmaceutical approach and less on stressing the importance of changing the diet. Continuing with the same diet that brought you to be diabetic and adding drugs to treat the disease without a fundamental change in your diet is the wrong approach in my opinion.

They are many doctors, nutritionists, and former type II diabetics who endorse diet as a means to reversing the disease. A diet based on superfoods will promote the development of your immunity cells.

The keys are education, commitment, and implementation of a plan to eat a diet based on foods to promote your health and eliminate those low nutrient, high sugar, highly processed foods.

 

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, as you might help someone in need. Thanks.

Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”

Sources

Excellent nutrition is the basis of a Healthy Lifestyle!
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