10 Super Foods!

Here's a listing of some of the 10 most Super Foods for better health.....try to incorporate some of these foods into your daily menu for optimal nutrition.

1. Sweet Potatoes -- one of the best veggies you can eat. Loaded with carotenoids, Vit C, potassium and fiber.
2. Mangoes -- Just one cup provides 75% of your daily Vit C intake,  25% of your daily Vit A requirements, potassium, and 3 grams of fiber. Also one of the fruits least likely to have pesticide residue.
3. Unsweetened Yogurt -- Plain yogurt is a great source of protein, potassium, calcium (important for us ladies especially!) zinc, and Vitamin B-6 & B-12. Mix in fresh fruit for a powerhouse of nutrition and taste.
4. Broccoli -- Contains Vit C, carotenoids, and folic acid. Don't douse with cheese sauce, simply steam enough so that it's still firm and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Deelish!
5. Salmon -- Wild salmon is a better choice than farm raised, as it has less PCB contaminants. Chock full of Omega 3 Fatty acids to protect your heart.
6. Crispbreads -- Whole grain rye crackers such as Wasa, Ry Krisp and Ryvita are loaded with fiber and are often fat free.
7. Garbanzo Beans -- A.K.A. Chickpeas -- rich in protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Chickpeas are so versatile and are a great addition to salads, rice, and soups. You can make your own hummus with chickpeas, garlic, salt and olive oil -- much healthier than store bought.
8. Watermelon -- Just 2 cups of this yummy fruit has one-third of a day's recommendation of Vit A & Vit C, and loads of potassium while still being very low in calories.
9. Butternut Squash -- Yes, it's hard to cut, but so worth the work because of the nutritional benefits; it's loaded with Vit A & C, as well as fiber. For ease of preparation, buy peeled and diced squash at the supermarket. The work has already been done for you!
10. Leafy Greens -- Last but certainly not least, powerhouse greens like kale, collards, spinach, mustard greens, and Swiss chard. I like to experiment and mix different varieties in with Romaine lettuce to reduce any bitterness that may be present. These greens are packed with Vit A, C, & K, as well as folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein, and fiber. If you have a salad with these powerhouse greens at dinner time, you will eat less meat and carbs, and get a huge nutritional boost.

Bon appetit'! Let's all eat for better health!