Spinach
spinach, super foods
Popeye was right: Spinach should be part of your diet. It\'s low in calories and high in nutrients. Research has shown that spinach aids in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, some cancers and cardiovascular disease. While you can always have a spinach salad or a side of the greens hot, try this recipe for a different take on the superfood:
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Spinach and Jack Cheese Bread Pudding Recipe
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Walnuts
walnuts, super foods
Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. Walnuts are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3s, and are known for their high antioxidant activity. Eat them by the handful, toss them on salads or try this delicious recipe:
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Sweet Potato Casserole
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Honey
honey, super food
Honey is a super food.
Honey isn\'t just for tea. You\'ve probably relied on honey in the past to soothe an aching throat, but did you know it has been used to treat wounds and gastrointestinal problems? Honey acts as an antioxidant, a substance that can prevent the effects of free radicals, which we\'re exposed to from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke or radiation and which can contribute to disease. Honey also contains oligosaccharides, which increase the number of good bacteria in the colon. The color of honey is relevant: the darker the honey the more antioxidants it contains.
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Enjoy this recipe for Honey Cake.
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Salmon
salmon, super foods
Salmon is a tasty fish that\'s chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial fats that can improve heart health. Salmon is also protein-rich. Choose wild over farmed salmon, which has been shown to contain elevated levels of contaminants and is artificially colored.
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Looking for an easy and delicious salmon recipe? Try this one:
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Oats
oats, super foods
Ten years ago, the FDA approved a label publicizing the association between a diet high in oat fiber and the reduction of cholesterol. Further research has proven this claim to be true: The fiber in oats lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, or the bad type of cholesterol. With every 1 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol, heart-disease risk is lowered 1 to 3 percent. Oats also contain plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties.
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Try our recipe for Fruit and Oat Granola Bars.
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Dark Chocolate
dark chocolate, super food
Dark Chocolate is a super food.
The good news: Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant and can help reduce blood pressure. The potentially bad news: You should still keep your daily chocolate intake low, due to the fat and calories. Remember that darker is better because processing strips chocolate of some of its health benefits.
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For a little temptation, check out these organic and fair trade chocolates:
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12 Splurge-Worthy Organic Chocolates
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Blueberries
blueberries, super foods, super food, berries
Blueberries are a super food.
Sweet blueberries don\'t just make your smoothies and cereal taste better; they contain high levels of antioxidants. Some research has shown blueberries can slow degenerative diseases associated with aging and improve motor skills. Still other studies have shown the fruit to improve urinary tract health.
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Here\'s another way to indulge in this superfood:
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Blueberry Crumb Bars Recipe
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With regard to the comment on salmon, I agree with both sides - farmed salmon is nasty stuff full of chemicals and dyes and who knows what else. The problem Luses mentioned with the depletion of wild salmon populations indicates a trend which we humans will have to address with regard to environmental problems, energy issues, and the population. It has been said that our population and our practices are not sustainable, and the wild salmon question leads to a much larger question.
With regard to the chocolate issue mentioned by Subdued, whom I agree with, the old adage "everything in moderation" is a key one.
http://botanicalpreservationco
Additionally the sell all sorts of other super foods including some great infused honeys! I love this company and have been satisfied with all my interactions with them.
Enjoy!