We have all heard of the term 'Super foods', but what classifies a food to be, well....super?
Super foods are specific foods that are rich in certain compounds, such as antioxidants, fibre, or fatty acids. Once ingested, these foods are considered to have great health benefits for both the body and mind! Wow - that's pretty super!
So let's talk about super foods for women and what they can do for us.
1/ Edamame- That's right, coming in at number 1 is edamame. These gorgeous pods of power are full of fibre, good fats, and oestrogen-like compounds called isoflavone. This is great for menopause as the soy isoflavones mimic the effects of natural oestrogen which reduces hot flashes.
2/ Kale- Runner up is kale, which is not really a huge surprise as it is the most nutrient-dense food on the planet! But did you also know it contains a whopping amount of vitamin K, which works alongside vitamin D and calcium to keep bones strong and healthy. In addition to this, kale can assist in lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad one) and increasing HDL (the good one!). It also is great for your heart and keep cancer at bay.
3/ Asparagus- These babies are great for making babies! Asparagus is loaded with folate and vitamin K which can help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. They are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants great for our bones, skin, blood pressure and aids in digestion.
4/ Broccoli- Research shows broccoli, along with cauliflower and Brussel sprouts, pack a punch against cancer and can slow down the spread of breast cancer. In fact, sulforaphane (a chemical commonly found in broccoli) can force cells such as leukaemia and melanoma to self-destruct.
5/ Beetroot- Just like Dwight from The Office - we LOVE beets! They are full of potassium which can ease the effects of a salt-rich diet and they are rich in folate, which helps manufacture new cells, reduce inflammation, and prevent DNA damage (a precursor to cancer).
6/ Grapefruit- Grapefruit is your immune booster friend with both vitamin C and vitamin A! With high amounts of flavonoids, Grapefruit can assist in preventing certain kinds of strokes in women and aid in weight loss due to its high volume of antioxidants.
7/ Berries- Not only are berries DE-LIC-IOUS, but they are also a super food for us females! Why? Because like our friend the Grapefruit, they contain high amounts of flavonoids and antioxidants which can protect healthy cells. Additionally, research shows berries can keep your brain stronger and your skin firm as each year passes!
8/ Papaya (PawPaw)- Struggling to read this... eat a pawpaw! Pawpaw contains beta carotene which is good for your vision and eye health. But waits, there's more! They also contain lycopene which decreases your chance of getting cervical and breast cancer.
9/ Sardines- Yes we know.. not everyone is a huge fan of this number 9, but they are a fan of you! Sardines are loaded with fish oil, vitamin D, calcium and this magical thing called selenium (an antioxidant which fights the deterioration of cells!). And if you've recently had a Bub, Sardines are your go-to as the omega-3 fat content can improve the quality of breast milk.
10/ Black Beans- Last, but not lest, Black Beans! Why are black beans a superfood for women? Because black beans are full of essential minerals, folate (the natural form of vitamin B9), magnesium, and iron. The folate is crucial during the early months of pregnancy, whilst the iron plays an important role during the second and third trimester of pregnancy as it increases a woman’s blood volume to support their baby.
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