Eat These Superfoods for a Longer Life

by Susan Patterson

If you’re looking for a more natural way to lower cholesterol and blood pressure while preventing heart disease, incorporating superfoods into your diet is an excellent choice. A superfood is anything that contains a high level of essential nutrients that are scientifically proven to have specific health benefits. Unlike prescription drugs, naturally incorporating nutrients in your diet through food is a great way to get the benefits without side effects. These are not meant to replace drugs if you have a serious condition, but could help them be more effective.

While many think superfoods have to be rare and exotic like the popular acai fruit from the Amazon, there are lots of food you may already eat that have added health benefits. Blueberries, for example are not only a good source of Vitamin C and Potassium, but they are also packed with antioxidants and fight inflammation. Because they lower your risk of cancer and heart disease, blueberries are highly-recommended by doctors and nutritionists. To get the benefits, you only need to eat a half-cup, either fresh or frozen.

Pumpkin is not just for Halloween anymore. This superfood is rich in vitamins, Potassium, Magnesium, and other nutrients. Eating pumpkin is associated with decreased risks of cancer, heart disease, and essential to eye health. The beta carotene in this food is found to decrease lung cancer, but only when eaten and not as a stand-alone supplement. The lutein and other substances present prevent your eyes from substantial damage as well. Pumpkin is also touted as a great food for losing weight, possibly working better than diet pills. This is due to its low calorie content and high fiber, which can make you feel fuller longer and keep you regular.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help you live a longer life. The polyphenols found in it are helpful in fighting free radicals that can cause severe damage to your body. Unlike other superfoods, however, a little bit goes a long way as dark chocolate is full of fat and calories that can wreck your waistline. Keep intake at 100 grams per day. Because of the calories, you will need to cut out some food from your diet if you choose to indulge daily. If hunger is a problem, try using a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia to keep cravings at bay.