Food: Every day appears to bring a new “superfood” that promises to alter your life. How can you know what’s beneficial for you when there’s so much information available? According to our specialists, the following are the top foods you should consume:
Table of Contents
Bean
They are native to America (Peru and Mexico), although cultivated worldwide. They have used as food for more than 2,000 years, and there are references to them in the Bible.
They are the legumes with the highest iron content, which, together with their B vitamin content, makes them a great preventative against anemia. In addition, they contain fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and fights constipation.
Evidence of its cultivation will find in Central Europe during the Bronze Age. It is a complete cereal since it provides energy, vitamins E, B6, and B5, and minerals such as iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper.
It is also rich in fiber, essential amino acids, and omega-6. In addition, it prevents hypothyroidism and helps lower bad cholesterol.
Parsley
Originally from Sardinia, it has been known since ancient times, although in the beginning, it was used only as an ornament to honor the deceased. It was not until the Middle Ages that it began to use in the kitchen. It became so popular that it gave rise to “being everywhere, like parsley.”
Although it may seem excessive, this condiment has: high content of vitamin C, flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic action, and a vasodilator and toning essential oil. It is also a fundamental source of vitamin K, promoting blood coagulation, preventing and even treating osteoporosis, and protecting us against possible heart attacks. All these properties are present in fresh parsley, but most will lose in dried parsley. Finally, it has apigenin, a substance used in natural medicine against asthma, insomnia, and neuralgia.
Basil
Of Indian origin, Greek Orthodox Christians use it to prepare holy water. It is an excellent source of iron, essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, vitamins, and beneficial antispasmodic quality
Grenade
Low in calories and astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, it is ideal for cleansing and slimming diets. In addition, it is rich in potassium
and recent studies confirm that pomegranate seed extract decreases blood glucose levels, which makes it ideal for people with diabetes.
Grapes
Coming from the Caucasus and Western Asia, some indications already collected were in the Paleolithic. Although viticulture, as such, was developed by the Romans.
Some studies show that the phytonutrients present in the fruit and the wine have a preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and even cataracts. However, black grapes and red wine have the best properties. A recent study from the University of Texas even assures that the consumption of red grapes and red wine prevents memory deterioration associated with age.
Apple
It will believe that it existed in Prehistory, as evidenced by some Neolithic archaeological remains. There is reliable evidence. It is cited as the forbidden fruit that caused man’s expulsion from paradise in the Bible.
Among its healthiest components: pectin, a soluble fiber that keeps cholesterol at bay l; catechins, a flavonoid that, in addition to being an antioxidant, is very useful in fighting lung cancer; and dihydrochalcones, another flavonoid that resides mainly in your skin, which is a powerful antidiabetic agent. Finally, this fruit provides significant amounts of procyanidins, compounds with potent antioxidant activity that improve the immune system and the movement of blood platelets.
Orange
It is native to southeastern China and northern Burma, although known in the Mediterranean for 3,000 years. The pectin present in its pulp reduces cholesterol. It develops intestinal flora in addition to its high content of carotenoids, which prevent various types of cancer and protect against cardiovascular diseases. Finally, it also provides fiber, as long as we eat the whole fruit.
Papaya
It comes from Mexico or the Peruvian Andes. From there, it spread to other tropical countries and Europe. Its main component, papain, is an enzyme that breaks down food proteins, making it ideal for those with digestive problems such as gastritis, hiatal hernia, and heartburn.
Blackberries
They are the fruit of the mulberry tree, a tree native to Ancient Persia, which is also the origin of silk. In fact, in ancient China, only royalty could cut its leaves, which will also use to make exquisite infusions.
Whole Grains
In the Neolithic, about 6,000 years ago, barley, wheat, and millet were grown. Spelled was added in the Bronze Age, and rye in the Iron Age. Among its many benefits, its high content of fiber and B vitamins stands out. There are also those with extra iron, calcium, and even magnesium contributions.
Cheese
There is evidence of dairy production in cultures that existed 4,500 years ago.Its qualities depend on the composition and its production and maturation process. It is a source of vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin A.
Yogurt
It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. The bacteria that live in it are known to help balance the bacterial flora of the intestine and boost the immune system to fight infections.
Lentils
They come from Southwest Asia, from where they spread to the Mediterranean basin. The oldest remains of this crop date back to 6600 BC. c.
In addition to the famous iron, they provide calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. And according to recent studies, they improve blood sugar control, and their high folic acid content prevents breast cancer.
Garbanzo Beans
Originally from Turkey, they spread to Europe and then to the other continents. They are a source of plant-based protein and starch, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Although they have a reputation for being indigestible, their high fiber content favors intestinal transit and helps fight constipation. They also provide tannins and phytates with a significant anticancer effect.
