Ten Super Foods

It is interesting world we live in: on one side, people are still dying of hunger, and on the other, they are dying from obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension. Both problems are directly linked to food, in one way or another. The solution to the problem of hunger is unfortunately in hands of politicians, but the problems plaguing rich part of the world is in our own hands. Since food brought us where we are, it is not surprising that the solution to the food related problems lay in food as well. In super food, that is. Super food is the answer to anyone's prayer: food that helps us lose weight, stay healthy, have plenty of energy and live longer. There is some bad news to the meat lovers, though: all super foods are plants. Since the idea of super foods is relatively new, scientists do not always agree on what food should be considered 'super.' But the good news is that whatever list we accept we can not go wrong.

Super foods by definition are foods very low in calories but super rich in nutrients. They are also excellent sources of anti-oxidants and essential nutrients. Here are just a few of them:

1. Wheat grass affects normal function of the thyroid gland, which stimulates metabolism, helping digestion and weight loss. It also has high enzyme content and cleansing effect.

2. Wild blue-green algae contain literally every single nutrient we need. It has 60% protein, and more amino acids than soy beans. It contains beta carotene, B vitamins and chlorophyll. It improves memory and the immune system, protecting body from viruses.

3. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, watercress, lettuce, parsley, endive, broccoli, lower risk of cancer and heart disease. They contain chlorophyll, easily digestible proteins, enzymes and a number of vitamins and minerals. These cleanse the blood, assist brain function and boost immune system.

4. Raw cacao beans contain huge quantity of antioxidants - 21 times more than green tea, which is another super food. They are extremely high in magnesium and have 314% of the daily allowance of iron. It is pity that all this gets destroyed by processing; otherwise we would be eating chocolate to lose weight and get healthy.

5. Coconut oil speeds up metabolism, helping body to burn more calories and contributes to weight loss. It has powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Fresh coconut is so rich in nutrients that it can be used instead of blood transfusion if needed.

6. Bee pollen has seven times more protein than beef. It is considered the most complete nutrient found in nature. It boosts the immune system and is a natural antidote for allergies. It is also considered an anti-aging food.

Cinnamon- just 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with hot cereal, yoghurt or marinades helps blood sugar to be used for energy instead of being stored as fat. Green tea contains a range of antioxidants called catechin polyphenols. The most powerful is epigallocatechin gallate, which stimulates metabolism and speeds up weight loss. Oatmeal, as many other whole grains, is an excellent source of fiber, which accelerates weight loss. It is known to normalize blood sugar and boost metabolism and fat burning. Yogurt is rich in calcium, which helps reduce weight by affecting calcium levels of fat cells, signaling cells to burn fat.