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Winter is coming. Holidays are coming. Desserts are coming. It’s the season of your grandma’s irresistible sugar cookies, piled mashed potatoes, and a plethora of holiday parties. In addition, this is the season of spending with Christmas approaching. How do you keep your mind and body sane?
While exercising, sleeping, and coffee dates with understanding friends are necessary in this season, what else can you do? One of the best ways to keep yourself in check – in mind and body – depends on your food choices. Understandably, you’re already overwhelmed at even the thought of your checklist. Don’t worry; choose a superfood. Superfoods are nutrient-rich food which benefits your health and well-being. The following 10, mood-boosting superfoods will help you keep your sanity, as well as make you happier.
If you’re looking for something to fight depression, asparagus is a solid choice. They’re also easy to prepare because they can be quickly roasted in the oven. They raise low folic acid levels (linked to depression) and contains vitamin C, which also helps ease depression.
If you’re the baking type, this is a perfect superfood to add some balance in your diet. Blueberries prevent aging and cell damage through phytonutrients. Since their antioxidants fight aging, it can reduce age-related problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They also protect against cancer.
Vegetables related to the cabbage family, such as broccoli, can be extremely helpful to your body. They contain phytonutrients that discourage tumor growth or risk of cancer. In fact, one cup alone of broccoli can sustain you for the whole day, as it fulfills your daily dose of vitamin C.
Maybe eating healthy foods is not your first choice. This does not mean, however, that you have to give up everything sweet. Dark chocolate in moderate amounts, such as 3.5 to 7 ounces a day, is actually more than okay. Cocoa flavanols, which dark chocolate is chalked full of, is known for reducing stress levels.
Exercise is great. But without proper food to fuel you, it can make your energy feel depleted. Thankfully, eggs are very high in protein, making it the perfect breakfast food. Plus, it helps your body create serotonin, which is a natural way to fight depression. Three eggs are safe for consuming daily. They can be made in the morning with a cup of coffee or incorporated into your salad. Easy, quick, and healthy.
Do you tend to be an anxious person? If so, consider trying honey. This natural sweetener is known for having a calming effect. In addition, you can add this to your tea. Try this while curled up on your couch, reading a book to keep your mind at peace. Honey also has tryptophan, which is an amino acid. This amino acid creates serotonin, a hormone known for reducing stress and increasing relaxation. The recommended maximum amount per day is ten tablespoons.
A lot of hype seems to be around kale. Isn’t it just a trendy food for health nuts? Actually, maybe not. Kale has become a superfood for a reason. It contains phytonutrients, which prevents cancer. In addition, scientists suggest phytonutrients in kale tell the liver to produce enzymes. What does this mean? These particular enzymes can help stabilize substances that potentially cause cancer.
Have you ever wondered why horses eat oats? Their sensitive stomachs need something that’s easy to digest, but also healthy and tasty. Most of us could use that as well. These natural, whole grains are full of fibers. They’re also rich in magnesium, potassium, and phytonutrients. Oats also have a special fiber known for reducing cholesterol and preventing heart disease. In fact, research suggests that eating whole-grain oats can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Plus, you can add your dark chocolate chips to oat cookies for an easy, healthy alternative to typical holiday desserts.
If you aren’t a vegetable fan, it might be hard to find superfoods. Fish, on the other hand, might be a fantastic alternative. In particular, salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids (something our bodies cannot produce on its own). Omega-3 fatty acids can do a plethora of good. They can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, balance cholesterol, and may even reduce risk of cancer. Additionally, they have several B vitamins and can prevent cell damage through selenium.
Tomatoes are easy to throw in a sandwich, salad, or practically any meal. In addition, they are extremely healthy, even containing an antioxidant that’s not typically found in other foods: lycopene. This particular antioxidant suggest protection against harmful UV rays and cancers, according to studies. It can also lower cholesterol. Furthermore, tomatoes have high amounts of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Hopefully this small, but powerful list of superfoods can help you through the upcoming holidays. Whether it’s to keep your mind sane or your body slim, these options are easy to include in everyday life. With these superfoods, you can choose health without compromising your taste buds.
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