Super Foods for Super Women

Healthy foods don’t have to be exotic or hard to pronounce (I’m referring you goji berry and acai). Many of the most recommended super foods are easy to find in your favorite super market and are quite affordable. Give your body what it needs.

Eggs

Easy and versatile at only 75 calories, the egg provides 12 essential vitamins and minerals. These vitamins help lower the risk of heart attack and reduce chronic inflammation. For pregnant women, the folic acid reduces the risk of low birth weight and birth defects. Not only is it relatively high in protein (6 grams) but it is a complete protein providing all the essential amino acids for good health.

Greek yogurt

A 6 ounce serving has 17 whopping grams of protein. Twice as much as regular yogurt. And, only 100 calories. This is the benefit of removing the whey and the lactose.

Peanut butter

Not just for kids, peanut butter is packed with protein, 8 grams in two tablespoons. Its fats are monosaturated helping to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in blood. It’s also high in vitamin E. Fat free varieties have stripped the healthy monounsaturated fats so keep the fat. Indulge just a bit, a little goes a long way.

Kale

Trendy, it’s true, but there’s a reason for its popularity. One cup contains only 33 calories, 9% of daily calcium, you daily doses of vitamins C, A and K, many minerals and antioxidants as well as fiber. “Foods with deep colors have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on your body,” notes Jennifer McDaniel, RD, St. Louis dietitian. Try to eat it raw – not as chips or a powder. A quick sautee will do nicely.

Blueberries

A classic which can go savory or sweet, a half cup has ony 40 calories and 15% of vitamin C and 2 grams of fiber. And there’s that deep color. “Blueberries have the most antioxidant power of all the berries too,” explained McDaniel. “It’s also a ‘brain berry,’ it helps with memory, mood and brain functions.” Frozen are just as healthful as fresh.

Apples

Antioxidants, beta-carotene, riboflavin, magnesium and fiber fill out this old time favorite. They may reduce risk of hypertension, 8 types of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Two thirds of the fiber and antioxidants are found in the skin.

Sweet potatoes

Not the yam, its starchy cousin, but any of the 600 varieties of sweet potato will bring you antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. You’ll get 450% of the RDA of vitamin A.

Source: Diane Wedner/Lifescript