13 Aug Best Super Foods to Eat for a Healthy Mind & Body
“Do ‘Super Foods’ really exist? What foods will keep my brain healthy and working?” – C.D., Aspen, CO
Dear C.D.,
The only thing that makes a food “super” is the nutrients that it contains. Some foods, by nature, are nutrient powerhouses and you don’t need to consume much to get great benefits.
You’ve probably heard that blueberries, salmon, acai berries and many other ‘super foods’ will solve your ills and make you feel great. In part, these claims are true. Each of these provides good nutrients and should be consumed as part of a healthy diet or as a replacement for high-calorie, high-fat foods. Your brain will function to its peak ability when you consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods. These include colorful fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, lean red meat, and fatty fish such as salmon.
A few foods that I would recommend adding to your healthy diet or using as a snack substitute for chips, crackers or other processed treats include:
- Blueberries (very similar in look and nutritional value to acai berries) are high in anti-oxidants, potassium and vitamin C. Just a 1/2 cup of blueberries each day (fresh or frozen) is a serving.
- Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (same as those found in fatty fish) as well as magnesium, vitamin E, iron and protein. Just a small handful of nuts is enough.
- Almonds are another nut that has good nutrition.
- Green and Black Tea both contain antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol. If you regularly consume soda or sugary drinks, try substituting tea a few times.
Unfortunately a lot of hype centers around individual foods and their benefits. The important thing to remember is that a “super” diet is a well-rounded one.
You may also want to add a multi-vitamin to round out your diet. The Alive! 50+ Gummy Multi-Vitamin provides whole body nourishment for heart, prostate, digestion, energy immune, eyes and bone support. They taste great with 26 orchard fruits and garden vegetables especially balanced for men and women age 50 and over. They are also gluten and gelatin free. There are two formulas: one for men and one for women.
Further Reading: We also have a fantastic article on food and drinks that promote sound sleep you may want to check out here and for those of you that are challenged overactive bladder, consider reading this article on foods that help or irritate your bladder.
Sincerely,
Nurse Allison
