Some foods are better than others at boosting energy and immunity levels. Learn about some of the most helpful and how to incorporate them into your diet.
Most of us know that we need to eat nutritious foods and avoid fast food, sugar, and junk food to feel better. But within this world of nutrition, some healthy eats pack more of a punch than others. Here are a few of the superfoods you can add to or increase amounts of in your diet…boosting your energy without turning to specialized “energy” drinks or pills, and raising your immunity level to heal and prevent sickness.
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Hot and Mild Peppers
According to Dr. Perricone, the many varieties of chili peppers have approximately double the amount of Vitamin C than citrus fruits, and plenty of a special substance called capsaicin. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. Capsaicin is constantly in the news due to its ability to prevent and relieve migraines, sinus headaches, and arthritis symptoms. Recent studies have also shown that it may be of help for intestinal problems as well.
All peppers have some capsaicin, even the mild green peppers in your grocery store. Of course the more capsaicin there is, the better the benefits will be. Couple this with the fiber and antioxidants in peppers and you have a nutritional winner. Be sure to include a variety of spicy and colorful peppers in your daily menu., cooking with them and adding them to soups and salads.
Blueberries and Other Members of the Berry Family
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation and can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. They are also filled with Vitamin C, as well as potassium…which is especially important for replenishing your body after a workout. Web MD tells us that darker blueberries contain even more of the antioxidants that we need.
Other berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries are also filled with vitamins and antioxidants. Because they have a high water and fiber content you will feel full longer, and the sweetness may help you tame those sugar cravings. Add berries to your muffin recipes, yogurt and salads for extra flavor and nutrition.
Greek Yogurt
Health Magazine considers Greek yogurt one of the world’s healthiest foods, and for good reason. It has all of the nutritional properties of other yogurts that help with intestinal and urinary tract health, plus it boosts immunity and improves health for those who are lactose intolerant.
The calcium builds stronger teeth and bones, and the Greeks have used it for centuries to increase energy. Greek yogurt has one important thing over other yogurts, however…there are no sugars or artificial sweeteners to mess with your metabolism. Mix Greek yogurt with some cinnamon and fruit for a naturally sweet dessert or snack, or use in place of sour cream on potatoes or in dips.
Kale
Most people don’t know a lot about this vegetable, but they should learn about its many benefits. Kale is in the same family as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, but it is more powerful than any of its siblings.
Kale is highly concentrated with the vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin K is very important for strong bones and blood clotting ability. It also has a great amount of calcium and other minerals necessary for good energy and a healthy body.
One word of warning, though: The amount of Vitamin K in Kale is so great that it may interfere with some medications, so check with your doctor before adding it to your diet. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, serve it raw in salads or cooked in other recipes. This is one rare instance where a vegetable is actually better for you cooked, as it aids in lowering cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Having all of the proper nutrients in your diet is essential to having enough energy to tackle your day and strengthening your immune system. These powerful foods will help you get enough of the nutrients you need…the natural way.
