How many of you have made New Year resolutions? It’s never to late to improve your diet and your health with these eight new super foods that are sweeping the world for their beneficial properties.
The five servings of fruits and vegetables in our daily diet is one of the most classic ideas of healthy modern eating, and is always applicable. As is eating fish 1-2 times a week, paying attention to the consumption of red meat, processed foods, sweets etc.
We can also follow some new ideas, adding foods to our diet that experts believe can help reduce various risks and make our lives better and more qualitative.
The following super foods promise to protect and possibly improve our health and become part of new food trends in 2013. So, along with the list of promises to make for the New Year, make a new food list that contains the following.
Adzuki beans: beans of the east
Very common in Japanese and Chinese cuisine and can be in good supermarkets and Asian shops, and are a legume. They contain more protein and less fat than all other pulses and also have high levels of potassium, which helps lower the risk of heart attack and high blood pressure. Furthermore, dietary fibre helps the digestive process and zinc protects the body from inflammation of the joints and maintains satisfactory levels of blood sugar at healthy levels.
Black garlic: gastronomic miracle
The dark colour is due to the fermentation process under high temperature, which lasts for one month, and has a sweeter taste the common garlic. Contains twice as many antioxidants compared to traditional garlic, and has high levels of a plant component (S-Allycysteine), which has been shown to prevent cancer. Experts say that this is a new, very powerful super-food, which will succeed the wild salmon and blueberries, mainly because of the antioxidants.
Spirulina: fills us with energy
The blue-green alga with the strange name has made a splash in recent years. The reason is that it is rich in iron and vitamins B12, helping maintain. Moreover, it contains more vitamin A than carrots and is a rich source of photochemical, which helps to reduce the symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis, while reducing the risk of developing certain cancers. In Greece, spirulina is produced in the Thermal Nigrita of Serres an area ideal for its production.
Jerusalem artichokes: the one that looks like ginger
The name is misleading, since they are neither artichokes nor from Jerusalem. In fact, it is a root vegetable that is cooked almost like potato and is very popular in Ikaria and Cyprus, where pork is preferred. This variety is rich in antioxidants and have very high iron levels, helping us to fight tiredness and maintain proper metabolic rhythms. Furthermore, they contain probiotic fibre and are rich in insulin, which helps improve gut mobility.
Cannabis seeds: health seeds
Along with salmon and flaxseed, hemp seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty necessary for management of inflammation and pain in joints, improves metabolism and heart health. The wonder seeds also contain a type of protein, which passes more easily from the digestive process in connection with the protein obtained from milk and eggs. Add the seeds to salads, crush them in a mortar and sprinkle them on food or on your cereal. Hemp seeds are also found in the form of oil with a nutty taste, which can be used in cooking or salad dressing.
Fenugreek: a herb and spice
The fenugreek is a plant with leaves that can be used as a herb and seeds used as spice. Fenugreek can reduce cholesterol levels and improve symptoms of diabetes, alleviating period pain and symptoms of menopause. You will find it on the shelves with organic products.
Ghee: ‘pure’ butter
Although it is high in fat, this “purified” butter used in Indian cooking and consumption is increasing in Greece, considered to improve memory, digestion and boost the immune system. The ghee is prepared simmering unsalted butter and getting the solid parts of milk that have sat at the bottom of the tank – beware, however, to consume in moderation.
Chia seeds: beneficial and anti-aging
If you feel that your energy leaving you, try these tiny dark skinned seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Experts say that the seed lowers blood pressure and the risk of inflammation, while slowing premature aging, reducing the damage of free radicals on the skin. Sprinkle the seeds in salads, sauces and dressings, add to a stew and reheat them until tender or use as a spread on sandwiches and in other recipes.