Here are some of the top 5 nutritional powerhouses not to be missed the next time you head to the supermarket.
Avocados
The creamy and rich texture of avocados makes them the perfect substitute for butter and cream. Although an avocado contains more fat than its fruity counterparts, keep in mind that it comprises mostly of monounsaturated fat that plays a role in raising good cholesterol, lowering bad cholesterol and keeping heart disease at bay. The added bonus of avocados being high in fiber and low in calories makes them the perfect addition to your lunchbox.
Berries
Load the shopping cart with a variety of berries and munch on them as a healthy snack or dessert. From the exotic Acai berry to the popular strawberry, each variation of berry is undoubtedly great for health. Strawberries offer potassium, raspberries offer vitamin C, blueberries give fiber, blackberries give vitamin E and overall, all berries pack a super punch when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Try to opt for organic berries.
Turmeric
Used widely in Indian and South East Asian cuisine, turmeric is a wonderful spice that contains antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also known to protect your system against cancer and helps improve circulation. Head to your local Asian supermarket and look out for turmeric in its original form (it is a root that closely resembles ginger) or pick up a jar of the powdered version from the supermarket.
Cocoa
Loaded with flavonoids, cocoa is known to combat diabetes, strokes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Not only that, cocoa contains compounds that encourage the production of endorphins and serotonin, two chemicals that make people happy.
Sweet Potato
Instead of opting for conventional starches like potato, rice and pasta, go for sweet potatoes instead. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene and contain plenty of antioxidants and vitamins A and C. The combination of these vitamins and minerals will keep your immune system strong and fully functional. Play around with the different varieties of sweet potatoes.
References:
http://www.aarp.org/food/healthy-eating/info-10-2011/10-superfoods-to-eat-healthy.html
http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/dr-ozs-10-favorite-superfoods