Seven super foods with healing properties
Most triathletes are health-conscious people who prefer to not rely on medicine for all aches and pains. Did you that many “super foods” contain more than just essential nutrients? The healing properties found in many fruits, vegetables and other food items are often over-looked but can play a major role in improving your overall health. Incorporate these seven super foods into your diet to take full advantage of their surprising healing powers.
1) Pineapple
This tasty fruit can do more than help curb a sweet tooth. It contains bromelian extract which aids in anti-inflamation and is also packed with antioxidants. Adding pineapple to your morning smoothie, lunch time fruit salad or dessert is a great way to reap the benefits of this super food. Make sure its fully ripe when you eat it. It has the most antioxidants at this point.
2) Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to cure stomach problems such as nausea and cramps. It also helps to improve absorption of essential nutrients in the body, something many people struggle with. Buy it fresh instead of in spice form, when it contains the most gingerol. Beyond consuming it, you can also float some in your bath to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.
3) BroccoliÂ
Did you know that broccoli contains more vitamin C than oranges? Besides the dozens of important nutrients that broccoli contains, its phytochemicals (active compounds in plants) can fight many types of cancers by preventing tumours that may be caused by carcinogens. Eat lots of broccoli to use it as preventative medicine, such as reducing chances of heart disease. It is best in steamed form, as this way it releases the most antioxidants.
4) Cabbage
Another super food with a host of essential nutrients, cabbage is commonly used to treat stomach ulcers because of its high glutamine levels. It also contains the important antioxidant sulforphanes (also found in broccoli) that help detoxify cancer-causing carcinogens.
5) Banana
Just one banana can fulfil 30% of your daily recommended B6, an important vitamin that can help ease anxiety and depression because it helps the brain produce serotonin. Bananas also contain compounds that protect cells and nerves and improve blood circulation.
6) Yogurt 
The probiotic cultures in yogurt can help your body digest difficult foods like lactose and beans, thus easing gas and constipation. Yogurt can aid in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining strong bones because it is rich in calcium. You’ll also get a good dose of protein, B-12 and potassium when you consume yogurt.
7) Honey
Have you ever tried hot lemon and honey to cure a sore throat? This is an old and common remedy as honey is highly effective in soothing throat inflammation. Honey also makes a great natural energy drink. With 17 grams of carbohydrates in just one tablespoon, you can skip the processed sugar if you’re looking to boost your energy in a healthy way. It is also a great sleep aid. When consumed, it causes a steady rise in insulin which will help its amino acid tryptophan convert to serotonin and then melatonin in the brain.
