Top 4 Super Foods for Exceptional Health

Superfoods! We hear about them all the time. It almost seems that what is considered a superfood changes from week to week. That’s why All About Smiles decided to compile a definitive list of the top-ten, all-around-profound foods that can really give you the health boost you have been looking for. And because many of them battle free radicals, they can also help you look younger too. Bonus!

1. Coconut Oil – This powerhouse oils seems to be in everything healthy these days, and no wonder! It is good for your hair and skin externally as well as working wonders for your insides. The best coconut oil is organic and cold-pressed. Because this coconut oil is derived from the coconut flesh under very low heat with minimal processing, this oil is in its most natural form and retains the benefits heat processing destroys. Coconut oil is:

• Rich in medium-chain triglycerides which can help you lose weight and promote fat loss
• Antimicrobial
• High in dietary fiber
• Immune system boosting

2. Acai – A yummy berry from South American palm trees, the Acai fruit not only tastes great, it is full of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. That means that Acai can:

• Fight free-radical damage
• Promote cardiovascular health
• Encourage digestive well-being

3. Cacao – Yes! Your dreams have just come true. Chocolate! But pay attention. We are not talking about cocoa here, we are talking about cacao. There is more to the difference than the last two letters. The big difference lies in the processing. The more raw the bean the more health benefits it has. Just eating a lot of traditionally processed chocolate with cocOA, won’t do much for you. What you can do is look for chocolates made from cocAO, healthy fats like coconut oil, and sweeteners like palm sugar or stevia. These chocolates are still a treat and are packed with:

• Phenolic phytochemicals and flavonoids to fight premature aging and free radical damage
• Epicatechin to boost and preserve cognitive abilities while also regulating insulin levels
• Flavanols to protect your heart and lower your blood pressure
• Nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron

To really get the most out of cacao, sprinkle raw nibs on yogurt or a fruit salad…with goji berries! The nibs themselves are crunchy and bitter, so if you need some sweetness, consider honey. You’ll create a bitter chocolate power pack!

4. Spirulina – You may never have imagined that you would want to eat pond scum, but this amazing algae is a food source you do not want to miss. One of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, food-grade spirulina is carefully harvested from non-contaminated ponds and waterways and is usually available as a tablet or a powder. Spirulina offers:

• Vitamin B1(thiamin)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B3 (Niacin
• Protein (comparable to eggs as far as protein per gram)
• Calcium
• Iron
• Gamma Linolenic Acid
• Omega-3s
• Chlorophyll to remove toxins
• Help balancing blood sugar
• Reduction in inflammation which may help with allergies
• Tooth remineralization (We love that!)

Of course there are so many more super foods including maca root, goji berries, manuka honey, kelp, bee pollen, chia seeds…well, the list could get fairly long. You would be surprised at how many amazing foods you can add to your diet to increase your energy, slow the aging process, and help you get healthy and fit! For more foods you can easily add to your diet and tips on where to find them, call our Wilmington dental office at 302-239-1641.

About The Author

Dr. Lewis Yu

Dr. Lewis Yu, who graduated with a dental degree, completed a two-year postgraduate oral surgery training in New York City and Pennsylvania. Board-certified in Naturopathic Medicine and Integrated Biological Dental Medicine, he practiced in Philadelphia and New Jersey before joining All About Smiles. Dr. Yu is affiliated with the Holistic Dental Association and Talkinternational.com.

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