Superfoods for your health

It’s a buzzword these days…but just what is a superfood?

Superfoods for your health
 Check out our list and find out how can you get superfoods into your diet during National Nutrition Month.

Blueberries

The height of the blueberry season is May to August, but anytime is a good time to eat them. They’re loaded with antioxidants (what are they?), fiber and vitamin K, which help keep your bones strong.

Yogurt

Packed with calcium, it’s the probiotics (what are they?) in yogurt that really makes it a superfood. Add some brightly colored berries for a power boost.

Acai

This small purple palm fruit grows in the Amazon, and contains a near-perfect blend of antioxidants, amino acids and fiber. Try it in a smoothie!

Green Tea

This isn’t just any tea. Besides antioxidants, it's full of a compound called EGCG that prevents damage to the heart muscles. It’s also shown that just one cup a day can improve mental alertness.

Fish & Fish Oil

What’s not to love about the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil? They lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, boost immunity, and may reduce your risk of heart disease. Doesn’t salmon for dinner sound like a great idea?

Nuts and Seeds

Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are healthy, filling and are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Spinach

Popeye wasn’t wrong…spinach is packed with iron, antioxidants, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, minerals, and plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also versatile. Eat it in a salad, sauté it with fish or put it in a smoothie.

Sweet Potatoes

They’re not just for the holidays anymore. Sweet potatoes can be substituted for white potatoes, and they’re bursting with vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.

Buckwheat

While most think of it as a grain, buckwheat is actually a seed. Packed with protein and amino acids, it’s been proven to lower cholesterol.

Dark Chocolate

Before you start gobbling chocolate, it’s important to know that the darker the chocolate, the greater the benefits from flavonols (what are they?) and antioxidants. So look for chocolate that’s 60% or higher in cacao, and consume in moderation.

Broccoli

High in fiber, it has more vitamin C than oranges, and it has three different compounds known to fight or prevent illness and disease.

Beans & Legumes

Thought to be the perfect food by many nutritionists, beans have the about the same calories and protein as meat, but without the fat. A single serving provides 1/3 of your daily fiber.

Flaxseeds

These tiny seeds pack a punch. They’re loaded with dietary fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. They’re easy to grind and toss into recipes, or you can get flaxseed oil and put it in a smoothie.

Garlic

Pretty much a staple in Mediterranean and Chinese cooking, garlic adds flavor and health benefits to any dish. A big part of that is the presence of allicin, an amino acid that is a natural antibiotic, and selenium, which boosts your immune system.

Top foods that will boost your sex drive

Not only do some of these health foods keep the doctor away, but they just may make your lover stay.

Top foods that will boost your sex drive

 Now that we've sparked your curiosity, here are some of nature's finest foods to spice things up in the bedroom and help your libido.

Dark chocolate

There is a reason why chocolate-covered strawberries (get some for your sweetie) are linked to romance. Dark chocolate contain chemicals that are associated with relaxation and pleasure. It contains phenyl ethylamine (what's that?), which can ignite feelings similar to being in love.

Bananas

Go bananas! This tasty fruit is not only packed with many nutrients, but it also increases male libido, due to an enzyme called bromelain. They are also a good source of vitamin B, which provides energy and regulates sex hormones.

Avocado

 Before heading to the bedroom with your partner, try dining at your local Mexican restaurant and ordering a side of guacamole. Avocados contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman's thyroid gland) -- two elements that will enhance the sex lives of both men and women.

Pomegranate

Over the last few years, this "wonder food" has continued to make headlines in health-related news. Loaded with antioxidants, this miracle fruit is a huge aid in fighting cancer and many other major ailments. So, it comes as no surprise it is a super aid for your libido.

Garlic

Don't worry about having that piece of garlic bread on your next dinner date. It may be hard on your breath, but if you both enjoy it together, you may be sharing something special later. Garlic has high levels of allicin (what's that?), which is known to increase the blood flow to your body's reproductive organs.

Granola

Morning, sunshine. Granola is not only a great source of whole grains for the most important meal of the day, but it may pay off later that night. This breakfast food is high in L-arginine (what's that?), which improves circulation. Evidence shows that L-arginine helps improve sexual function in men, which pays off for both parties.

Ginger

 Ever notice that strong scent and taste of ginger when you go out for sushi? Try adding some on your spicy tuna roll next time. Ginger is a powerful stimulant that increases circulation. And once that blood starts flowing, everything starts heating up.

Oysters

Oysters are considered one of the most classic aphrodisiacs. They have amino acids that trigger sex hormones. They are also a great source of zinc , which aids in the production of testosterone. So, time to go shuck some shells!