Many people don’t believe that illness can be prevented through eating healthy because it just seems too simple or even quirky.  We have been led to believe that you have little control over whether or not you develop an illness because it’s already pre-programmed in your DNA.   While this may be true for some types of ailments, it is not so for all. Superfoods can do so much good for the body. There is tremendous power in nutrition and what you put into our body can make a major difference in whether or not you develop certain illnesses.  

There are countless superfoods that can prevent, manage and possibly even reverse some diseases. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 superfoods that have the power to ward off toxins, reduce inflammation, reset your metabolism, nurture your skin and most importantly, heal your body.    

The Perils of a Toxic Diet

A toxic diet made up of sugars, starches, sodium, additives, preservatives and other negative ingredients can do more harm than just weight gain. Of course obesity is one truly negative factor, but toxic diets also cause inflammation of organs and internal structures and debilitating and potentially deadly diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.   Aside from disease and weight gain, toxic diets also lead to decreased energy levels, lack of motivation and laziness, insomnia and irregular sleeping patterns, depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue, mental fogginess, and increased stress. A toxic diet can truly hold you back from enjoying life to its fullest and embracing the positive.  

 Superfoods to the Rescue

Not only do superfoods boost body and mind power but they will work to open up new channels of positivity and tranquility in your life.   These simple, natural, and healthy staples provide health and life benefits such as:    

• Increased metabolism
• Reduced inflammation
• Healthy, glowing skin
• Reduced cravings for junk foods
• Better sleeping habits
• Improved cognitive function
• Weight loss
• Increased energy
• Improved mood

Contrary to what many think, superfoods do not have to be expensive, hard to find, or complicated. These simple, healthy, and effective foods can help you break the chains of your toxic diet and achieve heightened health, positive thinking, and an elevated enjoyment of life.  

 20 Superfoods to Heal Your Body

There is a plethora of information out there on superfoods, so it can be confusing to know where to start. Here is a list of the top 20 superfoods that will work to heal your body from the damages of a toxic diet and put you on the path to a healthier and happier lifestyle.  

 Blackberries

When it comes to improving your immune system, blackberries are incredibly effective due to their rich nutrient content. With their extremely high Vitamin C and vitamin K levels, blackberries speed up wound recovery, strengthen tissues, and regulate blood clotting. Low in carbs and fats but very high in protein, blackberries are definitely among the most nutritious foods out there, not to mention the tastiest. As a simple snack, all you have to do is wash them off and eat away. A half cup will give you all the benefits you need.  

 Cranberries

Speaking of vitamins C and K, cranberries are also packed full of these effective and helpful vitamins. These delicious red berries do more than just boost your immune system. Their components work as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, plus contain many essential anti-cancer properties. A half cup of these delicious fruits will go a long way toward giving you the nutrients your body deserves.  

 Raspberries

With raspberries you have a powerful antioxidant due to their being full of vitamin C and ellagic acid. These berries also boast a high amount of anti-inflammatory properties, making them an important part of any superfood diet. Like with the other berries on this list, a half cup will be sufficient to give you these benefits and will also serve as a very tasty snack.  

Blueberries

Blueberries are known as an antioxidant superfood that not only has vitamin C, but is high in potassium and even phytoflavinoids. Eating blueberries daily has been shown to have a dramatic effect on your skin by helping to reduce lines and wrinkles. Research suggests they also reduce a type of cardiovascular disease and even ward off cancer. It’s recommended that ½ to 1 cup is eaten every day for its full benefits. Note: Cultivated blueberries are the typical ones you buy in the grocery store. Whenever possible, buy wild blueberries (usually found in the frozen food section). They have double the antioxidant power as cultivated.    

 Limes

Limes are beneficial for more than just adding flavor to various foods and drinks. The same flavonoids that give limes their unique flavor also provide a wide range of antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits, plus combat free radicals. Limes are also packed full of vitamin C. Since limes are very sour, just one lime will do for a serving. Even with just one per week you will receive incredible benefits, making limes one of the top superfoods on this list.  

 Black Beans

When it comes to providing a plethora of benefits, black beans really stand out. Containing both phosphorous and iron, black beans help maintain bone structure and maintain the strength and elasticity of the bones as well. The protein contained in these beans makes for healthy mucous membranes and vitamin B1 aids the body in breaking down fat. Needless to say, a quarter cup of black beans will do your body right.  

 Rhubarb

You may not think of rhubarb as being in anything other than pies, but its ultra-high vitamin K level puts it firmly in the superfood category. Vitamin K plays a major role in brain health and also greatly aids neuronal health. Plus, at just 11 calories per serving, rhubarb distinguishes itself as a healthy and incredibly effective superfood.  

 Kidney Beans

When it comes to kidney beans, the main beneficial aspects are their frolic acid and their phosphorus. With the phosphorous being vital for cellular regulation and the frolic acid providing help in preventing cancer-causing DNA mutations and also assisting in cellular health, kidney beans come packed with many benefits. With just a half cup serving, your body will absorb multiple benefits.  

 Edamame

Edamame comes packed with folic acid and vitamin K, giving consumers valuable assistance with brain health and nervous system maintenance. These beans also help the body produce new cells, which greatly combat the effects of aging. In just a half cup serving, edamame really packs on the health benefits.  

 Navy Beans

These tasty and useful beans are full of a very vital component which pushes them into the top tier of superfoods. Vitamin B1 works to help your body convert blood sugar into pure energy, providing consumers a natural and healthy energy source. It also works to keep the mucous membranes healthy, which is essential for proper nervous system function. Just a half cup of navy beans will put you on the path to nervous system health and provide a needed dose of natural energy.  

 Lentils

Just like with navy beans, lentils have the vitamin B1 that will aid your body in converting blood sugar into energy. Another aspect that really puts lentils at the top of the superfoods chain is their high level of lean protein. A quarter cup of lentils in the recipe of your choice will give you an extra boost of energy as well as a dose of healthy protein that will allow your body to function at a truly high level.

 Asparagus Spears

Asparagus is full of essentials such as vitamin K and folic acid, providing the bodily benefits connected to each. What really sets asparagus apart from the other superfoods on this list is the addition of chromium. This trace mineral works to enhance insulin’s ability to transport glucose to the cells from the bloodstream. In addition, asparagus brings another essential to the table: fiber. Fiber greatly aids digestion and the body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients. Asparagus spears can be eaten raw, and just four spears per day will give you all the benefits to be had from this essential superfood.  

 Brussels Sprouts

You may have always heard that you should eat your brussels sprouts, but if you’ve ignored this then you have been depriving your body of some amazing benefits. Consistently rated as one of the top superfoods, brussels sprouts are bursting at the seams with essential vitamins such as C and K. If it’s fiber you’re after, you can certainly find it here as well. One of the main benefits of brussels sprouts is their lowering of cholesterol. When consumed regularly, these beneficial sprouts can even significantly eliminate harmful cholesterol. All you need is one sprout per serving and there are many delicious ways to prepare them. As a side dish to a main meal, brussels sprouts will have you well on your way to a healthier diet.    

Kale

When it comes to vitamins, there is a reason that kale consistently sits at the top of the superfoods list. You won’t find many other foods this high in essential vitamins. The main vitamin trio in kale is A, C, and K. Vitamin A helps out with bone growth and strength, boosts the immune system, and even aids in reproduction. Vitamin C is effective as a powerful antioxidant that cleans out the system, and vitamin K regulates bone loss and helps the body bounce back quickly from injuries. At only 8 calories per cup serving, Kale is truly an essential superfood that no healthy diet should be without.  

 Collard Greens

Similar to kale, collard greens are jam packed with the essential vitamins your body needs to perform a wide variety of beneficial internal operations. The vitamin A in this vegetable will aid in bone growth, the health of your immune system, and in reproductive functions. The vitamin C will bring into play all its beneficial antioxidant qualities, and the vitamin K will help to assist your body’s immune system functioning. Additionally, collard greens have cholesterol lowering functions that can be life savers down the line. As a vegetable that offers both vitamin goodness and cholesterol-lowering ability, collard greens truly deserve their place in the superfoods spectrum. For any superfood diet, a regular cup serving of kale should certainly be worked into the routine.  

 Ladies’ Fingers

These refreshing pods have everything you need when it comes to a superfood. Not only are they an incredibly rich source of vitamins C and K but they are also full of essential minerals and fiber. As an added bonus, ladies’ fingers contain iron, calcium, and manganese. This puts these attractive pods firmly at the top of the superfoods list. You just won’t find a food more packed with goodness. Just 8 of these tiny pods in a serving will get you started right, and they taste great so that should never be a problem.  

Leafy Greens: Spinach and Swiss Chard

Leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard are jam packed with nutrients. There are a plethora of nutrients including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium and so much more. These aid in cardiovascular protection, energy fortification, immune system building, boosts brain function, amplifies night vision, and stabilizes blood sugar. Because there are so many nutrients you just can’t go wrong adding these to your diet. Hint: They are wonderful in smoothies and I promise you won’t even know they are in there!    

Avocados

Avocados are nutrient dense fruit and are actually one berry but with only a single seed. By eating an avocado, you receive 1/3 of your daily requirement for vitamin K, Vitamin B6, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, folate, and much more. While bananas are great, avocados have twice the potassium. Avocados have glutathione, which aids in preventing many types of cancers and kill the pre-cancerous cells that are involved with the formation of cancer. They are also an extremely healthy fat.  

Chia Seeds

Much like the rest of the super foods on this list, chia seeds also give an immense amount of nutrients. The root word, chia, stands for “strength” in an ancient Mayan language. Since the growth of fitness and health on social media outlets like Instagram, chia seeds have been bursting in popularity. A single ounce of the very small seeds only has 137 calories and only 1g of carbohydrate. Without the protein in the chia seeds, they would only be 101 calories. Crazy!  Please see my post on how to incorporate chia seeds into your daily diet.

Walnuts

Also known as the super food nut, walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids including alpha linolenic acid, canola oil, flaxseed and the oil derived from such, spinach, purslane, and even plant sterols. This aids in helping decrease cholesterol levels. They also provide protein, copper, magnesium, folate and vitamin e. A normal serving is a fourth of a cup and is only up to 200 calories.  

Broccoli

Broccoli is a super food rich in fiber, and antioxidants to ward off cancer and prevent other ailments. There is also vitamin C to help those who need to benefit from iron absorption. There’s also beta-carotene, vitamins A and K, calcium, fiber, and much more packed into this green.    

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The liquid substance taken from the fruit and seeds of grapefruit has multiple healing properties. Grapefruit Seed Extract is globally available, since grapefruit trees are common to many subtropical climates around the world. I have personally had a number of lung infections throughout my life. It was suggested to me by my naturopath that I forego the antibiotics (as the ones prescribed to me weren’t working). Believe it or not, it worked – and it worked in a powerful way.

In 1972 Dr. Jacob Harich, also a physicist, discovered that grapefruits were used to traditionally to treat infections in multiple countries. His research also uncovered a wide range of treatments and uses for this versatile whole food.

Societies in Europe, Asia and South America have used the disinfecting properties of the grapefruit seed extract (GSE) to strengthen and repair skin and hair, and even to fight off viruses and bacteria.

The antioxidants, healthy phytonutrients and vitamins that grapefruit seed extract delivers provide the following benefits.

• Excellent treatment for sinus infections
• GSE provides anticancer properties
• Clears up topical skin infections
• Lowers unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Heals wounds and scar tissue quickly
• Can be used as a replacement for chlorine in water and sewage treatment centers and swimming pools
• Might reduce your risks of developing coronary heart disease
• One of the world’s best foods for stabilizing your pH level, central to a healthy digestive system
• GSE boosts immune system health
• Grapefruit seed extract possibly acts as an antibiotic
• Replaces dangerous man-made preservatives in cosmetics
• Reduces the formation of harmful organisms in your intestines, including Giardia
• Grapefruit seed extract is great for treating toenail fungus infections
• Can be applied topically to your pets as a powerful flea treatment
• GSE makes an environmentally friendly gardening tool cleaner, as well as bug and plant spray
• Reduces your risk of contracting diabetes, and is effective for managing type II diabetes
• Protects against damage from alcohol and stress in your stomach
• Promotes food preservation
• Helps prevent diarrhea, as well as food poisoning
• Used since 1990 to kill harmful bacteria which causes salmonella, e.coli, staph infections and strep throat, GSE has also proven to be an effective combatant against over 800 viral and bacterial strains.

Grapefruit seed extract is considered a “super food” because of its ability to promote health and fight infection in so many different ways.

It is safe to use on plants, animals and humans, and offers a long laundry list of positive health benefits.

Grapefruit seed extract can be obtained in liquid or capsule form, taken internally or applied externally. A common capsule size for GSE is 100 to 125 mg. In liquid form, grapefruit seed extract is usually offered in a diluted solution.

Simple, Healthy, and Positive

When consuming a toxic diet you are filling your body with pollutants that drain your energy, cloud your thoughts, and keep your body from performing at the level it deserves. Consuming superfoods will not only boost your bodily health but will significantly aid positive thinking and overall mood.   You deserve a healthy body, positive mind power, and an improved outlook on life.

Superfoods will give you all of this and much more.   As you can see from the list, superfoods are not hard to track down, complicated to consume, or overly expensive. These are simple plant-based foods that can be found in any supermarket, specialty store, or fruit and vegetable cart. All that you have to do is start incorporating these foods into your diet while phasing out the toxic foods that you’ve been consuming.   Once you start to feel the benefits of these superfoods it will be easier to resist the cravings for junk foods and fast foods since you know they are doing you harm while the superfoods are doing your body and mind right.

Before you know it you will be on a superfood diet and benefiting fully from all of the nutrients and benefits these foods bring to the table.   Now that you understand the benefits of superfoods, the negatives of a toxic diet, and have your list of the top simple and healthy superfoods that will greatly benefit your body and mind, the time is right to make a change today.  

Get rid of that toxic diet that is doing you harm and treat yourself to a healthy and positive diet of superfoods that pack the vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients your body has been craving. Once you have begun experiencing benefits such as increased energy, better mood, glowing skin, and positive mental outlook, you won’t miss the toxic diet you have left behind. Start up your superfood diet today and truly unlock your better self.    

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