superfoods

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5 Superfood Smoothie Powders to Give Your Body a Boost

From Peruvian maca root to Indian turmeric, here are five interesting superfoods from around the world that you can add to your smoothies for added nutritional boosts.
The Best Superfood Powders For Smoothies

From Peruvian maca root to Indian turmeric, here are five interesting superfoods from around the world that you can add to your smoothies for added nutritional boosts. High in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, prepare for these powders to help you feel energized, invigorated, and cleansed.

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healthy living

5 Ways to Improve Your Smarts

Just because you're well out of school (or at least enjoying the Summer break) doesn't mean you should neglect your noggin.

Just because you're well out of school (or at least enjoying the Summer break) doesn't mean you should neglect your noggin. Improving your smarts now will help you out later, whether it's trying to remember your grocery list on the weekend or staying mentally sharp later in life. Feeling foggy-headed? Check out these five lifestyle changes that will make you smarter!

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Keep Your Fridge and Pantry Stocked With These 5 New Superfoods

It's amazing how many foods are out there that help with everything from weight loss to reducing your appetite to improving your sex life.

It's amazing how many foods are out there that help with everything from weight loss to reducing your appetite to improving your sex life. As more studies are done, researchers these days are finding even more amazing superfoods. Read on for the top five new superfoods that should be in your fridge or pantry at all times!

5 New Superfoods to Stock in Your Fridge and Pantry

1. Seaweed. A new study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that seaweed is a rich vegan source of heart-healthy food "bioactive peptides," that are usually only found in milk products. Stock up at your local Asian market!

2. Kamut. High in iron, fiber and protein, this whole grain comes in everything from flours to pastas. The grain is touted for its concentration of selenium, zinc, and magnesium.

3. Coconut oil. Once villainized for its high fat content, coconut oil is now one of the hottest health foods. High in lauric acid, coconut oil is now said to be a superfood that boosts metabolism, burns fat and helps keep your immune system strong.

4. Incaberries. Also known as physalis or cape gooseberry, incaberries are prized for their high levels of phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, protein and bioflavoniods. A true superfruit and superfood!

5. Hemp oil. Made from hemp seeds, hemp oil is tasty (and legal!) in salad dressings, mayonnaise and dips. Highly digestible and a vegetarian source of essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6), this superfood is also high in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, carotene, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

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Food

They're Not Just Delicious: Reasons to Love Blueberries

What's not to love about blueberries?

What's not to love about blueberries? They are delicious, low-calorie, and can be made in many different ways. And, of course, blueberries are so packed with health benefits that it's no wonder they are known as a superfood. Even better news: blueberries are low in calories (125 blueberries equals about 100 calories).

In honor of National Blueberry Month, check out these reasons to add blueberries to any of your Summer meals.

  • Blueberries may help decrease belly fat. Studies have found that blueberries may help diminish belly fat, which is good news since having too much abdominal fat has been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Read on for more health benefits of blueberries.

Food

Black Rice: Become a Superfan of This Superfood

Are you a fan of black rice, this year's reigning superfood?

Are you a fan of black rice, this year's reigning superfood? Over the weekend I had some in a mango sticky rice dish at a Thai cultural center brunch (where proceeds from the homemade curries and soups go directly back to maintaining the temple and grounds) and I now count myself as a fan.

Not only was the deep purple of the black rice, the yellow of the mangoes, and the lush green of the temple's vegetable garden a great reminder to eat the rainbow, it was also nice to know that I was getting essential cancer-fighting properties in my dessert.

Black rice, like brown rice, retains the bran cover that is removed to make white rice. That means the grain is packed with nutritional benefits, including being rich in iron and fiber. Want to know more about this "forbidden" rice, including how it stacks up against brown rice and other cancer-fighting foods? Read more after the break.

Food

7 Superfoods to Increase Your Brain Power

When we're little, we're encouraged to eat leafy greens and fish fillets to help our brains grow into little powerhouses.

When we're little, we're encouraged to eat leafy greens and fish fillets to help our brains grow into little powerhouses. While that's all good, there are plenty of other foods to provide our thinking organs the power they need to keep ticking. So before you reach for the pill bottle full of supplements or overdose on spinach, try filling up on some of these tasty bites that can fire up some brain power naturally.

  • Brazil nuts: What does monosaturated fat plus magnesium equal? Apparently a healthy dose of brain food. Dr. Oz says the combination available in Brazil nuts helps the body and brain communicate better.
  • Avocados: They don't just taste delicious, they are divine for the brain. Dr. Ann Kulze says, "It's a monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow . . . And healthy blood flow means a healthy brain."
  • Blueberries: We already know that blueberries are a fabulous source of antioxidants, which is great for aging skin. It's also an incredible boost to the aging of the brain, as they can help prevent Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Want to see the rest of the superfoods?

Quiz

How Well Do You Know Cherries?

It seems odd to me that February is National Cherry Month — the earliest I ever see cherries at my farmers market is in May.

It seems odd to me that February is National Cherry Month — the earliest I ever see cherries at my farmers market is in May. But George Washington will forever be associated with cherry trees, and since February is his b-day month, it sort of makes sense that cherries get thrown into the party.

Being such a lover of all things cherry, I usually don't wait until the Summer to indulge in this sweet treat. Besides eating dried cherries, I sometimes indulge in a little cherry juice or jam too. How well do you think you know this superfood? Take my quiz to find out.

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Yummy Links: From Pet Peeves to Alton Brown

Have a cooking pet peeve?