10 Reasons To Trust In "Superfoods"

What's not to love about crazy delicious foods that make you feel good?

1. Glorious, delicious sweet potatoes

Via healthin30.com

Did you know the sweet potato is arguably the best thing you can eat? It's a complex carbohydrate (you should never eat simple carbs, like white or bleached flour) and is loaded with dietary fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Just remember, the real power is in the peel, so eat it!

MAKE: Sweet Potato Latkes

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Need Some Sweet Potato Recipes? Look No Further:

2. Hey now avocado...

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Not all fats are fattening. Avocado contains good fats that deliver a high dose of energy, and unlike saturated or trans fats, can actually lower cholesterol levels. The fats in avocados have also been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties.

MAKE: Baked Egg in Avocado

Via bravoforpaleo.com

You can use avocados in the most magical ways...

3. Pretty in blue: blueberries

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Antioxidants to the rescue. You've heard of these guys before, right? Well, bluebs are loaded with them, and all their free radical fighting power. If you're not feeling too great, fill up on these little blues. Recent studies have even shown blueberries can improve memory.

MAKE: Blueberry Flax Pancakes with Caramelized Bananas

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Nothing better than blueberry pancakes, and flax just makes them healthier.

4. Versatile chia seeds

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The claim to fame for these little guys is their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which are instrumental in maintaining a healthy metabolism. They are also loaded with fiber, calcium and zinc and are packed with antioxidants. They can be used in so many ways, too. Largely flavorless, add chia seeds to smoothies for added nutritional value or to puddings as a thickening agent.

MAKE: Chia Chocolate Mousse

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Chocolate is healthy. Chia is really healthy. NO GUILT.

5. Mighty green spinach

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Popeye was on to something. While spinach might not make your muscles pop, it will help keep your bodily symptoms functioning. Spinach is loaded with vitamin C and health-promoting phytonutrients, or natural chemicals, such as carotenoids (including beta-carotene and lutein) and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection. Some studies have also shown spinach to provide protection against prostate cancer.

MAKE: Sautéed Spinach with Pancetta and Dried Cranberries

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Maybe the most perfect side dish of all time...

6. Almighty kale

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Kale: the other widely loved leafy green superfood. You've probably heard the virtues of kale extolled before, but the preachers are right. For high doses of vitamins C, A and K, look no further. You may not hear about vitamin K all the time, but its necessary to keep your blood circulating smoothly and efficiently.

And don't forget about the phytonutrients prevalent in kale. They help the plant to fight off germs and bacterias, and they do the same thing for us when we eat them.

MAKE: Kale Chips

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Never buy kale chips. They are exorbitantly priced, and they are quite possibly the simplest thing to make at home.

7. You can with quinoa

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This Peruvian grain contains all the essential amino acids (there are 9), giving it a high concentration of protein. Americans on the whole eat too much animal protein, and eating quinoa is a way to get the protein we need without the meat. Quinoa also contains omega-3 fatty acids, iron and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.

MAKE: Quinoa Chili

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BOOM

8. Beets, beets, beets

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Beets contain cancer-fighting phytonutrients called betalains, which have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification support to the human body. Don't just eat the root; beet greens are delicious and contain a high amount of the carotenoid lutien.

MAKE: Roasted Beets and Carrots with Tahini Lemon Dressing

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YUM YUM YUM

9. Wa wa wa walnuts

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Looking out for your heart? Your answer is in the walnut. This tree nut contains a unique form of vitamin E, which has been shown to provide protection from heart problems. They are also a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.

MAKE: Tagliatelle with Walnuts and Pork Sicilian Style

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Nuts and pasta? AMAZING.

10. Cocoa (chocolate)

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COCOA! Say it ain't so? It's true. Pure, un-cut cocoa is great for you. Eating cocoa and dark chocolate has been shown to be good for your circulatory system and to reduce blood pressure due to the high levels of flavonols. It also contains compounds that boost endorphins and serotonin, naturally occurring chemicals that make you happy.

MAKE: Cocoa Coq au Vin

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This is NO JOKE. Chicken and chocolate? Yes, please.