Friday 26 August 2011

Superfoods for a Healthier You - Broccoli



It's no secret that broccoli possesses many beneficial qualities, but what exactly are these great qualities? The small green vegetable is most known for its high levels of protection against prostate cancer, as well as many other forms of disease.


There are many varieties of broccoli, however it is said that the darker the colour, the more beneficial nutrients the vegetable contains.


The sulphoraphane and indoles in the vegetable have strong anticancer effects, which allow the body protection against breast and colon cancer in particular.


Other fantastic nutritional benefits provided by broccoli are:

  • It contains chemicals that lower 'bad' cholesterol and protect the body against heart disease.
  • The high calcium content helps to build and protect bones.
  • It provides an excellent source of the antioxidants vitamin C and selenium.
  • It is estimated that approximately 3-5 servings per week offer protection against cancer.


Don't enjoy eating broccoli on its own? Why not try mixing some in with a stir fry for added flavour.



Superfood tip: When selecting your broccoli, look for heads with rich colour and avoid any with pale, yellow or brown patches on the florets. Frozen broccoli contains all the nutrients of fresh broccoli.

Friday 12 August 2011

Superfoods for a Healthier You - Blueberries


These small berries offer a large amount of benefits with their impressive status of being the richest of all fruits in antioxidant compounds.

These vital compounds protect our bodies from a variety of cancers, as well as several other diseases.

In addition to their disease-fighting abilities, blueberries boast a list of beneficial qualities that could see you adding a punnet to your weekly shopping basket:

  • They contain a cholesterol-lowering compound.
  • They can help prevent coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancers.
  • They are high in vitamin C and help beat urinary tract infections.
  • Their carotene helps keep eyes healthy in the same way carrots do.
  • It is thought that blueberries contain such powerful antioxidants that they slow down the ageing process - a benefit to many!

With the many benefits offered by blueberries and their sweet taste, why not give them a go?

Their versatility enables them to be used in many meals and snacks, such as muffins, cakes, crumbles, pies and fruit salads. They also make a delicious accompaniment to yogurt and honey.

Superfood tip: eating blueberries raw helps to preserve their vitamin C content.