7 Grooming Habits All Men Should Have

These 7 grooming habits all men should have will ensure that you don't let yourself (or your carefully assembled outfit) down with unsightly hair or unnecessarily puffy eyes.

1
The Secret to Suaveness



Men often feel bemused by the overwhelming amount of advice, opinion and small pots filled with expensive gook on the market meant for grooming them. Spending a fortune on a thousand different products, or to lock yourself in the bathroom for hours at a time doesn’t really work. Rather, you should develop a daily routine that is quick, simple and – above all else – about maintenance. Here are seven easy grooming habits that all you men should get into.


2
Visit Your Barber Regularly



Four weeks’ time is when you should visit your barber after your current visit. Too many men wait for the hopelessly outgrown hair before doing anything about it. Basically, if you've noticed your hair needs a cut, then other people have too. Be proactive and have a regular place you trust with your hair so that you don’t have to go through the 'oh my God what if he messes this up' anxiety.











3
Find Your Signature Scent



If people stop in their tracks and notice, you probably are wearing too much after shave which again probably is very loud or obvious. Aim to make it a subtle part of your overall presence. Rather than owning 8-10 average quality bottles you pick from each morning at random, find one or two classic scents you really like and invest in them. Typically woody, spicy or herby scents suit the winter months, while lighter, citrusy scents work best in spring and summer.










4
Date Your Toothbrush



Your shoes and your smile are two things every woman notices. When it comes to the latter, there is no reason for you to ignore the advances in technology. Electric toothbrushes are designed to do most the work for you, plus, they’re better for your health: according to a study by Sheffield University, rotating brushes reduce 11% more plaque than manual toothbrushes, and can also significantly reduce gum problems. Also, use a mouthwash after you brush first thing in the morning.









5
Manscape Properly



It is polite to trim your pubic. And we don’t mean to say that you get the adult star look – just aim for what you'd appreciate in a partner, i.e. keep things neat and tidy. P.S. Keep whatever device you use for this sensitive task separate from what you shave your face with. There are plenty of electric razors on the market designed for the nether region's unique challenges.










6
Scrub Your Face



They sound indulgent, but face scrubs are just textured face washes designed to get the dead skin off your face (particularly the nose, the most exposed part of your face). Monday morning is good to scrub the weekend off your face, and follow the week with a plain face wash that's less abrasive. You'll be looking better than you feel in no time.









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7
Manage Your Facial Fuzz



Unless you're planning to move out into the wilderness to find yourself, facial hair of any length needs to be tamed and maintained if you want to be taken seriously. You don’t have to spend much on a beard trimmer, so pick one up and get into a weekly habit of tidying up. Don't, however, go too far.








8
Put Your Best Feet Forward



They might not be on show much at this time of year, but a good footcare routine is still important. Take care of them after a bath or shower (when the skin is softest) using a pummice stone on any dead skin, before lathering a generous amount of moisturiser on. Then when summer rolls back around, you can wear your flip flops and cause an absolute minimal of disgust in others.

Ayurvedic Treatment of AIDS

Diseases

AIDS

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person, such as semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk. The virus is passed from one person to another through blood or sexual contact. HIV can be transmitted in many ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood transfusion and contaminated hypodermic needles.

Causes


Ineffective metabolism of food produces toxins that pollute the system and reduce body immunity (ojas). Stress, worry, overwork and excessive sexual indulgence also decrease ojas. If this diminished state of vitality is allowed to continue, coupled with high-risk exposure to infection, the body stands no chance of resisting disease. When all sevendhatus or body tissues are deteriorated and ojas is reduced, disorders symptomatic of AIDS can occur.

Symptoms



Diarrhea


Weakness


Weight loss


Red rashes


Enlarged glands


Night sweating


Sore throat


Muscular pain


Joint pain


Chills


Fever

Ayurvedic View


According to Ayurveda, AIDS is primarily a disease of low ojas (immunity), the vital sap of the body. Ojas provides the physical and mental strength to resist disease. With a lowered immune system the body is susceptible to a host of opportune infections and disorders. There are millions of bacteria and viruses in our environment, many of which are contagious, that the body successfully fights off every day. But in a condition of low ojas or immunity level, these organisms are allowed to remain in the body and reproduce to cause disease.

Ayurveda has many highly effective therapies for AIDS. There is a branch of Ayurveda known as rasayana, which specifically deals with increasing immunity and vitality through the use of various herbs, minerals and Ayurvedic techniques and practices. The line of treatment aims at the relief of current symptoms while addressing the underlying cause. After initial detoxification, the strength, immunity and vitality of the patient are increased through rasayanic therapies.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice




Ayurveda can help in preventing AIDS by strengthening the body's defence system through herbs and a supplementary code of conduct or achaar rasayana. Ayurveda recommends a whole range of herbs for the prevention of AIDS through strengthening the immune system. Herbs such as amla (emblica officinalis), bala (sida cordiolia), haritaki (terminalia chebula), nirgundi (vitex nirgundo) and amrita (tinospora wedifolia) have been found to be effective in the prevention of AIDS.


However, the first step to stem the disease is emotional and moral support to the patient. The patient must be surrounded with well-meaning and loving family and friends for the healing to take place. The patient should be given nourishing food that are easily digestible and be engaged in fruitful activities.


Ayurvedic tonic and rejuvenators (rasayanas) should be given to strengthen the system, boost immunity levels and stimulate appetite. After gaining some strength shodhana (elimination) techniques can be used to expel toxins from the body through enemas, steam bath, purgation and emesis. A nourishing diet along with medicated ghee preparations and soups is recommended. But spicy, oily and acidic foods are to be avoided. Also, chyavanprash, raktavardhak and triphala are recommended for AIDS patients

Top 10 Superfoods for New Mothers

Following a healthy diet is very important during pregnancy. It is also important for new mothers to eat healthy after the baby is born. It will help you recover from labor and cope well with the new stress and pressure of motherhood.

A good diet is especially important if you are breastfeeding to ensure that your baby gets all the important nutrients required for proper growth and development. Plus, a balanced diet will help your body produce breast milk and replenish nutrients that you have lost for the benefit of your baby.

The length of time to breastfeed can vary. The American Association of Pediatrics suggests that babies be breastfed for a minimum of one year, while the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Breastfeeding reduces your baby’s risk of developing asthma or allergies, respiratory illnesses, frequent ear infections, and other ailments. Plus, it will help you and your baby develop a bond.

To make sure you and your baby get all the nutrients you both need, include some superfoods in your diet during the postpartum period.

Here are the top 10 superfoods for new mothers.

1. EGGS

Eggs are an excellent source of good quality protein with the ideal balance of amino acids. This will provide you strength and stamina to take care of yourself as well as your baby.

Egg yolks are also one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, an essential nutrient to keep your bones strong and help your baby’s bones grow. Plus, the choline in eggs is crucial for building the memory center of a baby’s brain.

Eat one to two eggs daily. You can have them scrambled, hard boiled or in an omelet.

2. OATMEAL

Oatmeal is one of the most popular lactogenic foods. This natural whole-grain, high-fiber food is easily digestible. It is very useful for new mothers suffering from postnatal constipation, a very common condition.

Its high iron content also helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia, also very common in new mothers. Plus, oatmeal helps increase breast milk supply.

Freshly cooked oatmeal can be topped off with a spoonful of raw honey, cardamom, saffron or some fresh fruits to increase its nutritional value. A warm bowl of oatmeal will also help you relax and cope with stress.

3. SALMON

Salmon is extremely good for new mothers due to its amazing nutritional value. It is a fatty fish containing a high amount of a fat called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA helps in the development of your newborn’s nervous system.

Salmon is also high in protein and vitamin B12. Plus, salmon has been found to help prevent postpartum depression.

Enjoy two main servings of salmon per week. Opt for wild salmon when possible and fresh rather than frozen.

4. BROWN RICE

Healthy, whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice is something that all new mothers should include in their diet. Brown rice will help keep your energy level up and your blood sugar level consistent.

Plus, it has more fiber and other essential nutrients than white rice. It will also help increase breast milk supply and quality.

Before making brown rice, soak the grains for a few hours. This will make it easier to digest and more nutritious.

5. BLUEBERRIES

All new mothers should include blueberries in their diet. This antioxidant-rich fruit helps destroy free radicals and keep you and your baby free from many diseases.

Also, blueberries have all the important vitamins and minerals that a nursing mother needs. The healthy dose of carbohydrates in blueberries is also great for boosting energy.

Eat two or more servings of these juicy berries daily to help you cope with the new stress of motherhood.

6. SPINACH

All leafy green vegetables are good for nursing mothers, but spinach is one that deserves special mention. It is high in vitamin A, which is good for you and your baby.

Also, the folic acid in spinach helps produce new blood cells, especially important for women who experienced lots of blood loss during delivery. It helps boost milk production as well.

Spinach also has manganese that aids development of bone, cartilage and collagen, which is highly essential for mothers recovering from C-sections. It is also a good non-dairy source of calcium and contains vitamin C and iron.

You can eat fresh spinach in a salad or include it in vegetable soup. Another good option is to drink a glass of spinach juice daily.

7. MILK

Lactating mothers should include milk in their diet to stimulate breast milk production. Milk also contains vitamins D and B as well as protein, all essential nutrients for the overall development of newborn babies.

Plus, the calcium in milk helps replenish the calcium lost through breastfeeding. Due to its high water content, milk also keeps your body hydrated.

Drink two glasses of milk every day. To enhance the taste, you can add dry fruits to it. Also include yogurt, cheese and other dairy products in your diet.

Note: If your baby is diagnosed with milk protein intolerance, do not consume milk or other milk-based products.

8. ALMONDS

Almonds provide a wide range of nutrients like vitamin E and essential fats that are important for the health of your body as well as your baby’s. The essential fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acids in almonds also help increase milk supply. These healthy nuts also provide protein and calcium for your bones and teeth.

Enjoy a few dry roasted almonds as a daily snack. To increase breast milk, soak four to six almonds in water overnight and eat them the next morning.

9. FENUGREEK

Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens that help increase breast milk production. It is also rich in iron, fiber, calcium and various vitamins and minerals. Plus, it contains choline and saponins that are required to ensure good development of newborn babies.

Fenugreek also helps alleviate digestive troubles like constipation and flatulence that are common among new mothers.

Both the seeds and leaves must be included in a nursing mother’s diet. One good option is to soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water overnight. The next morning, boil the water along with the seeds for several minutes. Strain and drink it every morning.

10. FENNEL

Fennel is another excellent superfood for new mothers as it helps increase lactation and also aids digestion. It can also help prevent colic.

One good way to include fennel in your diet is to drink fennel water. To prepare fennel water, boil one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in four cups of water and then let it simmer for another five minutes before turning off the heat. You can also add one-half teaspoon of sugar or honey for taste. Strain and drink this fennel water throughout the day.

You can also chew one teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals. In addition to increasing lactation and promoting digestion, it will also work as a natural mouth freshener.

Along with these superfoods, new mothers need to drink plenty of water. This is very essential as breastfeeding mothers are at higher risk for energy-draining dehydration.

To keep your energy level and milk production up, make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking water, fruit juices, vegetable juices and coconut water. Stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages that can be dehydrating.

Top 10 Superfoods that Fight the Common Cold

No one is immune from the common cold. Some 200 viruses can cause common colds, with the rhinoviruses being the most widespread culprit.

This highly contagious viral infection primarily affects the upper part of the respiratory system including the nose and throat. It spreads mostly through coughing and sneezing.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, roughly 1 billion people suffer from the common cold each year in the United States.

Symptoms of common colds include sore throat, stuffy nose, swelling of the sinuses, sneezing, coughing, slight fever and frequent headaches.

Also, the body often becomes weak leading to decreased productivity, missed work, missed school and other problems. These symptoms can last between two and 14 days. However, most people recover fully within 10 days.

There is no known cure. Measures to fight cold symptoms range from home remedies to over-the-counter medicines. Certain superfoods also can help fight as well as prevent common colds.

Here are the top 10 superfoods that fight the common cold.

1. GREEN TEA

Green tea is loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants as well as antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight colds.

In particular, a group of antioxidants known as catechins have been shown to inhibit the activity of the common cold virus as well as certain influenza viruses. Also, green tea helps boost overall immunity and revives the metabolism rate.

Enjoy two or three cups of green tea daily to prevent or fight the common cold. You can add lemon and honey to enhance the taste, but avoid adding milk. When drinking the tea, try to inhale the steam also. It will help to reduce congestion and open up a blocked nose.

2. GARLIC

Garlic is well known for its strong antiviral and antibacterial properties and has been used for ages to fight the common cold and many of its symptoms. Plus, it contains allicin, a sulfuric compound that produces potent antioxidants and offers many medicinal benefits.

Also, garlic is one of best immune-boosting foods that help the body ward off and fight infections. A 2001 study published in the journal Advances in Therapy found that taking garlic supplements daily helps prevent colds.

• Eat one to two raw garlic cloves or add a few drops of garlic oil in your food and drinks regularly to prevent as well as fight common colds.
• If you have a cold, you can boil a few chopped garlic cloves in one cup of water. Remove from heat, and add one teaspoon of honey. Drink it two or three times a day until your cold is gone.

3. ORANGES

Oranges are full of vitamin C and can help deal with different types of viral infections, including the common cold. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost your immune system. It promotes the production of white blood cells that fight infections.

Drink one to two glasses of orange juice daily to prevent and fight infections and improve your immune system. Also, drinking orange juice will help keep your body well hydrated, which is very important for overall health.

4. BLUEBERRIES

A compound called quercetin present in blueberries can help reduce the likelihood of getting a cold. Also, blueberries are packed with various antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients like vitamin C that boost your immune system and help your body fight infections.

Frozen and fresh blueberries have equal nutrition, so you can use either to fight common colds.

5. MUSHROOMS

In traditional Chinese medicine, mushrooms are often used to fight the common cold and other types of viral infections. Mushrooms increase the production of cytokines, which in turn help fight off infections. Plus, mushrooms contain polysaccharides that support the immune system.

Mushrooms are also known for their strong antiviral and antibacterial properties and contain many essential nutrients.

To fight a cold, your best choices of mushrooms are white button, portobello, shiitake and maitake. You can add mushrooms in stir fry or salads or enjoy a warm bowl of mushroom soup.

6. YOGURT

There are more than 10 trillion bacteria living in our gastrointestinal tracts that are essential for our overall health. It’s important to ensure that the good bacteria outnumber the bad. You can do this by including probiotic food like yogurt in your regular diet.

Also, yogurt boosts your immune system to help your body naturally fight off infections like the common cold. For maximum health benefits, buy yogurt with “live and active cultures”.

Eating one-half cup of yogurt daily can reduce the incidence of common colds and other viral infections. You can add fruits or nuts to your yogurt to make it tastier and healthier.

7. SWEET POTATOES

Being rich in beta-carotene, sweet potatoes also play a key role in preventing common colds. When consumed, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and a well-functioning body.

Vitamin A also keeps the mucous membranes that line the nose and throat healthy and functioning properly. So if you do get a cold, symptoms will be mild and you will recover faster.

Eat one-half cup of boiled or roasted sweet potatoes on regular basis to improve your immune system and fight off common colds.

8. BRAZIL NUTS

These rich, creamy nuts are high in selenium, a mineral that improves the immune system and helps fight infections including common colds. Selenium also helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals by helping to form infection-fighting T-cells.

In addition, Brazil nuts contain minerals like zinc and iron as well as vitamin C that are essential for maintaining a strong immune system.

Just one or two Brazil nuts daily will provide your body with the required dose of selenium for preventing the common cold and flu.

9. PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc, a mineral that plays a key role in fighting off common colds. Zinc boosts the immune system and has an antimicrobial effect, so it helps kill the viruses that cause common colds. Foods rich in zinc can also help cut down the duration of common cold symptoms.

You can eat roasted pumpkin seeds as a snack or include them in salads, soups, yogurt or other meals.

10. Red Bell Pepper

Red bell peppers are packed full of nutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that play a key role in maintaining a healthy body and strong immune system. They are also rich in vitamin C that helps boost the immune system and prevent common colds.

Red peppers can be eaten raw, roasted, fried, grilled or steamed. Just one cup of a raw red bell pepper will be more than sufficient to fullfil your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Make these superfoods a part of your daily diet to give your body its best defense against common colds. Also, remember that the best prevention is washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.

Cold viruses primarily spread when your hands pick up a virus from an infected person or an object where viruses are present like doorknobs, and then you touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

Plus, drink plenty of fluids to help loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. A good way to do this is to have hot chicken soup as it will speed up the movement of mucus and reduce congestion.

Top health benefits of bindii / gokshura

Gokshura)




Gokshura is also known with the name puncture vine, it has been under the use since many generations as a general tonic. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the better maintenance of efficient kidneys and urinary function and in reducing renal discomfort. Some other amazing health benefits of gokshura includes increasing the low libido, enhancing stamina and energy, treating the kidney problems and renal stones. Let us see the benefits in an apparent way.

For fostering the male reproductive system, Gokshura is used in the traditional Chinese medication. It is a well known herb for athelets and body builders because they use it often in their health regimen as a supplement to increase the production of testosterone in the body.

Gokshura generally found throughout in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe, in sandy soils. Gokshura is also found as a weed on cultivated fields and in waste lands.

Health benefits of gokshura
Treats low libido

People with low libido and who are having troublesome sex life can take the advantage of gokshura. It treats the infertility problems in a natural way. Some studies showed that gokshura helps for the restoring of the low testosterone levels.

The working action of gokshura involves with stimulating the body’s natural hormone, through which it helps for the production and maintenance of the testosterone levels.
Anti-aging

Gokshura which boost up the libido through storing high testosterone levels in the body also takes care about the problems that encounter during the ageing process. Regular intake of gokshura extract will make the age not to show its affects on the appearance. The same property helps to treat many physiological problems that are linked with age like wrinkles and muscular degeneration.
Reduces urinary problems

Urinary tract problems mostly occur due to the build up of the stones in the tract. Gokshura extract consumption helps to eliminate the stones in the tract, through which it makes the urine flow smooth. It also stops the urinary tract bleeding and treats renal ailments incontinence and cystitis.
Erectile dysfunction

Gokshura is advantageous in erectile dysfunction as it stimulates the penile tissue by which it enhances the penile erection.
Heart benefits

Gokshura is beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels, which is needed to reduce the risk of heart stroke. It also functions great in minimizing the blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels. Along with it, gokshura also treats the heart complications like angina. Gokshura is having rich properties of antibiotic and antitumor, which helps to combat with the liver cancer.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease

It is a cause of the female infertility. Usage of gokshura helps such patients.
Fights water retention

As a natural diuretic, gokshura helps in removing the additional amount of water in the body and it reduces the size of cyst.

Gokshura is used in the treatment of diabetes. People with Polycystic Ovarian Disease may also develop diabetics due to glucose intolerance.
Fights glucose intolerance

Gokshura has the ability to increase capacity while work outs, similarly it helps women to strengthen their muscles, who can involve more into work outs.

KAPIKACHHU All Around Aphrodisiac

This ingredient has been used since ancient times. Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens) is a tropical legume also known as velvet bean, cowitch and cowhage.1 It is a constituent of more than 200 indigenous drug formulations.2 Although heralded as an aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic medicine, Kapikachhu benefits span a wide range that include:

 

• Increases libido.
• Increases sperm count in men and ovulation in women.
• Acts as a restorative nutrient for the nervous system.
• Increases blood circulation to the genitals.
• Decreases symptoms of stress and anxiety. Calms nerves.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Strengthens and tones the sexual glands.
• Increases stamina.
• Releases bound up testosterone, increasing level of bio-available testosterone.
• Reduces fat and improves muscle tone. (By supporting healthy testosterone levels, Kapikachhu supports anabolic metabolism, increasing your tendency to burn fat and to build muscle.)

Plus, Kapikachhu benefits offer a natural way to replenish your supply of L-dopa, the precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is often associated with pleasure yet it plays a critical role in muscle control. Full-blown dopamine deficiency is known as Parkinson's disease.

And that's not all, research shows Mucuna extract is beneficial for reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, and enhancing mental alertness--all without stimulating the central nervous system.

66 Super Foods to Help You Live a Longer & Healthier Life

A recurring theme you’ll see in our list of Superfoods is that they’ll usually provide support to a major organ needed to live. There are foods you can eat that benefit the heart, brain, liver, and other vital organs. Another benefit that is commonly shared is the presence of antioxidants used to battle free radicals and help keep us free from disease and fight the aging process.




In order to reap the benefits you don’t have to change your diet around so that you’re only eating these foods, but the more of them you can incorporate into your diet, the better. And some might be worth adding to your daily intake of food.


Almonds

Even though almonds are high in fat, they are a way for you to reduce the risk of getting heart disease. They effectively lower your LDL Cholesterol, often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. Almonds have been credited with helping you feel full when they’re added to a meal, helping to gain muscle when combined with weight lifting, and helping to stave off hunger as a snack between meals. Consider using almond butter that contains only almonds if you aren’t a fan of chomping up whole nuts.


Apples

Turns out there’s a lot of truth in the apple a day adage. Aside from the obvious benefits of containing fiber and helping regular digestive bacteria, apples contain polyphenols that offer an assortment of benefits. The most impressive of which is they’re able to help regulate your blood sugar levels, which can be of great use in weight loss, and help you stay focused throughout the day. To get the full benefit, consider spending a bit more for organic rather than conventional. It’s not that there’s more vitamins in an organic apple, but you’re leaving out a lot of the toxins and pesticides that get sprayed onto ordinary apples.





Apricots

These are another heart-healthy fruit option, and can help out your eyes due to the high beta-carotene usually attributed to carrots. They also contain fiber and antioxidants in the form of Vitamin A. The other great quality is that they taste good, with a tart and sweet flavor that makes them a welcome addition to the range of fruits that you eat.


Asparagus

The major takeaway on asparagus is that it hits on two levels: it provides antioxidants, and also works as an anti-inflammatory, so you’re fighting free radicals and making it easier for your body to maintain it’s natural state of being.



Avocados

Avocados do contain a decent amount of fat, but it’s the good kind of fat, and these can actually help your heart, rather than weigh it down. Guys: these can help with the prevention of prostate cancer. Other top benefits are that it can help prevent other cancers, keep your cholesterol at healthy levels, and help prevent strokes. Useful if you have a family history of stroke.


Bananas

Most of us know that bananas contain a good amount of potassium, but it’s also a good source of fiber. When combined, these two features make bananas one of those foods you should try to consume on a daily basis. Why is potassium so important? It helps to regulate your blood pressure, and this does a great service to your overall heart health, and well-being.



Basil

Basil is an herb that has a lot going for it. The flavonoids it contains may help ward off invading cancer cells. This alone would be a good idea to pick up some fresh basil the next time you’re out. There are a lot of recipes that call for basil, but the one that packs the most basily punch is pesto. With the other ingredients of pesto also being good for you, namely garlic, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil, this is a tasty sauce that can break up the marinara routine.


Beans (several kinds)

Beans are getting more and more attention as a good carbohydrate to balance out protein dishes. This is because they don’t spike your blood sugar levels like some complex carbs do, and they contain a good amount of fiber. There are plenty of varieties to chose from, such as Kidney beans, Lima beans, Navy beans, Pinto Beans, and the one that’s most commonly found: Black beans.



Beets

The betalains in beets aren’t found in many foods that make it to the dinner table, and unless you want to eat prickly pears this makes a better option. They’re a staple in menu items like Greek salads and can be cooked up as a side item by following one of the many recipes found online. If you don’t like the taste of beets there are several ways to cook them up so you’re not just eating a mouthful of straight beets.


Bell Peppers

Whether you go with green, red, or yellow bell peppers, you’re going to get good nutritional value, not just in the form of phytonutrients, but also from Vitamin C, which bell peppers are a surprising source. They’ve also got antioxidants in them that can help you avoid diabetes, and can help you prevent a buildup of cholesterol which can lead to a host of other problems.



Berries

Many types of berries can offer you plenty of antioxidant support, as well as add a burst of flavor to a dish, a meal, or all by themselves. Blueberries have been shown to help the belly fat fight and help you avoid cardiovascular diseases. Cranberries can help with yeast infections, tooth health,and certain types of cancers. Goji Berries rank extra high in antioxidants. And raspberries contain a good amount of potassium which can help with blood pressure levels.


Broccoli

Aside from feeling like a giant by eating these tiny trees, broccoli packs a lot into a regular serving. It’s got fiber to help with regularity and keeping blood sugar levels optimal, it helps the heart and eyes with lutein, and can help prevent cancer. It’s also been shown to help with sun damage, and is good for bones and can help with the nervous system.



Brown Rice

Often used as a substitute for white rice, brown rice contains a decent amount of fiber, could lower your cholesterol, and even has phytonutrients that can really help out the body. It can easily be put into recipes that call for white rice, as its been shown to reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.


Brussels Sprouts

Many kids leave their brussels sprouts untouched on their plants, and it’s hard to reason with them by telling them they’re a superfood. But if they only knew that these could help prevent cancer and provide support to their cardiovascular system, they might hold their nose and chew them up. And since some adults actually prefer the taste, it’s a win-win situation.



Cabbage

Packing more Vitamin C support that the orange, cabbage is a great way to help keep healthy during flu season or anytime of the year. But it doesn’t stop there, it also acts to detoxify the body, and can help your brain function at its best. Worried about getting Alzheimers because it runs in the family? Make sure you get regular cabbage intake.


Cantaloupe

It’s been said that you burn more calories by eating cantaloupe than what it contains, but that may be a bit of an exaggeration. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong on your list of foods to eat regularly. It’s got an alkaline effect on the body and can help your pH levels from getting too acidic. Not to mention it’s also great tasting, so it can add a lot of flavor to your day.



Carrots

Yes, carrots do actually help with good vision, and they can also help prevent cancer, and they can help slow down the aging process of cells. But that’s not all, they’ve also been shown to help with heart disease, and can have a cleansing effect by providing the liver with Vitamin A so it can do its job better.


Cashews

Cashews aren’t just yummy, they can also help with heart, bone, hair and skin health. Whenever you’re dealing with nuts you’ll want to make sure you go organic and try to get them raw so you avoid the roasting process which involves added salt and more processing. You can roast them yourself quickly and easily if that’s how you prefer to eat them.



Cauliflower

There are plenty of benefits to cauliflower and it makes a great partner to broccoli. They can help prevent cancer, help you digest other foods more easily, and can help with any weight loss efforts. Expecting Moms: This is a good source of folate, so if you’ve been looking to add more of that to your diet you can count on cauliflower.


Cherries

Like nearly all of the superfoods on this list, cherries hit on multiple levels. They can help improve your memory, as well as having a substantial amount of beta carotene. You might also want to consider eating cherries to help put you out for the night, as they’re a natural source of melatonin.



Chickpeas

Chickpeas can help you avoid getting diabetes, and they are also a great source of fiber so they’ll keep you more regular. They’ll also help balance out your blood sugar, and help you avoid cardiovascular problems. One of our favorite ways of getting more garbanzo beans into our diet is by eating hummus, a tasty dip for whole wheat or rye crackers as well as pita bread.


Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a good source of water, and while that might sound funny they help to rehydrate the body in a different way than drinking a glass of water does. When preparing them you may be tempted to peel them first since the skin can be hard to chew up, but since it’s packed with Vitamin C so you want to leave them on, or at least leave some of it on.



Dark Chocolate

This is one of the superfoods that many people will not have a problem eating. While it may not be as ubiquitous as milk chocolate this is worth going out of your way for. It’s got antioxidants and has been shown to help with the heart, the brain, and glucose levels. It can even help with tooth health. What’s not to love?


Eggplant

Eggplant is a very versatile food, and very easy to prepare as a side dish, or to add in to vegetable medleys. Aside from helping you out with your weight loss efforts, it can help you avoid cancer and give your skin a healthier glow. It’s one food that is easy to incorporate into your regular menu, and one that you can feel good about eating.



Flax

The fiber in flax is what gets its foot in the superfood door, but it’s also packed with omega-3, which you’d usually find in a fish source. Men and women both benefit from its anti-cancer benefits, men with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer. Toss in the evidence showing this can help ward off heart disease, diabetes, and stroke and this is a bona fide winner.


Grapefruit

Many times grapefruit is given to heart patients after surgery. It’s also listed on many fad diets as a way to lose weight quickly. But losing weight alone won’t get a food onto this list. It’s also been shown to help prevent the onset of arthritis as well as keeping cholesterol levels low, and can even help get you through the common cold.



Grapes

Make sure you mix up your grape intake between the different varieties. Just be sure not to overdo it because while they may not have any fat content, they do contain sugar which you’ll need to burn off. The phytonutrients alone are worth adding these to your shopping list.


Green Beans

Green beans are a popular side dish staples on many homes across the country. They’re relatively easy to prepare, and contain a good amount of antioxidants and help with the cardiovascular system. Just be sure to go easy on the butter when you top them off. Organic green beans tend to taste better and need less sprucing up with butter and other toppings.



Green Tea

The only beverage to make our list, green tea has long been touted for its antioxidant value, but it’s got a lot of tools in its toolkit. It can help with everything from regulating blood pressure to warding off heart disease and cancer. It’s been linked directly to helping prevent skin cancer, and to help with skin wrinkles and other aging signs. It doesn’t have to be hot green tea, you can let it cool and pour it over ice and it will still retain its benefits.


Greens

Eat your greens! Many people find them hard to incorporate into a meal, but you can treat them just like spinach in a salad. Collard greens can help detox the body, Mustard greens contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, Turnip greens get you the iron your body needs, Swiss chard can help you with your blood glucose levels, and Kale has carotenoids that make it great for adding to a green smoothie.



Honey

Honey can help you prevent things like cancer and heart disease, and if that’s not enough it can also help regular blood glucose levels. Try adding a teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon to a cup of hot water in the morning. It can make a great replacement for a cup of coffee, and can prepare your digestive system for the work ahead of it for the day.


Honeydew

It’s all in the color really. Because these have their green hue it shows they have zeaxanthin, which can help your eyes as you get older. It can be a little boring eating plain honeydew, so why not mix it up with another superfood on our list that goes well with it: cantaloupe. A melon salad is easy to mix up, and adding watermelon can make it a colorful superfood feast.



Kimchi

This is a staple in Korean cuisine, and Korean newspapers ran pieces on how it is believed that kimchi was responsible for stopping the spread of SARS throughout the country. Whether or not that was the case, it’s still a beneficial addition to most meals. The most common way it is prepared is with fermented cabbage. It is thought to help aid in digestion the same way that sauerkraut does, by providing digestive enzymes to help us break down the foods we eat more easily.


Kiwi

Whether you go with the standard green variety, or the harder-to-find gold, kiwis are a great source of phytonutrients and fiber, as well as packed with vitamins and minerals. They go great in fruit salads, or they’re great by themselves. Eating tip: Cut it in half and spoon it right out of the peel. Fast, easy and yummy!



Lemons and Limes

There are plenty of reasons to start using more lemon and lime in your cooking, or even squeezed into your water. They can help with conditions like indigestion and constipation, and can even be a solution for fevers. Several hair and skin products also contain these natural citrus extracts in them, so it only makes sense to get on a first name basis with them.


Lentils

Lentils often make the list of some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Tim Ferriss includes them in his Slow-Carb Diet in the book The Four Hour Body as a way to balance out proteins without eating carbs that will make you fat. In addition they’ve been shown to help with cholesterol levels, heart and digestive health, and giving you a boost of energy.



Mango

If you’re already a fan of mango, but find that you don’t eat it as often as you’d like to, you might want to find a way to fit it into your cooking repertoire. It can help with things like digestion, the immune system, and even a stagnant libido. If you can’t find it fresh when it’s not in season, try going the frozen route. Makes a great addition to smoothies.


Mangosteen

If you’ve never eaten a fresh mangosteen before, you might not know how to tackle it. It’s got a protective covering, but just on the inside of it is a white, fleshy fruit that tastes amazing. The biggest feature is the way it supports the immune system, but it also has polyphenols which provide several benefits to the body.



Miso

Miso is typically presented in soup form, and you may have only experienced it as a side dish to a sushi roll. But it’s got you covered as far as amino acids go, and it can even reduce your risk for certain cancers. If you don’t like the taste at first, don’t give up, as there are several ways to prepare miso soup, and even to use miso paste in other recipes.


Nectarines

It’s like a peach, hold the fuzz. It’s still got a ton going for it, including commendable amounts of beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Then you should also consider the lutein, which is the antioxidant that can help prevent all sorts of diseases, including cancer. The important thing is to vary up your diet and include nectarines and other healthy foods daily.



Oatmeal

Turns out this old standby really is good for you. It’s got plenty of fiber without a lot of calories so you can feel fuller longer without dipping too far into your daily calorie budget. If you do start adding more oats to your diet, be sure to go organic so you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’re not ingesting grains that were treated with pesticides and other chemicals. They make instant organic oatmeal that doesn’t cost much more than the conventional brands.


Olive Oil

The monounsaturated fatty acids are one good reason to use olive oil if you don’t already, because they’re heart healthy. The polyphenol content is the next big ace up its sleeve. Use the extra virgin variety for things like salad dressing, and stick to the regular kind if you want to fry foods in it.



Olives

Don’t be scared off by the high fat content in olives, it’s actually some of the good fat you may have heard about. Even though it sounds counterintuitive, these fats can actually help you be more healthy, and lose weight if that’s your goal. Both green and black olives provide plenty of benefit.


Oranges

OK, so we all know oranges contain a decent amount of Vitamin C, but what else do they have? Turns out they can help you avoid diabetes and kidney stones, can help you digest the other foods you eat, and can also help ease arthritis pain. So grab a bag of them next time you’re in the produce section.






Papaya

You might have to wait until it’s in season, but this one is worth the wait. You’ll benefit from the antioxidants it contains, which can help with things like heart disease and inflammation, and it gives your palette a new taste that it might not be used to. Try adding it to a fruit salad to give it an exotic flavor.


Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a good source of protein for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. It’s a great addition to smoothies because it provides the good kind of fat, adds that peanut taste, and thickens it up. For good measure it’s also got potassium and fiber, but stick to the recommended portion sizes as its easy to overindulge.



Peas

Peas are super easy to make, especially if you buy the frozen or canned varieties. They help with things like glucose levels, heart disease, regularity, and even bone health due to Vitamin K. Want a really special treat? Try adding a pat of ghee to a steaming serving of peas. It makes them taste amazing!


Pineapple

Pineapples have a way of adding instant island flavor to most any dish. But they also pack their own benefits by helping with eye health, gum health, and even easing arthritis pain. Even though it is low in fat and cholesterol free, you’ll want to stick to smaller portions due to the sugar content.



Plums

Help your heart, improve your regularity, keep your glucose levels in check, get stronger bones, and get a better memory all from one super fruit. You can eat plums raw just like a peach, or you can include them in a specially designed recipe. They’re one fruit that doesn’t usually make the shopping cart, but you can spot in next time you’re at the store.


Pomegranate

This usually ends up as pomegranate juice, and it’s makes a great addition to fruit smoothies, or just drinking straight. The top benefits of drinking it are that it can help with breast, prostate, and lung cancer. It’s also been shown to help with blood pressure, and can help prevent or even reverse plaque buildup in the arteries.



Portobello Mushrooms

The potassium levels in portobellos are the first thing that typically gets brought up, but they also contain antioxidants and vegetable based protein for those that don’t eat meat. It’s often served up as an alternative to a burger, or used in Italian dishes to replace the beef.


Prunes

Most of us are aware of the ability of prunes to help with constipation, but you’ve got to have a bit more going for you than that to make in on this list. It also helps with “bad” cholesterol, and can help with diabetes because it ranks low on the glycemic index. Added bonus: the potassium helps regulate blood pressure.



Pumpkin

The Vitamin A in pumpkin puts it on our superfood board, but it follows that up with carotenoids and plenty of fiber. Lost on how to eat pumpkin unless it’s in pie form? There are plenty of pumpkin recipes that will give you fresh ideas. It can become a weekly thing, or more often if you find that you like it.


Quinoa

This is gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s got all of the protein you’d want from a supergrain, and it’s got plenty of fiber. It also contains plenty of minerals like iron, magnesium, and manganese. Lost on how to prepare it so you can add it to your regular menu? Luckily there are plenty of quinoa recipes to guide the way.



Raisins

As far as antioxidants go, raisins beat out their grape ancestors. They’re loaded with tons of other benefits like giving you a burst of energy, and even helping to treat infections. But be careful because there’s more sugar in play than with grapes, and it’s easier to eat too many raisins and get a sugar rush and subsequent crash.


Romaine Lettuce

If you don’t already have a daily salad, you might want to start, and make romaine lettuce its base. It’s got things like protein and omega-3’s, features you typically only find in meat and fish. It’s also got a lot of vitamins and minerals that makes this well worth eating on a regular basis.



Sauerkraut

Made from fermented cabbage, sauerkraut adds a lot of flavor to meals but also aids in digestion because of the fermenting process. It acts as a natural probiotic, and it’s recommended to eat it before eating the other foods in your meal.


Seeds

Seeds are typically small but can contain a lot of nutrients and healthy benefits depending on what type you eat. Hemp seeds can help with different brain funcions, eat Pumpkin seeds raw for the full sleep-inducing effect, use Sesame seeds in dishes like Tahini, Sunflower seeds are best when they’re eaten raw, and Chia seeds have plenty of extra omega-3 in them and can help balance your glucose levels.



Shiitake Mushrooms

Your immune system can benefit from eating shiitake mushrooms in their whole form. Don’t get them confused with the extracts that are used in herbal remedies, as it’s not the same. Like the Total corn flakes commercials of old, you’d have to eat dozens of shiitake mushrooms to equal the same beneficial qualities as the extracts contain.


Spinach

Was Popeye on to something? Turns out that he was barking up the right tree, and you can even follow his lead and eat it from the can for cost savings. It might be just as easy to add a spinach salad to your lunch or dinner. The fiber is off the charts, and like many of the other superfoods it helps with blood pressure, immunity, brain function, and has several other benefits.



Strawberries

This is one of the flavors that is most often artificially replicated in sweet treats, but the real thing has the benefit of tasting great and providing enough nutrients to not only put it on the list but separate it from the other berries we’ve covered. It provides a boost to the immune system, helps the eyes, helps fight cancer, helps with cholesterol and inflammation, and even has anti-aging properties.


Sweet Potatoes

Many times these only make it to the dinner table on special holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but you should start to consider adding them as side dishes to your meals throughout the year. They’re a good source of iron, as well as magnesium and Vitamin D and C, as well as B6. They’re great for reaching weight loss goals and are a good carb.



Tomatoes

It’s not important the form, canned or fresh, just be sure to get more of these into your system. There are so many benefits to eating tomatoes that they cover almost every major part of the body including the heart, the skin, and bones. Ward off cancer, fight the harmful effects of smoking, help manage your diabetes, and improve your vision. Wow!


Turmeric

Even though it’s been around for a long time, turmeric is only recently getting attention as a superfood, or rather superspice. Add it to the other superfood cauliflower to create a powerful front against prostate cancer. In fact you might want to get into the habit of incorporating this spice into many foods you prepare for its anti-cancer properties.



Walnuts

They say that the brainy look of walnuts is a hint that they’re good for the brain, and modern research is backing it up. As long as you follow a healthy diet these can help you keep your mind sharp as you get older. They can also give you a natural energy boost, unlike the energy drinks that get so much attention.


Watermelon

The anti-cancer properties of watermelon are due to the vitamins and antioxidants it contains. It’s also a great cooling food for hot summer days, and it’s natural sweetness can make this a good food to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking your diet. Just don’t overeat it, as it does contain sugar so keep portion sizes regular.