Super foods: Five types of food with huge health benefits

You are most probably of the oft-repeated advice of doctors and dieticians alike that exercise and a balanced diet are vital to healthy living – but did you know that the following foods – known as superfoods – actually help prevent illness?  Andrew Watt from British Life insurance provider said: “Long term dedication to health and fitness is a sure fire way to live a more fruitful life”

Avocado

A staple of many a modern-day salad, avocado can also used to make delicious dips from its light green flesh. Not only is this fruit delicious, but is crammed full of nutrients – in fact, the avocado has more potassium (including bananas), more vitamin E and more magnesium than every other known fruit or vegetable (which is all of them). To top this off, a whole avocado only contains 145 Kcal!

Blueberries

These blue beauties are also ridiculously good for you. Full to the brim with vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants that fight free radicals – these help reduce the risk of cancer – and phytoflavinoids which are known for their cholesterol-reducing properties. A versatile fruit, the blueberry can be used in a great many different meals.

Tea

It might not strictly be food, but the healing properties of a good ol’ cup of tea should not go unmentioned in this list. Green tea especially, contains ECGC – a potent antioxidant which has been proven through years of research to inhibit the spread of cancer.  The normal black tea that is so popular in the UK does still contain antioxidants, but the caffeine contained in black tea is bad for you and should therefore be consumed with greater caution.

Soy 

Contained in soy beans and soy milk – who would have thought it!? – as well as oats, almonds, barley and edamame beans, soy is highly nutritious. You should pay particular attention to the aforementioned foods if your family has a history breast cancer

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa solids which are great for general health and for lowering and regulating blood pressure. Look for dark chocolate with a cocoa content that is 60% or higher.