by Erin Yarrobino

Created on: October 19, 2008

It is one of the things I hear the most often about what healthy foods we should be eating. All of us, they say, must include some superfoods in our diets. If we do this, we will lead long, healthy lives.

Exactly what are superfood, however? What effects do they really have on all of our systems? Are they really as beneficial as they are perceived to be, or is this just another way for food companies to make more profit?

They really are. Superfoods are a type of antioxidant. This is something that protects your cells be battling with free radicals-negative changes which lead to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and more. Abnormal changes in the cell is the first thing that leads us to an early death.

Thankfully, there are many superfoods that we could consume which counteract these negative cell changes. We could start with fruit. Each fruit is a superfood in its own way. Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries help protect the skin against free radicals which lead to dryness and wrinkles. These fruits help to keep our skin smooth and strong. They also fight cancer cells within us. Apples have a chemical called pectin-this is something which kills any cancer cells we may have in our system. Red apples have been known to provide you with more pectin. Citrus fruits like oranges and kiwis have lots of Vitamin C-a vitamin which gives us healthy hair, skin, teeth, and nails.

Vegetables are also superfoods in their own right. Dark, leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, Romaine lettuce, and escarole are great sources of iron-an important element which protects us against anemia. Anemia is a condition in which we do not produce enough red blood cells. This could cause heart and kidney problems. This condition is more common in women. I have also hearc that these vegetables protect agaisnt many cancers such as stomach, ovarian, breast cancer, and even lymphomas.

Folic acid is present in many of these superfoods. Folic acid is an important thing to have, especially for women in their childbearing phases of life. Folic acid helps protect the development of babies' spinal cord and other tissues. It ensures the baby's organs will develop in the right way.

Protein such as fish and nuts are also considered superfoods. These foopds protect against inflammation- a major precursor for heart disease. High cholesterol is another precursor, and studies have proven that these foods could control it as well as drugs and medication.

These foods do not take a big chunk of your money, and are available in any supermarket in every state. Since you have no excuse not to buy them, make it be the first things you write down on your shopping list during your next trip.

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