5 Superfoods You Need to Eat
It seems like every day there’s a new weight-loss product the marketing gurus are trying to convince us to buy. “Get six-pack abs in six weeks.” Yeah, right – this most likely isn’t going to happen unless you have insanely good genetics. Though these claims may not hold up, and there are no shortcuts, pills or powders, we’re always discovering more foods that are beneficial to our health. Take advantage of these superfoods, and you’ll reap the benefits of a healthy inside and glowing outside. Too cheesy? Alright, just eat the foods. You’ll look and feel amazing.
1. Coconut oil. This product has been exploding in popularity over the past year. Previously shunned by health fanatics because of its high amount of saturated fat, it is now used on skin and as a leave-in conditioner, and it's commonly eaten in several different ways. Sometimes, this means with a spoon; other times, straight from the jar. Gasp! But aside from saturated fats, virgin coconut oil is composed of medium chain triglycerides, which research suggests help boost the body's metabolism.
Bonus: It doesn't have to be refrigerated, but it will melt if it sits in temperatures above 76 degrees Fahrenheit. It makes an excellent alternative for butter in baked goods or as oil for sautéing fresh vegetables.
Tip: When buying coconut oil, be sure to choose extra virgin and organic, if possible. The organic version will verify it's 100 percent non-GMO.
[Read: Do Coconut Oil and Coconut Water Provide Health Benefits?]
2. Hemp seeds. These are another must-have product to add to your pantry. They can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, made into milk, used in baking and more. You can also find hemp protein powder, which is an excellent source of vegan protein. They contain all of the important amino acids, making it a complete protein, and the essential fatty acids are in abundance.
Use hemp seeds on a salad in place of croutons or sunflower seeds, or try them as a topping for yogurt instead of granola. A mere three tablespoons packs a whopping 16 grams of protein and only seven grams of carbohydrates, five of which are from fiber.
Not all stores carry the seeds or protein powder, so your best bet may be to buy them online.
1. Coconut oil. This product has been exploding in popularity over the past year. Previously shunned by health fanatics because of its high amount of saturated fat, it is now used on skin and as a leave-in conditioner, and it's commonly eaten in several different ways. Sometimes, this means with a spoon; other times, straight from the jar. Gasp! But aside from saturated fats, virgin coconut oil is composed of medium chain triglycerides, which research suggests help boost the body's metabolism.
Bonus: It doesn't have to be refrigerated, but it will melt if it sits in temperatures above 76 degrees Fahrenheit. It makes an excellent alternative for butter in baked goods or as oil for sautéing fresh vegetables.
Tip: When buying coconut oil, be sure to choose extra virgin and organic, if possible. The organic version will verify it's 100 percent non-GMO.
[Read: Do Coconut Oil and Coconut Water Provide Health Benefits?]
2. Hemp seeds. These are another must-have product to add to your pantry. They can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, made into milk, used in baking and more. You can also find hemp protein powder, which is an excellent source of vegan protein. They contain all of the important amino acids, making it a complete protein, and the essential fatty acids are in abundance.
Use hemp seeds on a salad in place of croutons or sunflower seeds, or try them as a topping for yogurt instead of granola. A mere three tablespoons packs a whopping 16 grams of protein and only seven grams of carbohydrates, five of which are from fiber.
Not all stores carry the seeds or protein powder, so your best bet may be to buy them online.
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