Superfoods such as avocados, blueberries, walnuts and kale give a boost of energy and protein needed to help academic performance and productivity. Madison DeGenner | Banner
Super foods, as they are called, can not only relieve stress and provide energy while acting as an indulgence, but such foods are also rich in minerals and antioxidants that can prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and eradicate free radicals that can harm our bodies.
Blueberries: Fleshy, juicy and easy to carry as a snack, blueberries are both convenient and affordable, especially when purchased in snack portions.
An 8-ounce cup of white, green or black tea has less caffeine than a cup of coffee the same size, without the jittery feeling that follows.
Tea also takes on a combatant role: preventing cancer, sustaining the immune system and protecting bones as well as teeth.
Walnuts are another superfood that provide health benefits for those who consume them.
“Walnuts are a great substitute for pork or beef because they also contain protein,” said Dr. Rosemarie Cabati at the California Baptist University Health Center.
Walnuts provide a healthy snack option and can be cooked into food in small amounts and still have positive, long-lasting effects.
Walnuts can also be purchased in snack portions at local supermarkets.
Avocados, kale and cantaloupe also recur in the lists of super foods and in health studies, each with their own benefits and mineral combinations.
One common factor many superfoods has is they are rich in antioxidants, which repair cells and help prevent chronic illness.
A little of these foods — try two servings a week — can go a long way in promoting lifelong health.
