Foods filled with carbs, fats, and salts that are deficient in nutrition seem to be the hallmark of eating in the modern era. And where getting fast-food is easy in a fast-paced world, it takes some effort to have a healthful meal. This is where Superfoods come to the rescue. These are the foods grown naturally or organically and are filled with antioxidants and nutritive factors that battle anything from tough terminal illnesses right down to the simple common cold. For non-medicated help with health problems like hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes, look no further than your plate for foods that are curative, restorative, mood-boosting and life-lengthening! Some will blow you away!

Turmeric

Tumeric is a very important ingredient in curry for adding flavor. It's been known in the Eastern part of the world for centuries, and included in their medicines. It's now become a favorite of many in the West a well. A bonafide superfood, scientists have found it boasts an important compound, curcumin, that is super at fighting inflammation. Curcumin stops cardiac hypertrophy, commonly called enlarging of the heart. It also fights inflammation in the joints (arthritis). Studies suggest it might be more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs for this purpose. Tumeric battles hypertension, heart disease, and obesity as well.

Lentils

People the world over are already eating lentils. This superfood is a pregnant woman's best friend, as 90% of the folate requirement for the average person per day is met with just one cup of it. It's also a fantastic method of boosting the flavor of various meals and salads. The benefits for one's health are worth mentioning as it lowers heart disease and stroke risks. Lentils are high in potassium, magnesium, and protein. This trio together reduces high cholesterol, blast away plaque building up in blood vessels, and controls blood pressure.

Kale

Kale is far more popular now than it used to be, making it available in grocery stores everywhere unlike before. For those interested in preventing the development of heart disease, this is wonderful news. Various nutritive elements are in kale, that control the circulatory system and how essential organs, like your heart, operate. It might be surprising to know that far more fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are in kale than that the majority of existing vegetables. And happily, it has a lot of the minerals that a number of people lack, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Finally, if you're watching your weight, the plant is low in fat and calories.

Eggplant

Eggplants are scrumptious in a vegetable plate served cold, baked, or grilled. Their levels of antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, nasunin, and minerals are tremendous. Your circulatory system welcomes the effect of this food in the body as it prevents blood clots, lessens the chances of heart problems, lowers cholesterol levels, and increases circulation. Your brain cells are also feasting on that eggplant dish you might now be eating, as it protects the membranes of cells from destruction and fights brain cancer. Additionally, for weight watchers, eggplant added to your diet could improve your chances of success, since its calories are low and it's high in bulky fiber.

Avocados

If you've enjoyed avocados, you know that there's no special time of day to have it. It can be served in a variety of ways, including being eaten as is. Apart from its versatility and pleasant taste, it has a range of mono-unsaturated fats, potassium, and antioxidants, all needed for a healthy diet. Avocados have zeaxanthin, and lutein, phytochemicals giving antioxidant shielding of the eyes from ultraviolet rays. Apart from the eyes, its nutrients target other parts of the body like the heart, where it boosts its function and health.

Sardines

People might be tempted to disregard the humble sardine but they shouldn't. They are actually one of the fish varieties that are very low in mercury, making then pretty safe to eat, even during pregnancy. The fats that benefit the heart plus the nutritional value of the cold-water fish, place it in the superfood category. This fish weighs in heavily with omega-3 fatty acids, known to keep the level of triglycerides in the body on an even keel and boosts beneficial HDL cholesterol.  These combinations work to halt the development of heart disease.

Coffee

For years coffee got a bad rep as something to be avoided because of the mild stimulant, caffeine, but as we know the keyword as with any food item is 'moderation'. Coffee actually has some benefits for the human body, like various types of key nutrients which augment any diet. Among these nutrients are pantothenic acid, riboflavin, potassium, niacin, manganese, and magnesium. Coffee has been shown to reduce one's odds of developing coronary artery disease and stroke. The caffeine increases energy levels and improves certain brain functions, among them mood, vigilance, memory and reaction time. So go ahead and brew that mug.

Carrots

A healthful, light snack to have any time, carrots help your heart stay in good shape and prevent the need for eyeglasses. Its bright orange color is indicative of its high carotenoid content. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help protect the heart by neutralizing free radicals. Various nutrients in plentiful quantities are found in carrots, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A in liberal amounts. Studies have shown that these nutrients and vitamins encourage bone to grow healthily, regulate the nervous system and battle away cancer from even before it starts. Carrots are great as vermicides, laxatives and for liver conditions because of their antiseptic properties.

Chicken

Some people don't eat animal flesh, but for those who do, chicken is a very good source of protein. It's a lean meat that when compared to red meat has far less cholesterol and saturated fats. Due to this, people who really want the health benefits of chicken while maintaining healthy eating habits select cooking methods like grilling, baking or stir-frying, instead of those that involve heavy batters, sauces, and frying. So it's an excellent inclusion of any diet plan. Additionally, chicken has selenium in abundance, which targets the thyroid, immune function, hormones, and metabolism, ensuring their proper function.

Walnuts

We tend to complain about delicious food not being healthy but then the walnuts come and we definitely have to retract our words. Walnuts are delicious, addicting, and good for your health! They contain great amounts of omega-3 fatty acid which plays an important role in lipid regulation in your blood. This means that they’re going to have a protector role in your cardiovascular system. Other benefits from walnuts are their high fiber content as well as their antioxidant functions. So aside from helping you with digestion, they will also work in keeping those pesky free radicals at bay.

Brown Rice

A good way to keep a low-carb diet without having to completely renounce rice is switching from white rice to brown rice! Since brown rice is very high in fiber, the conversion to carbs that takes place with white rice doesn’t happen when you eat its brown variation. In this way, you can reach your weight loss goals while still eating rice! Aside from this, brown rice has a high content of minerals for the body as well as antioxidants such as selenium, which will help in preventing various diseases and improving your cardiovascular functioning.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another vegetable that can boast of great flexibility when it comes to meal preparation. You can bake it, sauté it or put it in a salad. Cauliflower pies are simply delicious! And they can play an important role in your nutrition as well. It has specific components like allicin, which can help in preventing a stroke; and glucosinolates, which can be a protector against mutated cells that could cause malignant growths. It also contains sulforaphane, which has a role in promoting blood pressure control. Cauliflower is definitely a very good package deal!

Spirulina

Spirulina, which is a blue-green algae, is another super-food that is good for the body. That’s right! According to recent studies, spirulina has a great antioxidant effect. That means that it’s going to decrease the number of free radicals in your body and these free radicals are the ones that cause tissue damage that can lead to serious diseases, like cancer. Spirulina can also help you decrease inflammation, which is present in a chronic way in atherosclerotic disease. In this way, your cardiovascular functioning also gets the benefits of this amazing superfood.

Edamame

A great addition to your meals if you are in a fitness regimen is edamame. The number of nutrients in these small beans are incredible and they are also very filling! They have great amounts of protein and fiber and only little calories. Isn’t that a bargain? Furthermore, edamame also has a protective role in heart functioning due to its potential to decrease cholesterol. All in all, a very small thing can go a long way for your body. And it is certainly one of the favorites at any Japanese diners. Now you know why!

Asparagus

Asparagus is quite a versatile gift of nature that you can cook in any number of ways. But aside from the various ways to cook it, it comes with a lot of vitamins which are going to have an important impact on the body. Vitamins are those essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own, so we need to get them from what we eat. One of the main vitamins that we can find in asparagus is Vitamin K! This plays a huge part in the formation of clots whenever we get a cut.

Garlic

Even if you're not interested in keeping away vampires, you can still benefit from having garlic around. As a superfood, its qualities guarantee that including it in your diet is worth your while. Garlic's contents include compounds of sulfur from which to derive all-over body health. The food brings down high blood pressure and also decreases artery plaque that causes heart issues. What else is there? The amounts of blood vessel-constricting enzymes in the body are also reduced by garlic. Now, the smell and taste may be a turn-off, but thankfully this amazing food can be taken in pill form. Artery plaque deposits drop by up to 50% when taking these pills.

Broccoli

So many teenagers and little children hate broccoli, but a great benefit for kids is that the mini shrubs contain kaempferol which has been shown to reduce the effect in the body of materials connected to allergies. It's also great for the heart. Innovative ways to have broccoli include stir-frying, and including them in pasta dishes or salads. Then you can ensure you're getting all it benefits like healthy blood vessels, and lowered cholesterol levels. And here's some nutrition advice: your blood sugar can be kept stable via the sulforaphane that broccoli is loaded with.

Almonds

This nut isn't just delicious, it could help make you smarter. Almonds make a lovely snack, as you are aware. But are you also aware that the ability to remember and one's intelligence levels might be boosted by its nutritive combination? That's plenty of motivation to toss some back right now! However, almonds also lower the chances of getting diabetes and heart disease due to its plentiful amounts of sterols that block the absorption of bad LDL cholesterol. Additionally, almonds fight inflammation, increase bone health, increase energy, and support pregnancy health.

Pomegranates

This fruit is seriously good for you. Among the things it contains are some very powerful antioxidants, called punicalagins. These are what make the juice of the pomegranate, when compared to green tea and red wine, to have thrice the antioxidant power. That's great protection for your arteries from plaque and heart disease. Pomegranate additionally fights Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and stroke, and works for the health of your liver, joints, skin, and teeth. It is delicious in shakes, salads, and smoothies. So go ahead and eat or drink a serving!

Blueberries

Scientists have discovered that anthocyanins, chemicals found in blueberries, are capable of slowing down the aging of the brain by as much as 29 months! Suddenly craving blueberries maybe? Of the family of berries, this one does more than its fair share as a superfood to reduce cholesterol and the accumulation of artery-loving plaque, as well as control blood pressure. The motherlode of antioxidants and vital nutrients in a single berry can arrest the advancement of certain cancers and help reduce the incidence of heart disease. That's one powerful little fruit!

Chocolate

Chocolate fans have found one more reason to rejoice over being able to eat this delicious food guilt-free. It's a known fact that this mouthful of joy elevates mood. You might not know that it brings down the risk of stroke and heart disease as well. Harvard did some research that concluded that those who habitually ate cocoa in its raw state had lowered blood pressure and zero evidence of hypertension. It's a result of the flavonols in the fruit. Consuming regular and small amounts may decrease the risk of diseases of the heart and reduce blood pressure. And dark chocolate contains various minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, and selenium.

Chia Seeds

Smoothies and puddings can be made the tastier by adding chia seeds. And the plus is when it comes to calorie content they're really low. They're tiny seeds but are high on the list of the globe's superfoods, weighty with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. A nutritionist would point out that they have strong levels of protein, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, all necessary for healthy bones. They have a mix of antioxidants and nutrients that wage a concerted battle against a range of diseases, boost heart strength and health, and lower cholesterol. And it's all just from some little seeds!

Beets

Beets are known for their distinctive pretty purple color, both inside and out. They also score big in their levels of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Standing out from other vegetables, they offer betaine and folate, two important B-vitamins. Beets also have a high iron content and are beneficial for people who suffer from anemia. They're also great for women of child-bearing age. Beets reduce the blood levels of homocysteine, decreasing the odds of experiencing heart attacks. And we have to point out that there's a mystery element to the vegetable which for reasons unknown, makes certain organs stronger and fights specific cancers.

Salmon

The fatty fish called salmon tastes soooo wonderful, which is a good thing because it's tops when it comes to its range of brain function benefits. Nothing 'fishy' about it, but salmon decreases depression symptoms, reduces anxiety, decreases the chance of getting dementia, protects the brain of the fetus in the womb and slows memory loss. Wow! Salmon has a high protein content. It also fights heart disease with its omega-3 fatty acids. Its good fats and nutrients prevent blood clots from forming, open up blood vessels that have closed and decrease the amount of triglyceride in the body.

Apples

Apples are amazingly advantageous when it comes to putting you ahead in the quest for maintaining health and fitness. People don't usually consider it to be a superfood but the evidence points to it being worthy of the label. They have an undeniably large amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Scientists realized that quercetin, an antioxidant apples have plenty of, improves neurological health. Having one of the fruit daily brings down the blood pressure and drops the odds of having a heart attack. And here's good news! Apples exist in a number of varieties, so chances are you'll find one you really love.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, tend to automatically be linked to hummus, as they are its main ingredient. And although we more often see the beige round variety they come also in red, green and black. Chickpeas are small and seem unassuming, but for optimum nutrition, you'll want to include these in meals. Every pea is full of phosphate, manganese, iron, vitamin K, calcium, zinc, and magnesium which all play their part in the maintenance and building of bone strength and structure. Plus, if you're looking for carbohydrates, protein or fiber, look no further than these peas.

Cranberries

These aren't favored as a snack on their own because they tend to be rather sour. But cranberries have been starring in many sauces, cereals, and beverages for many years. What's Thanksgiving in the US without it? Cranberries, like many other berries, have a high antioxidant function. This comes in the package of proanthocyanidins, known as PACs.  These help to eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract, reducing the incidence of infections when regularly consumed.  They're a new bride's best friend. They also fight heart disease and cancer, and improve the health of one's gut.

Figs

Figs don't usually appear at the top of the grocery list. But like dates and raisins they naturally have a high dietary fiber content, and therefore give that bulking effect in the gut to aid in satiety after meals. This is beneficial in a diet and weight loss program as it decreases cravings and hunger pangs. The prebiotics in the fruit help the good bacteria already present in the gut to flourish and thus improve digestive functions. Also, since figs have plenty of calcium, bone density is improved and teeth benefit from its consumption.

Ginger

Ginger is actually a rhizome found underground. You mightn't be surprised to know that it's a relative of tumeric, and like it, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It's quite effective in lessening osteoarthritis symptoms and pain in muscles following exercise. Ginger is also very effective in quelling nausea, such as that which occurs in pregnancy, with sea sickness, in cancer patients going through chemotherapy, and the vomiting and nausea following surgery. It also relieves stomach gas and general stomach discomfort. But apart from all this ginger is a wonderful spice for various dishes including curries.

Grapefruit

Although it's a mildly sour fruit, grapefruit is very beloved ... especially at the breakfast table. The flesh is available in colors ranging from red to white, but they're all really nutritious. A little sugar makes the fruit more palatable if too sour for the taste, but the fruit is really delicious. It boasts copious amounts of Vitamin C, lycopene, potassium, and choline. For weight loss try consuming it prior to meals. The water and fiber therein encourage a feeling of fullness so you'll eat less. Grapefruit additionally contributes to reducing high blood pressure, a potential problem for many in the modern world.

Green Tea

Sipping a hot cup of the herbal beverage, green tea, isn't simply a relaxing exercise for an easy Sunday morning, you're doing wonders for your body too in a number of ways. Among the naturally occurring chemicals present in tea leaves is catechin, found to increase the short-term functions of the brain and be its shield in old age by combating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Type 2 diabetes sufferers may be interested to know that studies have revealed that the tea could reduce the level of sugar in the blood by increasing responsiveness to insulin.

Bananas

Bananas aren't just a base for shakes, fruit punch or smoothies. They're a delightful stand-alone snack and give a nutritional punch to cereals and pastry. Bananas include a plentiful supply of potassium, protein, and fiber. They do wonders for muscle performance and recovery, so fitness trainers recommend them for the post-workout period after the gym. Bananas also aid the nervous system, making nerve cells work better. It's touted as being low in density and high in fiber, hence wonderful for weight watchers. And lastly, you could lower your chance of getting kidney disease by eating several bananas weekly.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is synonymous with the Mediterranean, where it's a major element in their diet. This diet is said to be one of the world's healthiest, thanks in part to the extra-virgin olive oil. It's not just about the oil flavoring a dish. It's also about the type of monounsaturated fats it contains in copious quantities that normalize the level of LDL cholesterol, - a boon in cases of high cholesterol - controls blood sugar quantities, and decreases the likelihood of blood clots occurring. The antibacterial characteristics of extra-virgin olive oil fight the  Helicobacter pylori bacterium, the cause of many cancer and ulcers of the stomach. And get this, the oil also fights depression!

Oranges

The most widely grown fruit globally is the orange. Its so versatile it can be used in a number of ways, like juices for hydration in a delicious form, making candied fruit slices and marmalade, or, believe it or not, face masks. Additionally, oranges are high in nutrition, supplying Vitamin C and other nutrients, plus fiber. This powerful superfood has superior amounts of the soluble fiber pectin, which rids the body of cholesterol. And its loaded with potassium to remove excess sodium from the blood so that its pressure is within a normal range, and amazingly, preventing heart attacks by blocking heart tissue-scarring proteins.

Eggs

One of the few foods that can proudly wear the label of 'champion of superfoods' are eggs. Eggs are chock full of nutritive elements. There are even some that many modern diets are bereft of, and eggs have them. They are mini complete meals. But if you realize that they have everything needed to grow a new life, it makes sense that all this would be the case. Eggs are one of the most superior sources of choline, utilized by cell membranes during the process of metabolism. Plentiful in eggs are the antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein, necessary for eye health, and which resist cataracts and macular degeneration as aging takes place.

Cucumber

The lowly cucumber is a star in many salads and sandwiches worldwide. And it may surprise many to know that the humble-looking cucumber ranks highly for many nutrients beneficial to the human body, like Vitamins C and K, manganese and magnesium. Also interestingly enough certain illnesses can be prevented and even treated by its antioxidants and select plant-based chemicals. As a bonus, the cucumber has plenty of water and fiber, and the number of calories found in them is low. This combination increase regularity helps ward off constipation, increases hydration, and is valued in weight loss plan.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a tropical and exotic fruit that, aside from its sweet and sour taste, has a whole battery of benefits for your body that can complement your diet and weight loss plan. If you are not planning on losing any weight, it has been said that kiwi has a beneficial effect on the management of asthma. Therefore, it might be a good idea to consult your kid’s pediatrician about it if you have an asthmatic child. And for the older people in the household, it can improve their cardiovascular functioning and prevent stroke.

Coconut

Coconuts are one of the most controversial superfoods out there. On the one hand, the water contained inside the fruit is very hydrating and it is packed with electrolytes which are essential for healthy physiological functioning. On the other hand, coconut oil has been proven to have contradictory properties. What you should worry about is that too much coconut oil tend to increase what is known as “bad cholesterol” or Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL). Such an occurrence is risky for the heart. It's best to, therefore, use coconut oil with discretion, and consume more of the juice to make the most out of this fruit.

Quinoa

If you have Celiac disease (when your stomach can't properly digest gluten-filled food), then quinoa is a great superfood for you. But did you know that aside from it being gluten-free, it also contains magnesium and is high in fiber? Furthermore, consuming food packed with amino acids does make for a very nutritious and important meal whenever you add the right amount of quinoa to it. An additional benefit from quinoa goes to your cardiovascular health since its components play a role in reducing the likelihood of increased blood pressure.

Spinach

Popeye was trying to teach us something other than to eat our greens. His obsession with spinach was more than justified and the fact that it made him stronger might not be that far away from reality. Like asparagus, spinach contains high doses of vitamin K, which, aside from its role in coagulation, is also involved in bone strength. Having the right amount of spinach in your meal might help you prevent osteoporosis in the long run, too! This is especially recommended for aging women since they are the ones more likely to suffer this condition. Spinach has antioxidants as well. Popeye was so wise!

Strawberries

A great way to improve your nutrition is by adding strawberries to your meals! You can have them as dessert, in a smoothie or even in a salad, and it will be great however you eat it! The benefits simply cannot be ignored. First, strawberries have a big dose of vitamin C. Second, with their antioxidants, strawberries might help you avoid some of the wrinkles that inevitably come with age. Third, they can also help regulate the level of lipids in your blood! Overall, the benefits of eating something as delicious as strawberries will no doubt redound to your cardiovascular health.

Sweet Potato

The key to enjoying a healthy meal is making sure that it won’t get boring. Thankfully, sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile tubers out there and you can bake them, boil them, make a puree with them or sauté them. Whatever takes your fancy, you will be getting loads of potassium, which is one of the most important electrolytes in the body and a key player in the balance of your metabolism. So is there an extra benefit? Well, even though they are sweet-tasting, sweet potatoes' glucose content is low, which is ideal for people suffering from diabetes or at risk of developing it.

Watermelon

Watermelons are a great source of water, which is important to consider when you keep in mind that hydration is the main part of having a healthy body. If you spend a lot of time on your skin care routine, then something that you might want to consider is including more watermelon in your meals. After all, the key to having great skin is keeping it hydrated! And what are the other wonders of watermelons? Well, they’re rich in beta-carotene, which means that you get vitamin A when you eat this fruit. This will also help you to keep your eyesight sharp!

Black Beans

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive antioxidants; you can get them from one of the cheapest meals out there: black beans! That’s right, aside from their high protein content, black beans have plenty of antioxidants that have a number of benefits for your body. Furthermore, black beans have a high content of folate and magnesium, which play a huge role in the maintenance of your bones to keep them strong and healthy. Black beans tend to be quite versatile as well, so you can have them in different ways - like a side dish or in a burrito.

Dragon Fruit

Plenty of homemade remedies have been recommended for patients with anemia - from taking beet juice, tomato juice, and lots of guava juice, to eating cooked liver. But a great alternative happens to be dragon fruit. First, it comes packed with iron – which is much needed if you're anemic. Then, it also brings vitamin C, which plays a role in the absorption of said iron. So, it's an all-in-one superfruit! Another important component is carotenoids, which help in neutralizing free radicals, thereby improving your immune system. This is definitely a beautiful fruit, inside and out!

Pistachio

Pistachio is one of the healthier and more delicious nuts out there! They are low in lipids and have a great fiber content, which makes them great for digestion. Since they’re also rich in potassium, they can help you in the regulation of your blood pressure. Overall, you’ll have a means of preventing cardiovascular disease, which is the first cause of death worldwide. The trick is to get the ones that come in the shell. This is a good way to make sure you don’t eat enormous quantities, but just enough to satisfy that mid-afternoon craving.

Brussels Sprouts

These might be one of the most rejected vegetables out there due to their intense smell, but they have so much to offer if you just give them a chance! Just like cauliflowers, they contain glucosinolates, which play a role in cancer prevention. Brussels sprouts are going to help in preventing atherosclerosis as well since they have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Aside from this, you are also going to find vitamin B and C, which are essential for human life. So maybe it’s time to check a couple of recipes on how to cook this mostly neglected vegetable.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great spice to add some flavor and sweetness to some of your favorite dishes, and thankfully, it doesn’t have too many calories. So there’s little to worry about in that aspect. Also, for those with problems in maintaining their blood sugar level lows – or blood glucose - cinnamon might be of help in that area. There have been studies that have shown cinnamon's probable role as an antibacterial agent and capacity to help with skin tone in topical use. While all of these roles have not been proven without a doubt, it certainly looks like cinnamon might be one of the most promising spices that are currently being studied.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile fruits (it's not exactly a vegetable, though experts say they can be both) out there. In salads, in sauces, in juice, in sandwiches - whatever you might imagine! This makes them perfectly fit into any diet program. The great thing about that is that without a lot of effort, you get plenty of vitamin C, A, E, and the B group! All of these have different roles in your body. They help you maintain good eyesight and they have antioxidant activities which translate into the prevention of plenty of diseases.

Pears

Pears are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, which make them helpful in increasing your immune response as well as helping in the regulation of your digestion. Furthermore, for those who have to go through allergy treatment frequently, worry not. Pears are one of the most hypoallergenic fruits out there so it is very unlikely that you would have a bad reaction to them. Pears can be a part of a fancy-looking salad, juice or you can just eat them as they are, without even having to peel them. It's so practical!

Red Wine

This is wonderful time to begin drinking wine if you don't already. But if you already are enjoying a glass to unwind from a day of stress, that's a mental well-being habit that isn't doing your body any harm. Actually it's doing a lot of good. When not consumed in excess, red wine arrests cholesterol build-up and boosts levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol. It's chock full of the antioxidants proanthocyanidins, catechin, resveratrol, and epicatechin, that discourage cancer and heart disease from taking effect, and destroys blood clots as they attempt to form. Good news, right? You can now drink up with confidence.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red hot chili peppers make us think about the joys of a mean bowl of chili. The spicy heat from the pepper has capsaicin to thank for it. And this little element does more than only lighting a fire on our tongues and making our hair stand on end, it does things like stimulating the flow of mucus, so it's "so long" stuffy nose and "hello" to a decongested chest. And chili peppers actually have lots of pro-vitamin A and beta-carotene. Two teaspoons of it give roughly ten percent of the daily dose for Vitamin A and six percent for Vitamin C. These two are champs at fighting infections. That's a knockout!