BLACK is the new GREEN! 6 Amazing BLACK Superfoods!

 
If you asked most people what color foods contain the most nutrients, vitamins and minerals, they will point you towards green foods.  However, there are a number of studies and proven facts about how BLACK foods are just as good and in many ways, even better than green foods.

 

Black is the new green!  How so?  New studies show that many black or dark pigmented foods contain more antioxidants than lighter colored foods.  The high pigment content also gives more nutrient density, packing in more useful and vital vitamins and minerals into each bite.  Therefore, many nutritionists and dieticians now proclaim that Black is the new Green.  Dark fruits, veggies, produce and grains are nutritional powerhouses.  The dark black color comes from anthocyanins.  These anthocyanins cause dark pigmentation in fresh produce and whole foods and they may help lower the risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  Black superfoods also contain higher levels of fiber, protein, antioxidants and phytonutrients when compared to there counterparts.  As well, black superfoods are now more readily available in local grocery stores.

 

In additional studies, researchers are also trying to figure out if these anthocyanins from black plants and whole foods can help treat cancers, heart diseases and diabetes.  Black foods can now be found in many supermarkets but if you can’t find any, try natural food stores and small local grocers.  So what are the best black foods?  And how is Black the new Green when it comes to diet and nutrition?  Find out more about Black is the new Green below:

 

Black tea superfood

 

Black Tea

 
Let’s start off with one of our favourite black foods.  Although white and green teas get all the diet and nutrition hype as some of the best healthy drinks in the world, black tea has many perks as well.  The dark pigmentation of black teas gives the drink theaflavins.  According to the New Jersey Rugers University, theaflavins are special antioxidants found in black tea that help improve muscle recovery during and after intense workouts and exercise.  In addition, theaflavin antioxidants in black tea may also help in healing muscle soreness.  Another health benefit of black tea is that studies have shown that is may also lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.  Just add black tea!

 

Black soybeans super food
 

Black Soybeans

 
Although yellow and green soybeans get all the attention (think edamame in Japanese cuisine), black soybeans are the real superfood when it comes to soy beans.  Although all soybean oils contain alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid which reduces the risk of heart disease, black soybean oil seems to contain the highest levels of this health benefit.  As well, a recent study from Korean researchers show that black soybeans also reduce the risk of thrombosis, a type of blood clot that is in some cases, fatal.  Just add black soybeans!

 

Black beans superfood
 

Black Beans

 
Just like black soybeans, black beans also contain higher levels of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and other minerals that aid in regular body function and combatting disease.  The dark black beans are packed with bioflavonoids.  According to Cornell University, the high levels of bioflavonoids in black beans help protect us from all forms of cancer.  The potent plant base nutrients are exceptional.  Just add black beans.

 

blackberries
 

Blackberries

 
Often overlooked due to the hype surrounding goji berries, blueberries and acai berry, blackberries are actually some of the most nutritional dense berries.  High in fiber which aids in digestion, one cup of blackberries contains more than 30% of your daily fiber requirements!  In addition, blackberries also contain polyphenols which help reduce cognitive decline and aid in brain/nervous function.  The polyphenols help clean up cells that impair daily brain function according to Boston’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.  Just add blackberries!

 

Black lentils super food
 

Black Lentils

 
Many vegans and vegetarians eat black lentils because of their high iron content.  About one cup of black lentils gives you close to 40% of your daily recommended intake of iron for women, which is just incredible.  In addition, lentils, specifically black lentils or those with a darker pigmentation, will contain high levels of soluble and digestible fiber.  This will help lower your cholesterol, improve immune function and even reduce your chance of heart disease according a new study done at the University of Illinois.  Just add black lentils!

 

Black rice is the new green
 

Black Rice

 
Most of us grew up eating white rice or brown rice.  Not many of us know that there is even black rice on the market.  Brown rice is better than white, but black is better than either of them.  That’s because the bran hull of black rice contains significantly higher amounts of Vitamin E.  As you know Vitamin E helps boost our immune system to combat diseases and it also protects our cells from free radical damage.  According to a recent study at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, black rice contains more anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries!  Just add black rice!

 

The top 6 black superfoods explained in this article includes: black tea, black soybeans, black beans, blackberries, black lentils and black rice.

Infographic on Breast Cancer Prevention

 
Every year, breast cancer claims one victim every 75 seconds globally.  It is the most common type of cancer in the world.  Every 29 seconds, a new case of breast cancer is diagnosed somewhere in the world, and more than 1 million women are diagnosed with this form of cancer along every year.

 

Not only that, but breast cancer causes 14% of cancer deaths in women, with more than 465,000 deaths annually around the globe.  Plus, nearly 4,500,000 women are alive today who have received breast cancer diagnoses in the last 5 years.
 

10 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

 
Here is a list of 10 ways that may help keep you from developing breast cancer.  It is not a guarantee that you won’t get breast cancer, but by following these prevention strategies, you may lower your oods of getting breast cancer and also improving your overall health.
 
Breast_Cancer_Infographic_13_Jun

 

Angeline Jolie: “I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.”

 

Sheryl Crow: “More than 10 million Americans are living with cancer, and they demonstrate the ever-increasing possibility of living beyond cancer.”

 

#1 | Exercise

 
Most people hate exercising or training but you just need to move more.  Take more walks with you dog or skip the elevator more often.

 

#2 | Maintain a Healthy Weight

 
A study found that women who gained 60 pounds after the age of 18 tripled their risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who only gained 20 pounds.  Even scarier was the fact that these women also seemed to have an increased risk of developing fast spreading types of cancer, not just breast cancer.

 

#3 | Eat More Vegetables

 
Colorful vegetables are full of carotenoids, an antioxidant that will fight cell damage by eliminating cancer causing substances.

 

#4 | Know Your Family History

 
By knowing your genetic risk, you are more likely to take the preventative steps necessary and to do the screenings on time.

 

#5 | Breast Feed Your Babies

 
Studies suggest that women who breast feed their babies for at least 15 months over their lifetime reduce their risk of breast cancer by 4 per cent.  It’s not much, but when it comes to life or death, it is a lot.

 

#6 | Eat More Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 
Omega-3s help fight inflammation and inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumors.  Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts (like walnuts), oily fish (like sardines) and even ground flaxseed that can be added to your vegetable servings, smoothies or cereal every day.

 

#7 | Drink Green Tea

 
Green tea is filled with antioxidants. It can decrease the production of estrogen, a hormone which causes the breast cancer tumor to grow and it can also shut off blood supply to tumors. Green tea alone is like a three in one punch to beat cancer.

 

#8 | Think Twice About Taking Estrogen and Progesterone for Five Years or Longer

 
Prolonged use of combined hormone therapy can increase your risk of breast cancer.  So stop the pharmaceuticals unless absolutely necessary.

 

#9 | Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

 
Alcohol can affect estrogen levels in the body, which causes an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

 

#10 | Eat More Spices

 
Don’t be afraid of spices because the antioxidants in some spices such as turmeric can stop inflammation and inhibit tumour growth.

 

This infographic on breast cancer prevention is brought to you by PromoCode4Share.comThank you!