Scientists have discover that certain foods, superfoods, are rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants or fiber which are vital to building a healthy body and a strong immune system. These foods have also been proven to lower total cholesterol, lower blood pressure, help protect against heart disease and cancer, help regulate blood sugar levels and metabolism and burn body fat.

The process of converting your diet over from one of processed foods to one that contains mostly superfoods can be daunting. As long as you are clear in your head that you are committed to giving up your old ways of eating, then you will succeed by putting imaginary blinders on your eyes whenever you see junk food. Instead, your eyes will twinkle with delight when they see heaps of beautiful, farm fresh fruits and vegetables.

Below is the list of 10 superfood groups and their benefits:

1. Olive Oil
   Regularly consumption of olive oil can help lower total blood cholesterol, fights against diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer, and decreases blood pressure levels. For those with dry skin, it’s an excellent way to cleanse your skin, as well.
2. Garlic
   Garlic lowers total cholesterol and blood pressure, lessening the risk of heart disease. It also destroys infection-causing viruses and bacteria.



3. Red and purple foods
   Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, grapes, pomegranates, red cabbage, red peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. These amazing foods contain antioxidants that fight cancer, reduce blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol.
4. Beans and lentils
   Beans and lentils, low in fat, calories and sodium but high in dietary fiber, are an excellent source of protein.
5. Orange foods
   Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, mangos, oranges, persimmons, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and tangerines provide fiber and may control blood pressure and normalize heart function. They protect your vision, encourage a good mood, fight cancer and keep your bones strong.
6. Green foods
   Broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans, green cabbage, green peppers, edamame, kale, parsley, spinach, and spirulina. Green foods have beneficial effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, immune response and cancer prevention.
7. Hot peppers – sweet bell or hot chilies
   Chilies are high in antioxidant carotenes and flavonoids, and contain about twice the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits. Hot peppers aid with digestion, an improved immune system, and better blood circulation and digestion.
8. Nuts and seeds
   Nuts and seeds dramatically decrease your risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and reduce the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.
9. Sprouts
   Sprouts are a “living food” that continues to produce nutrients after being harvested. They are the most enzyme-rich food and they have a higher nutritional content than any other food.
10. Yogurt and kefir
    Probiotic foods are primarily yogurt and kefir. They increased bone strength, lowered cholesterol, create a stronger immune system, and improve digestion.

Delicious recipes containing superfoods, such as , and , can be found on The Healing Blog: Creating an Exceptional Life.

Gale O’Brien is a cancer survivor, motivational speaker and the award-winning author of Transformation: Creating an Exceptional Life in the Face of Cancer. Transform your life each month with timely tips on food, health, fitness, work, travel, and art. Subscribe to the Transformation monthly newsletter or order the book by visiting: .