Super foods are foods that are nutritionally dense, high in fiber, and are believed to fight disease and increase longevity. Not surprisingly, most super foods are found in nature and don’t require processing or refining. Studies have shown that super foods help the body in many different ways. Oats, for example, may help reduce cardiovascular disease because they contain the fiber beta glucan. Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound that seems to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. And flaxseed contains lignans, antioxidants that are believed to stop cells from becoming cancerous. While there is no definitive list of all foods that are considered “super foods,” experts have compiled research to understand which foods have contributed to healthy diets throughout history and around the world.
