The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 6 | Page 40

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | June 2017 Healthy Living Tips from SUPERFOODS—Perfect for Summer…or Anytime! Like most people, you’ve probably heard of the term “superfoods.” Exceptionally nutritious and healthful, superfoods contain POWERFUL ingredients that help reduce—and in some cases, reverse—your risk of heart disease, lower your cholesterol, improve hypertension, and fight cancer and other diseases. Superfoods support a longer, improved quality of life and even put you in a better mood—and, an added bonus of these “real” foods: they are also delicious! Here are just a few of those superfoods readily available in your supermarket—and at your local farmstands—which you can add to your daily diet, for a super-healthy summer:  Blueberries: Often the top choice of doctors and nutritionists, these berries are loaded with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, and are also high in potassium and vitamin C. Lowering your risk of heart disease and cancer, blueberries are also work powerfully against inflammation, the initial driver of all chronic diseases.  Asparagus: This superfood -- packed with lots of vitamins and minerals -- has plenty of positive effects in the body, which together help you lose weight! Asparagus assists your body in expelling toxins and other wastes, also helping with digestion and keeping those beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract.  Strawberries: Given their amazing combination of phytonutrients, it's not surprising to find increasing research interest in the anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries. The polyphenols in strawberries show promise in helping regulate blood sugar response. And when total antioxidant capacity is measured, strawberries rank high!  Broccoli: We’d really be remiss if we didn’t include broccoli on this list—your grandma was right, broccoli is good for you! Research has shown that it’s beneficial to your heart and packed with fiber, so it helps keep your digestive tract healthy. It packs an abundance of nutrients in each serving, including sulforaphane, which may also curb cancer.  Peaches: This summertime favorite contains vitamin C, and is an excellent source of vitamin B6, niacin, and folate. Peaches are also rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure, as well as prevent kidney stones and bone loss. They are high in fiber, too, which aids in both digestive health and colon health. For an appointment or more information about how Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s leading-edge technologies can improve your quality of life: 800.555.1990 or request info/an appointment: www.demanddeborah.org 39