Since February is the month of love it is a great time to raise awareness of some of the best romantic super foods. You can find all readily available at most stores and are best in organic form so you don’t negate the power of these nutrient rich foods.

1) Strawberries- Only one cup of strawberries packs 13% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber with only 43 calories! Fiber will help your digestion, curb your appetite and help lower blood pressure. This succulent red heart shaped fruit is also loaded with antioxidants that will help fight inflammation is good for your eyes, is loaded with vitamin C and a great source of manganese.

2) Cherries- When it comes to cherries the darker the better. The pigment in berries is a tell-tale sign of the presence of antioxidants. Cherries are loaded with queritrin, ellagic acid and perillyl alcohol all three of which are powerful anti-cancer agents. If that is not enough, they will also help relieve arthritis pain and gout, eliminate oxidative stress, prevent premature aging and help cure migraines.

3) Ginger- This spicy little root has been known for centuries to relieve common stomach troubles as well as motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger may help manage chronic pain and a study published in 2005 suggests ginger could lessen pain more effectively than non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs.

4) Almonds- Although still containing anti-oxidants the power of almonds rest in its healthy fat content. These tasty nuts are power packs of mono-saturated fat, protein and a bevy of minerals and micronutrients. Almonds are excellent brain food, good for your heart, regulate cholesterol, blood pressure and insulin levels. And just a fun fact; almonds are actually stone fruits related to cherries, plums and peaches.

5) Coconut- Everyone knows the chewy sweet goodness of coconut but most are not aware of its rising star status in the list of super foods. Coconut has the power to stabilize blood sugar; lower cholesterol; heal your body; and hydrate your cells. Coconut flesh is good to eat and coconut water is the new health drink. Coconut oil and coconut cream are also wonderful cooking ingredients that add health benefits to your diet. I’ll bet you did not know that in the Pacific during World War II it was very common for medics to siphon pure coconut water from young coconuts to be used as emergency plasma transfusions for soldiers who were injured. Coconut water is nearly identical to human blood; it was suitable for all blood types.

Not really excited about this list? Well get ready for the LOVE component; every one of these foods becomes a decadently rich treat when dipped in rich dark chocolate. Forget those sugary store bought milk chocolates for Valentine’s Day that only add to your hips. Supercharge that special day with Super Foods that show real love for yourself and others.

 

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