Coconut Oil is a Super Food

Super Food, we hear this word all the time from people like Dr. Oz and magazines like SELF but what exactly is it? I feel that the word is portrayed as this “magical” food that you must go out and buy RIGHT NOW or else! Ok, so that may be a little extreme but when you hear about a Super Food, it attracts a lot of attention toward the particular food and how it may be able to help you. Active Life DC, www.activelifeDC.com, recently did an article about the truth about super foods and 7 foods to eat more of. I found this really intriguing because I’m on a kick now to get a better diet for my family because we have been slacking a bit recently.

1. Scallops – I’ve never known this to be a superfood but with nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, selenium, choline, and zinc it’s hard to believe it hasn’t been addressed sooner! Try making our Sea Scallop Fajitas, a blend of Texas and Mexico in one dish.
2. Brussels Sprouts – These can be either a hit or miss depending on if you cook them properly. If you cook them in coconut oil and mix some bacon in there, I promise they aren’t as scary as you may think! There is also reaserach being conducted suggesting that this veggie, as well as broccoli, may have some important anti-cancer benefits.
3. Coconut Oil – One of my favorite oils to cook and bake with, obviously! Coconut oil contains lauric acid and medium-chain triglcerides which may help to lower cholesterol levels and help with weight loss.
4. Pastured Eggs – Pasture eggs can be found at your local farmer’s market for a less expensive price than the supermarket and are of higher quality! You’ll notice your yolks will be a different color and these eggs naturally have high levels of omega-3 fatty acid, which is great for brain function!
5. Cauliflower – Use these veggie instead of potatoes, as in mashed “potatoes”. Not only are you getting more nutrients including vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber but it’s been known to have some anti-inflammtory properties. You can even sub out your tradtional pizza crust for a delicious paleo-friendly cauliflower crust!
6. Grass-fed Beef – This is something that I have not personally switched too but I always hear about the great benefits. Nutrients include omega-3 fatty acid, less animal-based saturated fat, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which seems to help reduce body fat and increase muscle mass. Try using grass-fed beef in your next spaghetti night dinner!
7. Water – Although technically not a food because water is only a nutrient, this article put it on the list. Everyone needs water to keep properly hydrated throughout the day; I’ve learned this with being pregnant and hot consistently! A great rule of thumb is to drink half of your bodyweight in ounces per day.

-LS