Inexpensive superfoods – eat healthy for less | E-Neighborhood Advisor

Superfoods are super trendy. We all know we’re supposed to eat these nutrient-dense healthy foods, but it often seems that the foods that are good for our bodies aren’t good for our wallets. There are some exceptions, though, and they don’t require a trip to the specialty store. Eating Well and One Green Planet recommend: Broccoli One superfood that may surprise you is broccoli, and frozen broccoli may be more nutrient dense than fresh. Why? Because it’s frozen at peak harvest. Broccoli is high in detoxifying compounds that keep your liver and digestive health in tip-top shape, not to mention it’s a fantastic source of plant-based calcium, fiber, and even protein. It’s also a good source of B vitamins and an excellent source of chlorophyll. Buying frozen means your broccoli will never go bad before you have time to use it, which means you won’t waste any money. Cooking frozen broccoli is easy since there’s no washing or chopping involved. Lentils Like beans, lentils are high in fiber and protein (8 grams and 9 grams per half cup, respectively), which makes them great for your heart. They have the edge over beans, though, when it comes to preparation. Lentils cook up in only 15 to 30 minutes and don't need to be pre-soaked. An easy way to eat cheap and healthy, lentils (and beans!) are a staple for budget-friendly cooking. Oats Oats are a great way to get soluble fiber in your diet (they deliver 3 grams per serving). Research suggests that increasing your intake of soluble fiber by five to 10 grams each day could result in a five percent drop in "bad" LDL  cholesterol. Plus, the quick-cooking oats are just as healthy (and often a little cheaper) as steel-cut--just steer clear of oatmeal packets that are loaded with added sugars. Other easy superfoods to incorporate into your diet include sweet potatoes, kale, almonds and tea. Yes, tea. Tea, especially green tea, has lots of health boons. Both green and black tea are loaded with antioxidants, which may boost your immune system and promote heart health. In fact, scientists have found that those who drink 12 ounces or more of tea a day were about half as likely to have a heart attack as non-tea drinkers. Your Flooring Consultant, Matt Capell Email: sales@capellinteriors.com Phone (208) 288-0151 Fax (208) 917-6160 P.S. Here's a joke for you! Which vegetable did Noah leave off the ark? The leek!