Rankings always in fashion: the 10 healthiest foods in the world
Published on 27/2/2013
What is the absolute best food for you? Even though an answer probably does not exist, the passion for drawing up rankings and league tables remains strong.
The site Chacha, a powerful archive of questions and answers about all human knowledge, has compiled a ranking of the world's healthiest foods, identifying 10 of them:
Lemon: a single one provides well beyond the daily requirement of Vitamin C, which helps raise levels of good HDL cholesterol. The citrus flavonoid present in lemons is then credited with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties.
The same characteristics apply to Broccoli, which, in a portion of one traditional bunch, is an extremely rich source of vitamins K and C (over 200% of the daily requirement) with the same benefits as lemon, but even greater. Extraordinary qualities also for Extra-dark chocolate, which even in the modest amount of 7 grams helps reduce blood pressure even in individuals with problems. But the antioxidants and flavonoids present in cocoa powder also help reduce so-called bad LDL cholesterol. Potatoes, especially red ones, contain (in a single one) up to 66 grams of soluble Vitamin B (folate), an extremely important cellular regenerator, and the entire daily requirement of vitamin A for a healthy individual. Not only vegetables, but also fish. Salmon is an extremely valuable food in terms of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular and tumor diseases. 100 grams of salmon, if eaten fresh, also provides about 50% of the requirement of niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or PP, which has a preventive action against the onset of conditions such as Alzheimer's. Also on the list are Walnuts, a food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which in this case are cited for their impact on improving mood and on the prevention of tumor diseases, as well as for their protective properties against the damage caused by sun exposure. Then we move on to tropical fruit: the properties of the avocado are well known. A study reportedly shows how the characteristics of the avocado make it possible to cut cholesterol by 22%. Moreover, the avocado provides over half the daily requirement of fiber and up to 40% of the folate that helps counter cardiovascular diseases. Garlic then presents surprising antiseptic properties: it counters the bacterial action even of Escherichia coli. Garlic's anti-inflammatory and blood-pressure-regulating properties are also well known. An incredible power when it comes to antioxidants is contained in Spinach, characterized by the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin (a carotenoid), which spinach contains in greater quantity than other vegetables, thus earning its reputation as a food with anti-tumor properties. The ranking closes with Beans and, more generally, legumes, to which is attributed a property of reducing cardiovascular risk on the order of 22%, but also of reducing the incidence of breast cancer.