Diet plays the most important role in helping you to prevent disease and maintain a healthy life. Adding certain foods to your diet will help to reduce the risk of some severe health conditions. Foods that have very high nutritive value and provide additional health benefits are referred to as super foods. Some of the healthiest foods that have the power to fight various diseases are explained below.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the better sources of vitamin C and fiber. It is also rich in isothiocyanates, which are a group of chemicals that have the potential to prevent certain kinds of cancer. Adding this green vegetable to your daily diet will improve your health in several ways.

Watercress

This green vegetable contains nasturin, which is a unique chemical that gets converted into PEITC which is a type of isothiocyanate. This isothiocyanate is capable of slowing down the growth of colon, prostate, and breast cancer cells. Watercress also contains components that are known to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. It is recommend to eat watercress in its raw form, as cooking it can destroy the PEITC.

Spinach

This green super food contains various flavonoids and is very high in vitamins A, C and K.  Eating spinach on a regular basis can help to prevent many chronic diseases. An added advantage of spinach is that it is very low in calories.

Walnuts

Walnuts are among the better sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower the level of blood cholesterol and are good for the heart. Walnuts are also rich in fiber and vitamins. Although walnuts have high nutritive value, they should be eaten in moderation as they contain high amounts of calories.

Blueberries

This delicious fruit has more antioxidants than any other fruit. The powerful antioxidants anthocyanins that blueberries contain have the ability to protect nerve cells that are involved in learning, motor skills, and memory.

Apples

Apples contain high level of flavonoids, which perform antioxidant activity. Eating an apple every day can reduce the risk of diabetes as well as stroke. Apples are also a powerful source of vitamin C.

Salmon

Salmon is well-known for having high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. However, you should always opt for wild salmon as the one raised in farm might be contaminated with dioxanes and PCBs, both of which are known to increase the risk of cancer.

Tomatoes

The presence of lycopenes is what makes tomato a healthy food. This potent antioxidant can help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. To avail all the benefits of lycopenes, the tomato should be cooked.

Yogurt

The probiotic capabilities of yogurt are what make it a super food. The friendly bacteria that yogurt contains help to keep intestinal track in good health. These bacteria also preserve the health of your immune system.

Avocados

The oleic acid that avocados contain is a monounsaturated fat that is known to lower the risk of heart disease. It also has the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. Although avocado is a bit high in calories, good amounts of fiber, folate, and potassium make it a healthy food.

Flaxseed

High content of omega-3 fatty acids makes flaxseed helpful in reducing inflammation and maintain heart health. Flaxseed is also high is lignin, which can slow down and even prevent the development of breast tumors.