We all know there are lots of foods that are good for us, but there are a handful that are so important for a long healthy life that we should eat them every day for the rest of our lives until we die...and maybe we’ll live a little longer as a result! ;)

Here’s the quick run-down on these 5 superfoods. And at the end I’ve got a recipe for you to get in all these foods in one jam-packed drink – The Superfood Slammer!

Blackberries

So when I originally wrote this article, I included blueberries in this list. I have since changed my tune and I am now all about their less studied, invasive weed of a cousin…BLACKBERRIES! Because it turns out that blackberries have even more antioxidants and an even lower glycemic index!

With their bright purple hue, blackberries are actually chock full of antioxidants - compounds which protect the body from damaging free radicals. When free radicals are unchecked they damage cell membranes & enzymes, cause fats to be more harmful and even injure your DNA. They essentially cause you to age faster!

Antioxidants have been shown to:

Reduce inflammation
Fight cancer
Prevent dementia
Support cardiovascular health

Blackberries are also really high in fiber compared to the amount of calories they have, which is why they have a lower glycemic index - meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar and contribute to weight gain as much as other sweet treats. And with all that fiber, they can also be helpful for digestion.

Green Tea

This tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant is one of the most well-known and well-studied super foods in the world. Remember those antioxidants I just talked about? Green tea is a powerhouse of these little life savers!

Some of the health benefits that have been associated with green tea include:

Reduced risk of atherosclerosis & heart disease
Lower blood pressure
Reduced cholesterol levels
Less inflammatory arthritis
Stronger bone density
Improved memory
Better cancer outcomes

One of green tea’s antioxidants, EGCG, has also been shown to fight obesity and diabetes.

Coconut milk:

Coconut milk is made by blending the meat of a mature coconut. It’s an excellent source of healthy fats and minerals!

Some of these minerals are important for circulation, helping to lower blood pressure and keep blood vessels flexible and plaque-free.

50 percent of the fat in coconuts is from a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) called lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

You may have heard a bit about MCTs recently, as more and more research comes out about the benefits of this healthy fat.

What makes these fatty acids so special?

They are easily digested and absorbed from the intestines.
They are an efficient source of fuel for the brain and improve cognitive function.
They help to enhance physical performance and burn fat. (Fat burning fat - say what??)
They reduce inflammation.

And contrary to what you might think, these MCTs have not been shown to increase cholesterol. Instead they’ve actually been shown to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and decrease risk of cardiovascular disease.

Turmeric:

This bright yellow powder is ground from a root and is the main spice of India. It is also one of the most healthy and powerful herbs on the planet.

I said above that green tea is one of the most well-studied super foods in medicine, well turmeric has demonstrated health benefits in over 10,000 peer-reviewed articles!

Curcumin is the main active ingredient and it a potent antioxidant.

The benefits to turmeric are as deep as they are broad…

Decreased blood clots
Anti-depressive effects
Improved cognitive function
Cancer-fighting effects and better response to chemotherapy
Decreased diabetes complications
Improved weight loss
Liver detoxification support

And the big one: anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric is arguably the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory substance in the world. This property of turmeric contributes to all of the above mentioned benefits and also greatly decreased pain and swelling in inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis. A truly amazing plant!

Cacao:

Cacao is the plant that chocolate is made from. It is a bitter, potent seed that is high in magnesium, fiber and iron.

It’s also another high-antioxidant food – which is a bit of a theme in this list, if you haven’t noticed...

Back to fighting those free radicals that cause damage in the body!

Cacao has something that’s a bit unique, which is its effect on emotions and mood...It contains certain chemicals that impact neurotransmitter and brain function.

One of these particular chemicals, called anandamide, is known to trigger a feeling of euphoria. Another chemical in cacao, called phenylethylamine (PEA), improves focus and awareness. Not a bad combo!

5 Foods You Should Eat Every Day Until You Die (And None Of Them Are Vegetables!)