Those dark green collards sprouting in Auntie’s summer garden — in fall and winter, too, if she’s in a warm climate — and dished up at her Sunday suppers? They’re rich in A, K and other vitamins, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Those greens are among the superfoods that fortify your body and, especially when they’re a familiar comfort, satisfy your soul. Here are some others:
- Black-eyed peas are high in, among other nutrients, energy-giving iron.
- The antioxidants and beta-carotene of sweet potatoes may help slow aging and fight cancer.
- Cabbage, in the same family as collards, chard, kale and broccoli, also may be a cancer-fighter.
- Fiber- and protein-rich okra has been called good medicine for some types of diabetes.
- Squash — acorn, butternut, summer, winter, zucchini and so forth — comes in many varieties. Winter squashes, for one, may lower heart-damaging cholesterol.
- Blackberries, with their Vitamin C, folate and manganese, are high in flavonoids and may boost brain health.
