You have probably heard of the term “superfood.” As well as about all the benefits that these nutrient-rich products offer. Superfoods go beyond helping us meet our nutritional needs, to maintain a healthier life.
In fact, these foods can help you achieve better health, prevent chronic diseases, and improve the way you feel each day.
When combined with regular exercise and a varied diet, adding some of these superfoods to your day can benefit many aspects of your health.
What are superfoods?
Although there is no set criteria for what defines a superfood, these are nutrient-dense foods and can help provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs in a healthy and natural way.
Including some servings of the following foods in a healthy diet, accompanied by regular exercise, can help you find the secret of eternal youth.
Wheatgrass
Whether you’re looking to fight free radicals or maximize the nutrients in your diet, wheatgrass is definitely your food.
Wheatgrass is prepared from the freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant and can supply tons of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also gives you some added chlorophyll, a plant pigment loaded with health benefits.
Add it to juices or smoothies for a burst of energy. Try it in tablet form or even eat it raw if you’re more daring.
Cinnamon
This delicious spice does more than just sweeten. In fact, it is high in antioxidants and has been associated with lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also helps reduce nausea, PMS symptoms, and decrease inflammation.
Try sprinkling cinnamon over yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies to increase the nutritional value of these.
Blueberries
Tiny but packed with nutrients. Blueberries fit the definition of a superfood. They are packed with antioxidants and disease-fighting phytochemicals, as well as plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.
Best of all, these tasty fruits are delicious and easy to add to your diet. Use them to add a hint of sweetness to salads, add them to baked goods, or even enjoy them just as a healthy snack.
Avocados
When answering the question of “what are superfoods?”, It would be impossible not to mention this fruit. Yes, although avocado is commonly enjoyed and used in cooking as a vegetable, it is technically a fruit from the Lauraceae family of plants.
It is rich in monounsaturated fats, healthy for the heart, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K. Not only that, but it manages to provide more potassium than a banana.
There are unlimited ways to enjoy this creamy fruit; Try spreading it on toast, adding it to a salad, or even sprinkling some salt on some slices and eating.
Salmon
The American Heart Association recommends including fish in our dishes at least twice a week, and for good reason. Fish like salmon are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can reduce inflammation, improve brain health, and keep your heart strong.
Opt for wild salmon whenever possible, and try to eat a few servings per week.
Goji Berries
With up to 12 times the antioxidant levels of blueberries, it’s no wonder these berries top the charts as one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods.
Goji berries have been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They have been credited with improving vitality, energy, and longevity. They are also loaded with nutrients that can help prevent eye disease, protect against skin damage, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
We can often find goji berries in dry powder or superfood form in many grocery stores.
Raw milk
Raw milk is high in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D.
Kefir, made from raw milk, is especially beneficial for health, as it has been fermented and has probiotics that can help stimulate good bacteria in the gut to promote better digestion and improve immunity.
Try adding raw milk or kefir to your next breakfast shake to increase the nutrient profile.
Spirulina
These blue-green algae are considered one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Gram for gram, it is richer in protein than red meat, contains all the essential fatty acids the body needs, and also provides plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
The health benefits of spirulina include preventing plaque build-up in the arteries, lowering blood pressure, and protecting against cancer.
It is most often found in powder form and is widely available in supermarkets and drug stores. Use it in smoothies or sprinkle it on your plates to increase the nutritional content.
Acai berries
High in antioxidants and health promoting properties, acai berry is a key player in defining superfoods. These berries contain a lot of healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Studies show that the compounds found in acai berries can help improve cognitive function, improve lipid profiles, and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Thanks to its growing popularity, acai powder is widely available in stores and can be mixed into smoothies or used to make a nutritious acai dish.
flax seeds
Flaxseed is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and even potentially protect against cancer and diabetes.
These seeds are also rich in thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. It also contains a generous dose of protein and fiber in each serving.
You can reap the benefits of flaxseed by using the seeds in everything from granola to oatmeal to hummus, or by consuming flaxseed oil in liquid or even capsule form.
Precautions
If you are allergic or sensitive to any of the foods listed here, eating them can cause negative side effects.
Keep in mind that these foods contain additional nutrients and can be a supplement to our diet, but they are not an immediate cure for any ailment or medical problem. Instead, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.
