Superfoods refer to particular foods that contain powerful nutrients, which in turn promote better health. Eaten regularly, superfoods can significantly improve your health and wellbeing. Some superfoods are those which you might already be eating regularly, but perhaps, you simply don’t know how healthy and nutritious they can be for your mind and body.
Chances are, when the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said, “let food be thy medicine,” he was probably referring to superfoods. Superfoods can be a catalyst for healing the mind and body. That’s how powerful they can be if eaten enough and paired with a mindful and healthy lifestyle.
Superfoods have many health benefits including strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation in the body, and fighting off bacteria inside the body which may be carriers of diseases. More importantly, it can also aid in maintaining a healthy weight which benefits our health in so many ways. Here are some superfoods that are well worth adding to your diet:
Broccoli
Broccoli is a well-known superfood that is also very low in calories, making it a great vegetable to eat or snack on. It is also a provider of powerful antioxidants that support good health. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, broccoli has also been shown to prevent tumor growth and aid in the prevention of cancer.
Berries
From blueberries, strawberries, to cranberries, most berries are providers of fiber and powerful antioxidants that can help keep the body healthy and strong. Blueberries are great for memory and can help in reducing the adverse effects of Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia.
Avocado
When sourcing healthy fats, avocado always tops the list. This fruit is packed with powerful antioxidants and is rich in nutrients including Omega 3, folic acid, magnesium, fiber, lutein, and potassium. Avocado is also loaded with vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B group vitamins and helps to promote healthy blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Deep-Sea fish
Deep-sea fish, like salmon, tuna, and sardines, are a major source of omega-3 fatty acids. They help boost heart health, reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and keep blood pressure low. They also enhance brain function and help prevent inflammation. Plus they are a great source of rich nutrients iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. Essential vitamins like vitamin B and vitamin D2 are also found in salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are considered a superfood as they contain above-average amounts of beta carotene, which is what gives them their color. Beta-carotene is itself a potent antioxidant and is also essential for the production of vitamin A in the body. Sweet potatoes can help strengthen the immune system, bones, and eyes. They are also a great source of potassium, fiber, and other essential vitamins and nutrients.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have something in them that’s not commonly found in other food; it’s lycopene. Another superfood, tomatoes have skin health benefits as they can help to prevent UV rays from damaging the skin. Tomatoes may also help in the prevention of some cancers. They are packed with magnesium, copper, phosphorus, vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and manganese.
Tea
Tea is touted as a superfood because it has high levels of catechins, a disease-fighting type of flavonoid and powerful antioxidant found in tea leaves. This gives the tea the powerful ability to reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Drinking tea can also help in building stronger and healthier bones, teeth, and gums, and can positively impact a person’s memory and mood.
Kale
Kale is king, when it comes to green leafy vegetables, according to nutritionists and diet experts. It’s garnered the label as a superfood as it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods and contains antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
The nutrients found in kale have very powerful health benefits as proven by several clinical studies. Eating kale helps to fight inflammation, reduces the risk of heart diseases, lowers blood pressure, promotes better mental health, and has anti-cancer properties.
Are you ready to add some of the above superfoods to your next grocery list? Hopefully, you add them all and improve your health and wellbeing!
