The world of superfoods seems to be getting bigger and bigger as researchers continue to investigate the nutritional properties of various foods. Below are some of the best and healthiest superfoods that you can include in your diet everyday –
1. Dark Leafy Greens
Hands down, one of the best superfoods to include in anybody’s diet are dark, leafy, green vegetables. They have just about everything you could possibly want. They are nutrient dense, containing all types of vitamins and minerals, while being very low in calories. Include a bowl of dark leafy greens every day and you are all set for your daily dose of nutrients!
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are some of the oldest foods to earn the moniker superfood. They have a huge amount of antioxidants. The antioxidants are what keep your body healthy because they kill free radicals that can cause cancer and other harmful conditions to your body. Blueberries aren’t the only berry that has powerful antioxidants; most berries are bursting with antioxidants.
Also Read: The Health Benefits of Blueberries
3. Eggs
Eggs are one of those controversial food choices that researchers seem to go back and forth on whether things are healthy or not. But they definitely deserve the title of superfood. They are one of the most protein dense foods available and they have a plethora of important nutrients, including B complex vitamins, selenium, choline, phosphorous, vitamin A, and iron.
4. Legumes
Legumes, also known as pulses and beans are great superfoods because of their dietary fiber and protein content. They are also a great source of B complex vitamins. Type 2 diabetics can benefit tremendously from incorporating legumes into their diet as the protein and dietary fiber help to regulate blood pressure.
5. Kefir
If you’re looking for an interesting beverage that is also a superfood, then you should look no further than kefir. Kefir is a fermented beverage made from milk, and it contains lots of calcium, protein, potassium, and probiotics. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and act as an anti-inflammatory.
6. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful superfood because it has a unique compound known as allicin which is an organosulfur compound. It helps to reduce blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis. It also has been shown to reduce cholesterol and alleviate muscle soreness caused by exercise.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a superfood that is so amazing it has reached near mythic levels in the health and wellness world. It is a root that is extremely prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Take it if you are experiencing a bout of nausea or need to reduce chronic pain caused by inflammation.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of those foods that seems to make it to just about every health food list, and for good reasons. It is a very powerful superfood thanks to its high levels of healthy fats. Adding olive oil to your diet can help deal with inflammation, protect your heart, and treat diabetes. It also has a healthy amount of antioxidants which protect the body against damage caused by oxidative stress.
9. Salmon
Salmon is a very nutrient dense fatty fish that has lots of protein, B complex vitamins, selenium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating salmon or other fatty fish helps to regulate brain functionality, protect neurons, and lower your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric, the iconic bright yellow spice is a top tier superfood that is a close relation of ginger. Its active ingredient, curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for helping your body recover from chronic pain.
11. Mushrooms
There are a wide variety of edible mushrooms, such as portobello, shitake, button, etc. They tend to be extremely nutrient dense; most have vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and various antioxidants. They are also a great plant-based source of protein which is perfect for people who have a meat restricted diet.
Also Read : Why You Need to Include Mushrooms in Your Diet
12. Seaweed
People are eating seaweed more often lately, because they are beginning to realize exactly how amazing it is. There is a wide variety of edible seaweed available, and they are all extremely nutrient dense while simultaneously being low in calories. As a superfood, it is most comparable to kale or chard as far as its nutrient profile goes.
Also Read: Is it safe to take seaweeds during pregnancy?
13. Green Tea
Green tea is a very powerful superfood for two reasons. Firstly, it has a large amount of antioxidants which kill free radicals that can cause cancer. Secondly, it comes in liquid form which makes it easily digestible, so your body can absorb it effectively.
14. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are some of the best superfoods that you can invest in. They are small but packed to the rim with nutrients including protein and dietary fiber. They also come in a wide variety so you can always find some to suit your taste or pair well with a meal.
Superfoods are very powerful because they are extremely nutrient dense. The best way to include them in your diet is as supplements to your main meal. Pair nuts with a salad or sprinkle ginger over your chicken for example. That way you can maximize the nutrient profile of any meal.
Also Read:15 Healthy Superfood Smoothies
