Superfoods refers to a food that is said to have more health benefits than ordinary foods.
The term ‘superfoods’ comes from the fact that these foods are packed full of nutrition. Superfoods include a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and even grains and seeds. Many natural vegetables and fruits have been deemed superfoods. Berries, for instance, make up over half of the entire superfoods in the world. Berries have sometimes been called the “food that saved my life” because they contain so many antioxidants, which help prevent heart disease and cancer [1, 2].
Green superfoods include leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and beet tops. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, which help prevent cancer and heart disease. Nuts are another form of green superfood because they provide a source of protein and essential fatty acids. Oats, too, are loaded with nutrients, as well as being a good source of fiber [3].
Salmon and tuna are also considered to be superfoods. Like leafy greens, salmon and tuna are packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Some studies have shown that salmon is healthier than red meat because it contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. On top of that, eating salmon regularly can lower your cholesterol and improve your immune system.
Spinach is another one of the best vegetable superfoods. As mentioned, spinach contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. Aside from that, spinach salads are filled with antioxidants, which help improve your overall health and fight against free radicals.
Quinoa and chia seeds are also considered to be some of the best superfoods. Quinoa contains the nutrients like iron, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which can help improve your memory, mood, and overall mental well-being [3].
Choose a variety of superfoods for best results
No single superfood can give you all of the essential nutrients that you need. So instead of just relying on just one type of fruit or vegetable, you need to create a healthy diet that consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables. This way, you will have a better balance of nutrients. A balanced diet can significantly reduce inflammation and free radical damage. It can also improve your cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke [1].
Superfoods don’t only help you live longer and maintain a healthy weight; they’re also good for your health and well-being. Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, as well as whole grains. Eat lots of salmon, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, walnuts, blueberries, avocados, melons, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries. Add nuts and seeds to your diet as well, but be careful not to overdo it.
Some people believe that eating a lot of one particular kind of food can give them enough of a health benefit to justify eating in excess. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Most fruits and vegetables are extremely high in nutritional value and eating them too often can be harmful to your health. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be about punishment. Instead, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and keep your portions small.
If you aren’t already using a salad bar, then it’s time to try new foods like kale and other leafy greens. By incorporating more of these healthy leaves into your diet, you can get more benefits than you can imagine. You’ll find that kale has high levels of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes; helps control blood sugar levels; contains high amounts of soluble fiber and dietary fiber; and contains a host of other nutrients including essential fatty acids, protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron [3].
To get the most out of your healthy diet, experiment with adding different greens throughout the week. Try incorporating dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce into your diet on Monday, then switching it up to kale and alfalfa on Wednesday [4]. These types of changes will help you to keep your diet interesting and ensure that your nutritional needs are met.
Superfoods provide a multitude of health benefits, but they don’t have to take over your diet as some things can. Don’t let the word “superfoods” keep you from enjoying other types of fruits and vegetables. Instead, use it as a guide to create a healthy and exciting eating plan and stick to it. With so many delicious fruits and vegetables available, there is no reason not to enjoy as many as possible. By including superfoods in your diet, you can live a longer, healthier life.
References
[1]
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190530101221.htm
[2]
https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/foods-lower-cancerrisk.h29Z1590624.html
[3]
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/true-superfoods
[4]