What are superfoods?
Superfoods are foods that are able to offer maximum nutritional benefits. These foods are considered very healthy and have minimal calories. Superfoods are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
You can think of superfoods as the superman of food. Like people can be strong but superman is extra strong, foods can be healthy but superfoods are extra healthy.
Why are superfoods important?
Superfoods are important to include in your daily diet. These foods are known to neutralize free radicals in our bodies which can cause harm to us. The antioxidants in some superfoods can reverse and prevent effects of free radicals which decreasing health diseases and problems.
Some common health problems that superfoods can prevent or help to decrease and reverse are heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, stroke, and some brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
In my opinion, with much research, I believe that some of the top superfoods include Avocado, Blueberries, Leafy Greens, and Flaxseeds.
Avocado
I believe avocados are truly a #1 superfood. Avocados are loaded with Vitamins such as vitamins C, E, K, B6, folate, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, and potassium. Avocados also have a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
If you’re looking to lose weight or maintain weight, this is a good food to incorporate as well due to its ability to feel full longer. Along with managing weight, it’s also good for your gut health. Avocados can promote growth of healthy bacteria which can decrease inflammation and prevent diseases such as colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Avocados are strongly linked to reducing heart disease as well as being able to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. This is thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in avocados. They are also able to prevent atherosclerosis.
I love to have my avocados with a little sea salt and pepper. You could also make avo-toast with egg, which is also considered a super food.
Blueberries
Blueberries make their way at the top of the superfood list because they are some of the strongest antioxidants. This is due to the flavonoids in blueberries. The antioxidants help get rid of free radicals and contribute to skin health as well.
Blueberries can also prevent heart disease and cancer. They have been shown to improve and maintain strength of bones and control blood pressure and diabetes. They can also help prevent obesity. Blueberries are also a good source of vitamin C and contribute to immune health.
These sweet berries are super easy to add into your diet. Eat them alone, or add them to smoothies. You can also put them on waffles and pancakes or add them into your yogurt and oatmeal. Blueberry muffins are also a nice treat!
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are very beneficial to include in your daily life. Leafy greens are a top source to prevent heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and strokes. Like blueberries, these are wonderful antioxidants.
Leafy greens have also been associated with a strong immune system so these greens can help prevent sickness and keep you healthier. Some of the vitamins contributing to immune strength in leafy greens are vitamin C, E, and carotenoids.
One commonly known benefit of leafy greens are weight loss and weight maintenance. They are widely known to prevent obesity and are filling meaning you will be fuller longer. If you’re looking for that flat tummy, these are your go-to.
Due to the great amount of vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B, and fatty acids in leafy greens, your mental health will thank you for consuming them. You will find yourself feeling less depressed and more motivated. If you have anxiety, you may also find your anxiety levels decreased. I can vouch for this one.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a good source of proteins, fibers, and also omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds don’t have much of a taste, but at least you know they don’t taste bad right? These are super simple to add into your diet. If you have smoothies, just add them into your smoothies. If you like salad, throw some in. If you make some burgers add them to the buns.
These seeds are loaded with fiber, protein, thiamine, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, zinc, vitamin B, iron, and folate. This superfood is important for energy metabolism and brain development, and is also good for immune health.
Flaxseeds have proven to prevent heart health and reduce inflammation and pain. They may also contribute in lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your blood vessels clear. These superfoods may also prevent diabetes and stroke. Like the rest of the superfoods, these may also protect against cancer.