You have probably heard the term “superfood” tossed around lately. These foods are being
incorporated into more and more nutrition plans because they are so packed full of goodness and
illness-fighting nutrients. There are plenty of superfoods out there to choose from, but here is a short list of some of our top picks.
Avocados – An excellent source of healthy fats, which most Americans are lacking in. Avocados promote greater efficiency at absorbing fat-soluble nutrients. They are also a great source of B vitamins, Vitamin E, fiber and they have more potassium than a banana.
Beets – Beets are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron, Vitamin A and folic acid to name just a few. Beets can act as a natural aphrodisiac. The ancient Romans were among the first to use them this way. They are also an excellent way to help cleanse the body, acting as a purifier of the blood, and they can even help to prevent various forms of cancer.
Blueberries – A rich source of antioxidants which help to protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score is what rates a foods ability to neutralize these free radicals, and blueberries come in with a score of 4,700. Eat a handful of blueberries every day and you’ve got a healthy, delicious treat that helps fight of plethora of health problems.
Cucumber – Cucumbers are 95% water, helping to eliminate toxins and keep the body hydrated. Their high water and fiber content are beneficial for aiding in weight loss. They also offer benefits for reducing cholesterol, regulating blood pressure and combating cancer.
Ginger – Most commonly known for aiding digestion, ginger promotes an increase in nutrient assimilation by the body, and even helps reduce stomach cramps and gas. Ginger can help reduce inflammation of the colon, which may lead to colon cancer, and it can help prevent ovarian cancer.
Kale – Kale is being called the “queen of greens” due to its list of benefits and abundance of nutrients. It is low-calorie and high in fiber, which aids in digestion. Kale is high in iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, acts as an anti-inflammatory, is rich in antioxidants and helps detox the body.
Spinach – Spinach is also a great source of antioxidants such as beta-carotene and Vitamin C, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eyes against macular degeneration. Spinach is rich in Vitamin K and an excellent source of iron.
Incorporate these superfoods into your daily nutrition as often as you can. They are easy to find and can be eaten alone, mixed in a salad or even as a smoothie. Whichever way you like them, you can’t go wrong adding a few superfoods into your life.