Superfoods for your Health

Superfoods for your Health

 It’s a buzzword these days…but just what is a superfood? Check out our list and find out how can you get superfoods into your diet during National Nutrition Month.

Blueberries

The height of the blueberry season is May to August, but anytime is a good time to eat them. They’re loaded with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin K, which help keep your bones strong.

Yogurt

Packed with calcium, it’s the probiotics in yogurt that really makes it a superfood. Add some brightly colored berries for a power boost.

Acai

This small purple palm fruit grows in the Amazon, and contains a near-perfect blend of antioxidants, amino acids and fiber. Try it in a smoothie!

Green Tea

This isn’t just any tea. Besides antioxidants, it's full of a compound called EGCG that prevents damage to the heart muscles. It’s also shown that just one cup a day can improve mental alertness.

Fish and Fish Oil

What’s not to love about the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil? They lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, boost immunity, and may reduce your risk of heart disease. Doesn’t salmon for dinner sound like a great idea?

Nuts and Seeds

Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are healthy, filling and are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Spinach

Popeye wasn’t wrong…spinach is packed with iron, antioxidants, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, minerals, and  plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids.  It’s also versatile. Eat it in a salad, sauté it with fish or put it in a smoothie.

Sweet Potatoes

They’re not just for the holidays anymore. Sweet potatoes can be substituted for white potatoes, and they’re bursting with vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.

Buckwheat

While most think of it as a grain, buckwheat is actually a seed. Packed with protein and amino acids, it’s been proven to lower cholesterol.

Dark Chocolate

Before you start gobbling chocolate, it’s important to know that the darker the chocolate, the greater the benefits from flavonols and antioxidants.  So look for chocolate that’s 60% or higher in cacao, and consume in moderation.

Broccoli

High in fiber, it has more vitamin C than oranges, and it has three different compounds known to fight or prevent illness and disease.

Beans and Legumes

Thought to be the perfect food by many nutritionists, beans have the about the same calories and protein as meat, but without the fat. A single serving provides 1/3 of your daily fiber.

Flaxseeds

These tiny seeds pack a punch. They’re loaded with dietary fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. They’re easy to grind and toss into recipes, or you can get flaxseed oil and put it in a smoothie.

Garlic

Pretty much a staple in Mediterranean and Chinese cooking, garlic adds flavor and health benefits to any dish. A big part of that is the presence of allicin, an amino acid that is a natural antibiotic, and selenium, which boosts your immune system.