In this article, we look at which nutrient-rich superfoods deserve a place in your diet daily and how to sneak them into your meals.
Though many foods could be described as super, it’s important to understand that there is no single food that holds the key to good health!
Dark leafy greens
Dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients including folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber.
They also contain high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds known as carotenoids, which may protect against certain types of cancer.
Berries
Berries are a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
The strong antioxidant capacity of berries is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.
Avocado
Avocado is a superfood rich in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Similar to olive oil, avocado is high in monounsaturated fats. Oleic acid is the most predominant MUFA in avocado, which is linked to reduced inflammation in the body.
Adding avocado to your diet may reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain types of cancer.
Sweet potato
The sweet potato is a root vegetable loaded with many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C.
They’re also a good source of carotenoids, a type of antioxidant that may reduce your risk of certain types of cancer when added to your diet.
Apples
Can an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Probably not. But apples are a great low-calorie source of essential nutrients.
Upping apple intake has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and asthma. More good news: Apples are affordable and super versatile.
Legumes
Legumes, or pulses, are a class of plant foods made up of beans (including soy), lentils, peas, peanuts, and alfalfa. They are a rich source of B vitamins, various minerals, protein, and fiber.
Garlic
Garlic is a plant food that is closely related to onions, leeks and shallots. It’s a good source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and fiber.
Research indicates that garlic may be effective in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as supporting immune function.
Ginger
Ginger is a superfood that comes from the root of a flowering plant from China. It’s used as both a culinary flavor enhancer and for its multiple medicinal effects.
Ginger root contains antioxidants, that may be responsible for many of the reported health benefits associated with this food when added to your diet.
Ginger may be effective for managing nausea and reducing pain from acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Overall, achieving optimal health through food and nutrition is about more than focusing on one or two of the latest food trends.
Instead, good health is best supported by eating a variety of nutritious foods every day, including these superfoods!
Including some, or all, of the foods on this list as part of a balanced diet can benefit your overall health and may prevent certain chronic diseases.