The Top 5 Superfoods You Should Be Eating

Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that are abundant in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Studies have demonstrated that these compounds may improve heart health, reduce inflammation, boost energy levels and provide overall better wellness.

There are numerous ways to incorporate these foods into your daily meals and snacks. By including just a few extra servings of these nutritious items into your household meals, you can increase your family’s intake of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

1. Berries

Berries make for an incredibly nutritious snack, tasty addition to smoothies and juices, or simply as a delectable treat. Packed full of antioxidants and disease-fighting phytochemicals, they should be included as part of any balanced diet.

Berries are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber – plus they’re low in calories! Not only do they offer potential protection from free radical damage to cells, but they can also strengthen the immune system and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Berries are an essential component of a heart-healthy diet and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Furthermore, they contain high amounts of dietary fiber which helps slow digestion – leading to feelings of fullness and contentment.

2. Avocados

Avocados have become a beloved fruit in many households. Enjoy them spread on toast, blended into guacamole or chopped up into salads – there’s something special about this nutritious fruit that everyone should experience!

Avocados are one of the healthiest fruits available, packed full of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamin E.

Cherries also boast an abundant amount of dietary fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent overeating.

They’re also high in antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Furthermore, they provide a great source of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin K, lutein and zeaxanthin.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli, a member of the cabbage-mustard family, is widely considered one of the world’s most nutrient-dense vegetables. Packed full of phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that may reduce your risk for various chronic illnesses, broccoli is an ideal vegetable to include in your diet.

It’s also high in fiber, which keeps your digestive system healthy and encourages regular bowel movements. Furthermore, it contains isothiocyanates and sulforaphane that combat free radicals that may cause cell damage.

Additionally, spinach helps lower blood cholesterol levels and provides a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It can be consumed raw or cooked in various ways; making for tasty additions to salads, soups, stir-fries and other dishes.

4. Salmon

Salmon is a popular fatty fish and it boasts plenty of essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12, D and E, potassium, selenium and other essential minerals. Eating salmon may reduce your risk for certain diseases by providing these essential nutrients.

Salmon-containing fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. They also lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while improving blood pressure.

Consuming fatty fish, like salmon, a few times each week can significantly lower your risk for heart problems and other conditions. Furthermore, it helps keep the brain healthy and helps combat age-related cognitive decline.

Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D and astaxanthin, an exclusive carotenoid that gives it its orangey-pink hue. Furthermore, salmon contains high levels of protein which may help protect against bone loss.

5. Green Tea

Drinking green tea on a regular basis has numerous health advantages, from protecting you against heart disease to strengthening bones.

Green tea’s antioxidants, known as catechins, have been demonstrated to inhibit cancer cell growth and cause tumors to shrink instead of growing.

Additionally, it has multiple anti-inflammatory effects and can help decrease insulin resistance, making it a natural treatment option for those living with diabetes.

Furthermore, taking statins can lower your cholesterol and raise HDL levels, decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Weight loss has also been reported from its calorie-free and fat-burning effects. However, it should not be seen as a panacea and you should still be mindful of your caloric intake.