With the obesity epidemic on the rise, many people today are concerned and rightly so. There are a lot of individuals buying and eating the wrong foods, which can cause weight gain and illness. This is a problem, but fortunately some individuals have begun to take a greater interest in the foods they eat and are turning to more nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and other whole foods. Others are experimenting with adding more super foods to their diet. If you are wondering what super foods are they are “foods that are nutrient dense and considered especially beneficial to the body.¹ Many fruits and vegetables, as well a number of whole foods are considered super foods, since they contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. In this blog, I wanted to share 5 super foods to add to your diet to promote well-being.
5 Super Foods To Add To Your Diet…
- Blueberries—
Blueberries are a popular sweet treat that are not only a super food, but are super good. Blueberries have a delicious, appealing taste that many people enjoy and are loaded with phytochemicals, antioxidants and minerals. Blueberries also help fight inflammation, strengthen the immune system and help fight cancer. They also are useful in managing diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and help protect against heart disease. Blueberries contain a healthy dose of vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity. They also contain vitamin k, vitamin B-6, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, fiber and more. If you aren’t eating blueberries already, you might want to consider including them in your diet. Blueberries can be eaten as a snack, for breakfast or in other delicious recipes. Try adding them to your smoothie, yogurt, cereal or indulge in a tasty blueberry pie. - Spinach—
Spinach is a power-house, when it comes to vegetables. That’s because spinach is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your body. It is no-wonder Pop-Eye ate spinach for strength and endurance. Spinach is an excellent source of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, calcium, folic acid, magnesium and more. Spinach additionally contains non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods and is beneficial to those suffering from iron deficiency anemia. In fact, in my new book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living, I talk a little about how I included spinach in my breakfast and other meals daily. Spinach is truly a super food and works super good to help build iron in your body. Spinach has other benefits, as well. Spinach is useful for cancer prevention, heart disease and eye health, to name a few. Try adding this super food to your morning smoothies, salads, lasagna, stir-fries, spaghetti sauce or chow mein for some added energy and nutrients. - Almonds—
When it comes to nuts, almonds top the favorites list for many people. It’s not surprising they are the most popular nut in the United States. They are also one of the healthiest tree nuts available. Almonds are delicious and nutritious and make a great snack food. Almonds are loaded with a variety of wholesome nutrients including protein, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium and copper. Almonds also contain Monounsaturated fats (MUFAS), which are the good fats that help your body function optimally. Additionally, almonds contain a significant amount of fiber, which helps trigger satiety and makes you feel full and satisfied. Strive for eating a handful or two of almonds, if you want to include more good fats in your diet. You can also add almonds to salads, smoothies, yogurt, stir-fries, bread or muffins to receive their beneficial properties. - Coconut Oil—
Coconut oil not only tastes good, but is good for you. Coconut oil also contains monounsaturated fats (MUFAS), which are good fats that can help contribute to heart health. They also help protect your body from a variety of chronic and debilitating diseases. Coconut oil has other beneficial properties, as well. Coconut oil can help speed your metabolism, help fight and reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. It addition, coconut oil helps prevent wrinkles by plumping up your skin and aides in the digestion process. Make sure you add this super food to your smoothies, coffee, tea, yogurt and muffins to reap its many benefits.
- Maca Root—
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. While it has gained recent popularity, it has been around for thousands of years and is known for its medicinal properties. Maca is a nutrient dense root that is grown in the mountain regions of South America. It is typically harvested and ground down to a powder form, making it easy to use.
Maca is extremely nutritious and is great source of vitamins and minerals. Some nutrients included in maca are calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium and iron. A variety of amino acids and fatty acids can found in this root, as well. Maca is a good source of protein, fat and fiber, which helps your body to sustain energy and feel full. Maca root has many benefits and is known for its ability to balance hormones. It is also useful in treating PMS, menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility issues. Maca helps with memory issues too, plus it helps increase energy and mood. Make sure you give this super food a try to reap its many benefits.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Source:
¹”10 Antioxidant Super Foods.” Web MD, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.
²https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710.php
³Gunnars, Kris. “Spinach 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 Oct. 2015, www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach#section1.
4 Axe, Dr. Josh. “Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition (No. 4 Is Best).” Dr. Axe, 21 July 2017, draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/.
