You’ve undoubtedly heard about superfoods before. They’re the foods that are so packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber that they’re practically screaming “eat me!” Alas, because “superfoods” is such a cool-sounding term, it seems every product has tried to lay claim to that term. The other day I saw a box of yogurt-covered peanuts declaring itself the world’s “sweetest superfood.” Um, yeah… I doubt it.
But real superfoods really can give your diet a huge boost. Here are six superfoods that actually live up to their name and the sort of health benefits you can expect to reap from them. They’re all relatively common and simple to add or substitute into your favorite recipes. Add a little superfood to your diet today!
Kale
Kale has an abundance of phytochemicals locked into its dark green leaves, which have been found to help prevent cancer as well as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Plus, the veggie is packed with carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which all guard against macular degeneration. Nutritionists recommend at least one serving of leafy greens per day. Kale makes a tasty, crispy chip when roasted at a low heat with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Or sauté it to add to soups and pasta.
Dark Chocolate
You’ll probably rip your kitchen cabinet knobs off in your rush to dig in when you learn that those chocolate chips you hid behind the rice crackers aren’t off limits after all. Yes, dark chocolate is full of the same anti-oxidants that make red wine healthy, which make it okay to indulge in to a point. Just limit serving sizes to an ounce, and don’t make this an excuse to gorge on chocolate of all kinds – milk chocolate doesn’t boast the same benefits.
Avocados
This fruit tastes rich and indulgent, and it provides the healthy kind of fat that promotes weight loss and attacks belly fat. You can use it in place of oil in lots of recipes, or mash it into dark chocolate pudding for an absolutely decadent (and guilt-free) treat. Try whipping it up into a smoothie or sprinkling a few cubes over a taco in place of the sour cream.
Blueberries
You’ve probably heard a lot about acai berries, another superfood, but the humble blueberry is a lot cheaper, more versatile and easy to find. Plus they’re very much in season right now, pushing the price down even further! Each one-cup serving has 4 grams of fiber that will keep you filled up until your next meal. Its whopping punch of antioxidants can help prevent cancer as well as skin damage. Throw some over a bowl of oatmeal in the morning or munch on them plain as an afternoon snack. Yum!
Salmon
Salmon has the widely acclaimed omega-3 fatty acid that’s so good for your body. It’s the natural source of those bizarre fish pills your more health-conscious friends might obsess over. It’s also a great lean source of protein, something that many adult women don’t eat enough of. Try canned salmon (you can find it alongside canned tuna in most stores) for a more affordable way to get your fix.
Quinoa
Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it (but if you’re curious, phonetically it’s pronounced KEEN-wah). This seed, which is often mistaken for a grain, is a terrific source of protein and very popular in vegetarian diets. It contains all nine essential amino acids, and it’s also naturally gluten-free for those who suffer from celiac disease. Try it as a replacement for rice or as the base for a warm salad. Just make sure you wash it off in warm water before you cook it, as unwashed quinoa tastes very similar to a bar of soap.
Author Bio:
Adrienne Erin is a health conscious blogger who enjoys writing about food, running, and healthy living. You can find more of her work on Twitter under the name @adrienneerin.
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