A superfood is a food found untouched and unprocessed in nature. Superfoods are low-calorie and dense with nutrients-which is where they get their name. They are excellent sources of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. The benefits of adding just a few superfoods to your diet each day are endless!
With this short A-B-C list of Superfoods, you won?t feel lost at the supermarket any longer!
1. Avocados
Avocados have high fat content, which helps reduce cravings by keeping you full and satisfied. Also, the vitamins and minerals in these creamy green fruits are excellent for complete health. Since I live in California I am so lucky that I can enjoy these most of the year.
2. Berries
Not only are they sweet enough to be dessert, but also they are low-calorie and dense in antioxidants! You can?t go wrong with these sweets from nature.? I love slicing about 10-12 strawberries and just snacking on that.
3. Chia Seeds
These tiny, bird-food-like seeds pack a hefty punch! One ounce of chia seeds contains 138 calories, almost 10 grams of fiber, 5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids, and 4 grams of protein. Not to mention a healthy dose of essential minerals including calcium and iron.? Not sure how to eat these?? I just sprinkle them on top of rice or veggies.
4. Dark Chocolate
The search for an excuse to indulge in that chocolate craving stops now! No, don?t go and buy an entire case of dark chocolate (everything is better in moderation), but know that dark chocolate contains a bunch of antioxidants, can help regulate blood sugar and contains tons of super minerals!? In moderation…but it is a great treat.
5. Eggs
When eaten in moderation, eggs can give you a healthy dose of B vitamins as well as help to improve eye health. An egg is one versatile and easy to eat superfood!? I like to do 2 egg whites and one yolk.
6. Fish
Fish is probably the most super of all superfoods! It contains those Omega-3?s that are SO important and beneficial for heart health. It?s only a plus that fish oil is so nice for our skin and hair.
7. Green Tea
Tea leaves can do what?! Not only can green tea help rev up your metabolism and fight cancer cells, but it is also calorie-free. So next time you?re out at the sushi bar, order some traditional green tea!
8. Hot Peppers
Turn up the heat in your diet with jalapeno, pablano, or habanero peppers. Not only do hot peppers heat up your mouth, but they also heat up your metabolism and contain a kick of Capsaicin-an anti-inflammatory compound.
9. Kale
The super green, super lean, cancer-fighting machine! Kale is delicious when steamed, saut?ed, or baked into chips, but if the green taste isn?t your speed try sneaking some into your smoothies!
10. Lemons/Limes
Anti-inflammory, vitamin packed, easy to eat, and good for the skin! Where can you go wrong with these tiny citrus fruits? Love adding line juice over my salad instead of dressing.? It’s also really good over rice.
11. Mushrooms
Yes, they are magic! But only in the way that they taste delicious, help reduce signs of aging, and can naturally reduce blood pressure!
12. Nuts
Nuts are packed FULL of amazing health benefits. They contain Vitamin E for cancer fighting, Vitamins A and C for beautiful skin, and those super Omega-3?s.
13. Oranges
This citrus goes great with any meal, whether it?s juiced or sliced! It also can help strengthen your immune system and hearth health.
14. Pomegranates
There is seven times the amount of antioxidants in pomegranate than green tea! Need I say more?
15. Quinoa
This nutty-flavored grain has a great texture, tons of nutrients and can be used in almost any recipe; including smoothies and burgers. I think the Incans knew what they were talking about when they dubbed quinoa as the ?Mother of all grains?.? I always forget how to say it so I just eat it.
16. Brown Rice
Brown rice turns to glucose much slower than white rice, which helps to keep blood sugar at the healthiest level. Swap out that processed, stripped white rice for it?s tan twin!? Since bown rice takes 45 minutes to cook I usually buy single packs that can be cooked in 60 seconds.
17. Spinach
Like Popeye said, ?Eat ?yer spinach!? He knew what he was talking about! Spinach is chock full of flavonoids, which are immune boosting antioxidants. Steam up some spinach or throw some in your smoothie to get a muscle boost like Popeye!
18. Tomatoes
Versatile, juicy, delicious fruit-like vegetables with little calories or fat that fill you up! Tomatoes should be a staple in every meal with that kind of benefit!
19. Water
So technically water is not a food?but your body NEEDS it just like it needs food! Not only is it essential because we are made of it, but it can also aid in weight loss and immune system strengthening! So raise your (water) glass to this #1 Superfood!
20. Zucchini
Zucchini can be used in both savory and sweet recipes, and is low-calorie with high water content. It contains Vitamins C and B6 as well as other super minerals and nutrients. Sneak some zucchini into your next batch of banana bread for a pleasant, and healthy, surprise.