A person’s diet is crucial to their health. That old adage “you are what you eat” is true down to the molecular level. Your nutritional needs change as your move through the various stages of your life. Your food is meant to provide you all the nutrition you need. Though admittedly it’s hard to be perfect about it.
The concept of superfoods is simple. These specific foods give you high levels of multiple nutrients required to run the body. Many of them may not be tasty on their own, but the nutrition benefits outweigh the flavor. Many of them are combined together into items like trail mixes, protein bars or energy bars. Once you incorporate superfoods into your diet, you’ll likely find yourself feeling better too!
1 - Nuts
No matter what type of nut you’re interested in, they provide an excellent source of plant protein as well as healthy fats that can help with potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Nuts are a great choice for vegetarians who may struggle to get enough protein into their diets. Another good aspect of nuts is that there are multiple options with different flavors. Whether you like almonds, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts or macadamia nuts, you will get the same benefits. A small handful of nuts can be a perfect accompaniment in yogurt or in addition to a salad.
2 - Cruciferous Vegetables
This grouping of food includes what’s often known as the ultimate superfood…. Kale. These foods also include cabbage, cauliflower, mustard greens, turnips, radishes and the ubiquitous brussel sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables are packed with nutrients. They are very high in vitamins and fiber. Typically, these items are boiled, used in salads or simply sauteed. However, they are incredibly versatile option. Cauliflower in particular can be used in so many different ways, often as a replacement for grains.
3 - Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and vitamin E. In addition, it’s also absolutely delicious and versatile. A good extra virgin olive oil should be purchased whenever possible. Olive oil can be an alternative to butter. It’s also great for making your old salad dressing, which can top any kind of salad that you are interested in making or trying out.
4 - Fish
When it comes to animal based protein sources, fish is one of the best options out there! Fish is usually a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also very high in lean protein, making it ideal for people trying to keep their waste band in line. If you’re looking for fish specifically high in omega 3 fatty acids, salmon, tuna and sardines are good choices. Fish bought frozen, fresh or canned are all beneficial!
5 - Berries
If you’re looking for something with a little bit more sweetness, then berries are the right way to go. Their natural sweetness means that foods prepared with berries can avoid added excess sugar. In addition, berries are packed full of nutrients and high in antioxidants. Frozen berries are just as good to eat as their fresh counterparts. This means that you can enjoy them year round. If you don’t enjoy eating berries on their own, you can toss them into some yogurt, make them into a smoothie or add them to cereal for a delicious addition.
