What makes a food super you ask? The answer is simple. When incredible nutritional value meets deliciousness and simplicity, you have a superfood. Super foods are just too good for you not to have them in your diet. The health benefits are significant. And the foods can easily be incorporated into daily recipes and regimens. Read on to learn how these 7 foods can benefit you in ways you never imagined. Let’s get super!
1. Kale
Yes, kale. Doesn’t sound too appetizing does it? What if I told you that kale can help combat asthma, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and even arthritis? As one of the most nutrient rich foods on the planet, it make no sense to avoid it. Kale boasts the ideal combo of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and flavonoids that your body craves. Still not convinced? Kale has even shown the ability to preserve the elasticity of skin, which helps hold off premature aging. Try tossing kale into your salad or cooking it up as a side dish at dinner.
2. Blueberries
This sweet and tart fruit has been popular for centuries for its delicious taste and versatility. Yet there are so many more reasons to love blueberries. In addition to being a proven cholesterol reducer, this superfood can help fight cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Blueberries are easy to mix into your breakfast with hot or cold cereals, yogurts, oatmeal, and more!
3. Chocolate
Did I just tell you that chocolate is a superfood? Yes, yes I did. I’m not saying you should begin funneling Hershey’s Kisses into your body. However, dark chocolates are actually very beneficial for your body. The key here is to indulge in non-dairy dark chocolates with at least 70% cocoa. A small, bite-sized piece is ideal because it won’t cause you to exceed your daily fat intake while offering your body a delicious and nutritious treat. Dark chocolates provide your body with essential antioxidants and
flavonols that keep blood pressure down and promote heart health.
4. Avocados
Avocados have gotten a bad rap for being high in fats. The problem there is the false belief that all fats are bad. In fact, avocados have healthy mono-saturated fats that benefit you in two ways. These fats will satisfy hunger quickly and help to control portions while also benefiting your cholesterol. Avocados contain essential B and K vitamins and also of cancer-reducing
phytosterols and
carotenoids. Sneak avocado into your diet by using it in spreads or dips!
5. Sweet Potatoes
All carbs aren’t the enemy. I suggest you make sweet potatoes one of your new best friends. Why? Sweet potatoes are one of the best foods on the planet at raising vitamin A levels in your blood. Not to mention that one sweet potato contains half of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C. Also, they contain proteins that work to fight off cell damage and increase healing in the body. Perhaps this superfood’s greatest benefit is its ability to replace French fries. Cut up sweet potatoes and toss them into the oven. Sprinkle them with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and salt, and you have an amazingly nutritious and delicious side dish or snack that you can eat with pride!
