By now I’m sure we’re all pretty familiar with the term “superfoods.” These are foods that are crazy packed with nutrients to help keep our bodies and minds working at their fullest potential. Superfoods can even go beyond just providing us with essential vitamins and minerals though. They can help regulate cholesterol levels, blood pressure and some can even help in fighting against cancer and preventing auto-immune disorders.
Superfoods are pretty amazing at making us feel our absolute best. That’s why I put together this list of some of my top favorite superfoods and how I incorporate them into my meals on a regular basis. Enjoy!
1). Flaxseed
First on our list of superfoods is flaxseed. This little gem is high in fiber and contains Omega 3 fatty acid. This means it will help with digestion, especially constipation. It’s also known to lower high cholesterol, prevent certain types of cancers and lower blood sugar.
Flaxseed is super easy to incorporate into your everyday diet. The taste really isn’t too overpowering and you only a need a little each day to get all the benefits. About 1-2 tablespoons each day is enough. I use ground flaxseed and I just add a tablespoon or two to my cereal every morning. It has a slightly nutty flavor, but since my cereal already has pecans and maple flavor I can’t even tell it’s in there. My fiancé mixes his into yogurt and absolutely loves it!
2) Ginger
Ginger is rich in antioxidants and holds anti inflammatory powers. It helps promote good gut health by helping breakdown your food quicker and easier. This leads to less indigestion, bloating, stomach pain and overall all the unconformable tummy pains that we are all trying to avoid.
There are two super simple ways to incorporate ginger into your new superfood charged diet. I like to either buy it as a whole root or buy the minced version.
When I’m making ginger tea I like to buy the actual root. Simply cut off about an inch and boil some water. While the water is boiling go ahead and chop that inch long root cutting into several smaller cuttings.
You don’t need to cut too small though. Then I throw these fragrant filled bits into the hot water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Strain it, let it cool and you now have an amazing cup of ginger tea to enjoy. Add a squeeze of lemon for a little extra kick.
I also love to cook with ginger. It brings some extra flavor to anything I add it to, but my all-time favorite meal to incorporate ginger into are stir-fry’s. Stir-fry’s are my go to when I’m short on time, but still want to make sure I’m eating something healthy.
You can change them up however you want by adding in different types of rice and veggies. While sauteing your veggies also throw in a tablespoon or two of minced ginger. Once your meal is ready, serve with some soy sauce and enjoy!
3) Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are also high in antioxidants. Chia seeds provide positive benefits to the heart and liver and also provide anticancer properties. They are also high in protein, calcium and fiber.
My favorite way to use chia seeds is to mix them in overnight oats. But adding to your morning yogurt is another way to get chia seeds into your diet.
4) Dark Green Leafy Veggies
Think kale, spinach and cabbage. These kinds of dark leafy greens are a staple for a healthy diet. They are full of fiber and vitamins to help keep your bones strong, your skin glowing and keep your gut healthy.
I know I’ve mentioned them before, but stir frys are a great way to incorporate different veggies together that you might have on hand at any given time. You can also experiment with different sauces and spices to create unique meals packed with flavor and nutrition.
Not a fan of veggies? Don’t despair! Throw a handful in a blender along with some water and frozen fruit and you have yourself a health packed super smoothie!
5) Nuts
Nuts are chalk full of vitamins and minerals like protein, folic acid, vitamin E and potassium just to name a few. They are also an important superfood for a healthy heart. Keep in mind that different nuts contain different levels of essential vitamins and minerals so make sure to choose from a wide variety of nuts to gain all the benefits.
6) Avocados
Avocados are the next superfood on the list. These beauties are full of vitamin k, potassium and vitamin c. They help keep your skin and hair healthy while also keeping your immune system strong. They are a great way to add healthy fats into your diet too.
And did you know avocados have more potassium in them than bananas! It’s true! One avocado actually has 3 times as much potassium as one banana! This is your fun fact of the day and you are welcome.
7) Tomatoes
Tomatoes not only taste amazing but are incredibly amazing for you too! These bad boys are loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin C. They also contain good amounts of iron and potassium too!
Tomatoes are famous for an antioxidant called lycopene. It’s actually what helps protect them from the sun, but it can have a similar effect on your cells and help prevent cell damage.
8) Pumpkin Seeds
They might be tiny, but these little seeds are mighty in nutrition. They are packed with protein. In fact a one ounce serving offers 9-10g of protein! Within this same serving you will also enjoy a good dose of iron and zinc too.
There are also numerous ways to enjoy them. You can eat them on the side with some fruit or my favorite way which is in a strawberry, spinach salad. I also love the crunchiness they give to the salad. It just makes it that much better in my humble opinion.
9) Berries
The next food on the list are berries. It was hard to just pick one so I’m lumping this category together a bit. I’m talking strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries…ok you get it.
Berries are loaded with a ton of vitamins that many of us just aren’t getting enough of. Vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber are just a few of the wonderful benefits that berries can provide us.
A great way to get a ton of fruit into your diet at one time is by making a berry filled smoothie. I wish I was a smoothie person, but sadly I haven’t come across one yet that I truly love. So if you’re like me go for the fruit salads with a side of nuts. My favorite summer time lunch.
10) Turmeric
The last superfood on the list isn’t really a food at all. More of a super spice if you will. Turmeric is one of my favorite spices in the cupboard. Not just because I’m obsessed with the zingy flavor it gives to any dish, but also because of the health benefits that come along with it.
Turmeric is known for it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also help lower blood pressure and improve digestion.
Turmeric offers a ton of nutritional value and a little goes a long way. The recommended dose is 0.5-2g of turmeric daily. And lucky for us it’s super easy to add this special spice into all kinds of dishes. It can easily be incorporated into stir fry’s, chili, fajitas. The list goes on, but the point is this spice is an easy one to grab to instantly add some extra flavor and nutrition to almost any meal.
There are so many healthy superfoods out there. The list definitely doesn’t stop here! But these are just a few of my favorites that are easy to add into any diet.
Comment below and let me know some of your favorite superfoods you love!
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