When it comes to your health, there’s an array of supplements and other products that may tempt you to shell out your hard-earned cash.
Superfoods are an excellent addition to your daily regimen to help you maintain a truly healthy diet and lifestyle.
Read on for a list of the top 10 superfoods that can keep you healthy, fit, and strong.
1. Dark Leafy Greens
From collard greens to kale, dark leafy greens are chock full of vital nutrients. These natural greens are packed with things like vitamin C, fiber, folate, zinc, and iron.
Dark leafy greens can help reduce the risk of chronic illness, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These delicious greens are also rich with carotenoids an anti-inflammatory compound that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
If you’re not a fan of the bitter taste that many dark leafy greens have, simply toss them in a smoothie and blend them with some fruit or protein powder. They’re also a delicious addition to stir fry and salads.
2. Monk Fruit
If you’re looking for something unique, give monk fruit a try. This bright green, small round fruit is part of the gourd family and was named after the monks who discovered it.
This delicious fruit is used as a healing herb in Eastern medicine, and it’s touted as helping to treat a variety of ailments. You can find monk fruit at some grocery stores and at local Asian grocers.
Monk fruit has a surprisingly sweet taste, but this sweetness actually comes from antioxidants. That makes monk fruit different from other fruits, and those antioxidants help your body fight off dangerous free radicals for a healthy life.
3. Delicious Berries
Whether you love the delicious taste of blueberries or adore raspberries, these tiny fruits pack a healthy punch. Berries contain antioxidants to help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory issues.
Some research shows that berries may also help to treat specific immune and digestive-related disorders. Other berries that are part of the top 10 superfoods include cranberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
A bonus to berries is that they’re extremely versatile. Add them to your cereal, eat them plain, or add them to your favorite smoothie for a flavorful, healthy addition to your meals and snacks.
4. Healthy Green Tea
If you enjoy tea, give green tea a try to boost your healthy regimen. This lightly caffeinated tea comes from China and boasts a ton of antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds.
With regular consumption, green tea can produce beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. The compound called EGCG found in green tea is known to protect against chronic diseases.
You can enjoy green tea on ice, or drink it hot during the cold weather. It may also have a slightly positive impact on your weight loss goals, which makes it a fantastic superfood for lots of reasons.
5. Legumes
Legumes are a specific type of food that includes soybeans, peas, lentils, peanuts, and alfalfa. These versatile foods are full of vital nutrients that can help to prevent or manage a myriad of diseases.
Not only are legumes full of healthy B vitamins and lots of minerals, but they’re also rich in fiber and protein. Some of the benefits of legumes include helping the body keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check.
Since legumes are full of protein, they’re also a good choice to add to your favorite recipes. The high protein content will help you feel fuller, longer.
6. Yogurt and Kefir
It may surprise you that certain dairy products are considered superfoods, but yogurt and kefir definitely fit the bill. These foods are rich in probiotics that can help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost your immune system.
Kefir is a beverage made from milk and is fermented, which gives it an unusual flavor. This drink is chock full of B vitamins, calcium, probiotics, and protein.
Yogurt is thicker than kefir and can be topped with fruit or granola for added flavor. Both of these superfoods are great for your digestive system, but make sure you choose products with low sugar content.
7. Olive Oil
Harvested from the fruit of olive trees, olive oil is an important part of the Mediterranean diet. This oil is rich in healthy compounds including monounsaturated fatty acids.
If you swap olive oil for other oils, you’ll get reduced inflammation and a healthy heart. This oil may also reduce the risk of certain conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Olive oil contains high levels of vitamins K and E. Both of these vitamins can protect your body against cellular damage due to oxidative stress.
8. Eggs
Eggs used to have a bad reputation, but they’ve proven to be a healthy superfood. Nutrients like B vitamins, iron, choline, selenium, and vitamin A are all found in whole eggs.
In addition to their nutritional value, eggs are also loaded with protein. If you eat eggs regularly, they may help to protect your vision and eye health, too.
Eggs may also increase your HDL, or “good” cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease. From a breakfast dish to your favorite egg salad, this superfood is easy to incorporate into your diet.
9. Flavorful Garlic
With tons of vitamin C, B6, selenium, and fiber, garlic is one of the best superfoods. This plant is related to onions, leeks, and shallots and has a bold flavor.
Some research shows garlic could reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. It might also contribute to a healthier immune system.
The sulfur compounds in garlic could also prevent specific types of cancer. Add it to Italian meals or eat it on pizza for a healthy boost.
10. Fish
From salmon to flounder, fish is full of healthy fats, B vitamins, protein, and potassium. It’s also rich with omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and protect the heart.
You may also be able to lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease while maintaining a healthy weight. Try to limit your consumption of fish to about two to three servings per week. Baked or broiled, this superfood is an awesome choice for a healthier lifestyle.
Boost Your Diet With These Top 10 Superfoods
Use this list of the top 10 superfoods to help you get more nutrients and benefits in your diet. From berries to eggs and monk fruit, give some of these foods a try today.
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