What Makes Superfoods Super?

You have probably heard about superfoods by now, but do you know why they are called that?

Here are some superfood facts you might not have known.

• Superfoods are foods packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• They’re typically plant-based but can also include some meats and dairy.
• They can boost your mood.
• They can give your body energy.
• Can help you feel full.
• Taste great.
• Healthy snack.
• Low in calories.
• Some have medicinal properties, like green tea.
• Can help to reduce inflammation.
• Can help you to lose weight.

There are choices for everyone! Let’s take a look at a handful of options.

1. Salmon

Salmon contains proteins that are essential for our cells, tissues, hormones, and muscles. Salmon is both easily digestible and easily absorbed into the body. Salmon is full of good fat (Omega-3) which plays a significant role in keeping you healthy. Salmon also increases the influence of insulin which leads to faster absorption of sugar and lowers your blood sugar level.

2. Avocado

Did you know that eating just one avocado can provide the same energy boost as ‘pre-workout’ supplements? What’s even better is that it’s completely natural! An avocado has nearly 20 vitamins, phytonutrients, and minerals that are essential for healthy weight management, including fiber and about 66% of your daily need for Vitamin K. Try adding avocado to your leafy green salad to help you feel full and stabilize your blood sugar.

3. Nuts

If you’re a fan of nuts, it would seem that walnuts are the best choice in terms of health benefits. Walnuts offer a healthy dose of Omega 3, alpha-linolenic acid, manganese, and many other nutrients. Walnuts also pack the gamma-tocopherol form of vitamin E, known to help safeguard the heart.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables miraculously affect our skin, rejuvenating it. These vegetables are rich in molecules known as glucosinolates, compounds that the plant produces to defend itself against diseases. The most common ones are broccoli, cauliflower, different forms of cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, swede, and turnip.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are a blue fruit that belongs to the Ericaceae family of plants and the genus Vaccinium, which also includes bilberries and cranberries. Blueberries are known for their high levels of different antioxidant compounds, including phenolic acids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and flavonoids such as anthocyanins (pigments that make ripe berries red, blue, or purple).

6. Spirulina

Spirulina is an interesting alga. It contains more than 70% protein. Spirulina is tagged a superfood due to the high concentration of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Vitamin C and selenium, in particular, are antioxidants that help protect our cells and tissues from damage caused by free radicals. B vitamins - B1, B2, B6, and B12 - found in spirulina can boost energy levels to a great extent by helping transform the food eaten into energy that cells can use.

Adding superfoods to your daily diet will help you to lead a longer and healthier life. There are many more to choose from. If you don’t see a choice that you like, simply do a search and choose from the multiple options available.

Check out some creative ways to get more vegetables into your meals here.