The Best Superfoods For A Healthy Diet

What are superfoods? They are foods that are healthy and nutrient-dense. Superfoods have far more nutrients per calorie than other foods. They have much to offer for people who want healthier alternatives or those on a weight loss diet. The list of superfoods has become more extensive in recent years as scientists recognize more benefits from their phytonutrients. Some superfoods can help with specific health issues, such as elderberries for fighting influenza. Other superfoods are just good additions to any diet because of all the nutrients they contain.

Elderberries aren’t the only berries that are superfoods.

Phytochemicals in plants provide many benefits. For instance, anthocyanins that give fruits and vegetables the blue, purple, or deep red color, also provide health benefits from consuming the fruit or vegetable. Blueberries are best known for their anthocyanin content. It boosts brain power and helps protect cells from free radicals. Blueberries also contain fiber, vitamins C and K, and manganese. According to some studies, consuming blueberries may help prevent diabetes, lower blood pressure, improve your cholesterol panel, and boost exercise recovery. Like cranberries, blueberries also can help prevent urinary tract infections.

Sweet potatoes are an inexpensive superfood when cooked right.

Not all sweet potato dishes are healthy. It’s hard to overcome the negative effects of cups of brown sugar or marshmallows, so their superfood status depends on how you make them. If you grill them, bake them, or broil them without other ingredients or healthy ones, you’ll release their superfood power. They’re full of antioxidants. They contain manganese, pantothenic acid, fiber, and vitamins A, B6, and C. Eating sweet potatoes can improve your immune system, eye health, and memory. They’re also heart-healthy.

Coconuts provide a multitude of health benefits.

Whether you eat coconut meat, use coconut oil, or drink coconut milk or coconut water, you’ll get benefits. People drink coconut milk and water after a workout to help boost recovery due to the electrolytes they contain. Coconut milk, condensed coconut, and coconut cream are excellent alternatives that are gluten, soy, and lactose-free. They provide heart-healthy benefits, such as lowering bad cholesterol, and can improve gut health. Using coconut products can also help you lose weight. Eating coconut meat increases your intake of vitamins A and E, protein fiber, and other nutrients.

• Eating cherries and drinking cherry juice can improve your recovery. One study identified that eating tart cherries after a workout helped boost recovery and improve performance. It’s due to the anti-inflammatory properties of cherries.
• You can make a potent treat that tastes delicious by combining three superfoods. Freeze a half banana on a stick, dip it in a little melted dark chocolate, and roll it in crushed walnuts. You’ll have all types of nutrients that lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost your brain power.
• Add broccoli to your diet. It contains nutrients vital for muscle development, cell development, and repair. It improves heart and eye health and helps prevent disease due to its high antioxidant content.
• Kale is well-known as a superfood, as is another salad-friendly vegetable spinach. If you want a veggie high in vitamin C, include kale in your salad. Choose spinach if you want more vitamin K, A, and folate.

For more information, contact us today at Thrive Fitness!