If you’re looking for a way to take your nutrition to the next level, to boost your health and wellness, it’s worth considering incorporating superfoods into your diet. They’re not just trends, as they can be packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. If you’re ready, here are a few of the best of them to add to your diet.
Salmon
Another excellent source of high-quality protein is salmon, which also contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Eating salmon regularly can support heart health and brain function while also reducing inflammation, so it’s worth starting to grill, bake, or poach salmon to incorporate it into your weekly meal plan.
Avocado
Perhaps the trendiest of superfoods in recent years has been avocados, loved widely for their healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin E. They can even help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health, truly representing the definition of a “superfood.”
Sweet Potatoes
Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes will do wonders for your eye health, immune function, and digestion. They’re highly versatile, as you can roast, bake, or mash them for a delicious and nutritious side dish or snack.
Blueberries
Most people can agree that blueberries are delicious, but as the Cleveland Clinic reminds us, these small berries are also packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress. If you include blueberries in your diet, they can improve your cognitive function and support heart health, so consider throwing some into your smoothies and cereals or eating them on their own as a quick, healthy snack.
Kale
One of the trendiest superfoods out there is kale, and it’s trendy for a reason. This leafy green is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. This helps to support your bone health, aid digestion, and even reduce inflammation. It works great in salads or as a side dish and will greatly boost your nutrient intake and overall health.
Chia Seeds
Another superfood to consider adding to your diet is chia seeds. These tiny seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, which help support digestion and heart health and keep you feeling full longer. Best of all, they taste amazing when added to your yogurt, making for an incredibly healthy treat.
Quinoa
Many people find it hard to believe that quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also rich in fiber, magnesium, and iron, so despite its somewhat unappealing appearance, it’s absolutely worth adding to your salads and soups.
Spinach
Most people know that spinach is incredibly healthy for them, and they don’t need superfood trendsetters to tell them that. It’s nutrient-dense and high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Furthermore, it famously supports bone health, boosts the immune system, and aids in digestion, so there’s really no reason not to incorporate it into your diet.
Almonds
Not only are almonds a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but they’re super tasty, too, making for a great treat. They also contain vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants and can even improve your heart health and sleep, as well as support weight management. Best of all, you can grind them up to make the tastiest and healthiest butter you’ve ever eaten.
Greek Yogurt
If you love eating yogurt, you should consider ditching the sugar-packed flavored yogurts in favor of Greek yogurt, which is incredibly healthy. It’s packed with protein, probiotics, and calcium, helping to support digestive health and strengthen bones. It may not taste as good as the bad stuff initially, but once your taste buds adapt to it, you’ll love it.
Broccoli
Vitamins C and K, as well as a huge dose of fiber and antioxidants, are all packed into broccoli, so there’s no wonder why your parents were always trying to make you eat it. It can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve digestive health, too, making for a seriously nutritious addition to your meals.
Walnuts
Just like almonds, walnuts are a very tasty nut that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and even protein. This makes them excellent for your brain and heart while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Add walnuts to salads, oatmeal, or enjoy them as a snack to boost your nutrient intake.
Green Tea
If you’re a big tea drinker but are looking for something healthier than black tea, consider switching to green tea, which is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that can improve brain function, support weight loss, and even lower the risk of cancer. Drinking green tea regularly can also boost metabolism and provide a calming, healthy beverage option–now that is a superfood.
Turmeric
There are few spices out there that are as healthy as turmeric, which contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. It can improve brain function, reduce inflammation, and support joint health, so remember to add turmeric to curries, soups, or smoothies to enjoy its health benefits, not to mention its vibrant color and delightful flavor.
Dark Chocolate
While regular chocolate is usually packed with sugar and additives, dark chocolate is actually very healthy, as it’s packed with antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium. These can improve your heart health significantly while also working wonders on your brain function and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. So, as long as you choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, you really can enjoy it guilt-free.
Lentils
Many people mistake lentils for being a carb, but they are actually a protein while also bringing fiber and all sorts of essential nutrients like iron and folate to your meals. All of this supports heart health, aids digestion, and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, so it’s seriously worth considering substituting rice for lentils on occasion.
Ginger
One of the best superfood aromatics out there is undeniably ginger, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Use fresh or powdered ginger in teas, smoothies, or cooking to enjoy its health benefits, which include better digestion, reduced nausea, and immunity to infections.
Flaxseeds
Another excellent superfood to add to your diet is flaxseed, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which have antioxidant properties. They support heart health, improve digestion, and may reduce cancer risk, so you’ll be doing your body a serious favor by consuming them regularly.
Beets
Not only are they tasty, both fresh and pickled, but beets are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties. They can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and support liver health, too, so, if you’d like to introduce more of them to your diet, consider roasting or juicing them for additions to any meal or smoothie.
Garlic
Other than ginger, garlic is another aromatic known for its immune-boosting properties, as it contains compounds like allicin that have antibacterial and antiviral effects. It can reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, too, and thanks to the amazing flavors it brings to dishes, there’s never an excuse not to use it when cooking.
Pomegranate
Perhaps the most delightful superfood on this list is pomegranates, which not only have a famous crunch texture but are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They can improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and support digestive health, so consider enjoying them as a snack, adding them to salads, or using the juice in smoothies and marinades.