In general, food is already pretty super, but certain foods go the extra mile for health. These are called superfoods.
So what are superfoods, exactly? Superfoods are foods that are rich in nutrients and are primarily helpful for our health and well-being.
This may sound as though only fruits and vegetables are considered superfoods, but this isn’t entirely true. Yes, most of the foods listed below are either fruits or vegetables, but a superfood might surprise you.
Ways Superfoods Contribute To Your Health
- Promotes heart health
- Boosts your immune system
- Aids in weight loss
- Improves energy levels
- Helps to prevent diseases
5 Superfoods To Include In Your Diet
- Blueberries
Rich with fiber and antioxidants, blueberries protect your healthy cells from damage. Adding just one cup of blueberries to your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 15%, delay cognitive decline, and control your weight. Since blueberries contain lots of fiber, this helps you to feel full. Plus, blueberries are a great addition to cereal, yogurt, and even salad.
2. Salmon
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids (essential for brain, eye, and heart health), salmon helps to reduce your risk of serious diseases, such as stroke and heart disease. Including salmon in your diet can also reduce inflammation in the body and decrease blood pressure.
3. Avocados
Avocados are one of the most nutrient-dense foods around. They are plant foods high in monounsaturated fats. Meaning, it is a healthy fat that helps lower your bad cholesterol level and helps develop and maintain your cells. The nutrients contained in avocados have numerous health benefits ranging from promoting digestive health to boosting your immune system to protecting against Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Dark Chocolate
Surprisingly enough, dark chocolate is a superfood. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. However, the darker the chocolate, the higher the health benefits. So, to reap the benefits of dark chocolate, it is good to consume dark chocolate containing at least 70% cacao.
5. Lentils
As part of the legume family, lentils are rich in fiber, supporting an overall healthy digestive system. Adding lentils to your diet can reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Lentils are also an excellent source of protein, which makes them a great alternative to meat.
Balance is Key
Although all food is good, all food is not always good for you. It is, however, a good idea to always have a well-balanced diet. With these (and other) superfoods added to your diet, you can be on your way to living a healthier life.
Eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich food is an excellent start for optimal healthfulness, but don’t forget your yearly wellness check. Give us a call at the office, or if you’re currently a patient, and are feeling under the weather, click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.
