What are superfoods, you ask?
Superfoods are foods that contain high concentrations of unique, beneficial nutrients.
And I think you’ll agree with me when I say:
It’s REALLY hard to eat a healthy diet.
While they may not be as tasty as junk food, superfoods should become a priority in your diet everyday.
In this post, I’m going to tell you why you should eat 6 of my favorite superfoods everyday.
Improve Your Health By Eating These Foods
What constitutes a healthy diet, anyway?
A healthy diet is subjective. Each person’s nutritional needs varies greatly. However, there are some objectively beneficial nutrients that all diets should include.
For instance: omega-3 fatty acids, high-fiber carbohydrates, and protein are good additions to any balanced diet.
Now that you understand why we should be mindful of the contents of our diets, it’s time for me to introduce 6 of my favorite superfoods you can start incorporating into your diet everyday.
1. Lentils
Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and high fiber carbohydrate. They also contain a significant source of folate, iron, and manganese. Best of all, they are extremely affordable and versatile in the kitchen.
The protein content of lentils is their stand-out feature. This is important for anyone eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it can be difficult to eat adequate amounts of protein.
If you’re on the fence about lentils and need more reasons to incorporate them into your diet, check out this link.
2. Quinoa
Quinoa is an edible seed that is rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. It has grown popular as a nutritious alternative to white rice. Comparatively, it’s a no brainer.
Not only does white rice lack nutritional value, it also scores poorly on the Glycemic Index — a ranking of carbohydrates’ effects on blood sugar response. Whereas quinoa causes a slow-release of glucose, white rice causes a sudden spike in blood glucose. Over time, this can lead to the onset of type 2 diabetes.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Glycemic Index, check out what Harvard has to say here.
3. Oats
Oats are another nutritious seed that contain a similar nutrient profile to lentils and quinoa. However, oats possess a unique form of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan.
Beta-glucan is a source of fermentable fiber that positively impacts the microbiota in the large intestine, aiding in digestion and the maintenance of healthy cholesterol & glucose levels. And all it takes to get these benefits is having a tasty bowl of oatmeal regularly in your diet.
Learn more about the benefits of beta glucan over here.
4. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushroom is an edible fungus that offers a host of unique health benefits. Firstly, they contain beta-glucan, just like oats. But the unique benefits of this mushroom are far more intriguing.
Research has shown that lion’s mane contains two special compounds known as hericenones and erinacines, which activate nerve growth factor (NGF) — essential for the growth of new neurons and protection of existing neurons.
Additionally, there is evidence that consumption of these compounds improves cognitive abilities in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. In mice studies, lion’s mane has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, there is research that demonstrates lion’s mane mushroom’s positive impact on the digestive, cardiovascular, and immune systems of the body.
To hear more about the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms, click here.
5. Avocado
That guac’ might cost you extra, but it’s easily justified once you realize the benefits avocados offer. Not only is this creamy, green fruit delicious, it also provides a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium. Most notable, however, is the fat content of this green goodness.
About 75% of an avocado’s lipid profile is made of monounsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid, more commonly known as omega 3 fatty acids. These reduce your LDL or “bad” cholesterol and increase your HDL or “good” cholesterol. We get these benefits by eating raw avocado, and also using its oil in our cooking.
Find out more about avocados and their benefits here.
6. Broccoli Sprouts
You probably already know that broccoli is a healthy vegetable that should be included in your diet. But, did you know that immature broccoli sprouts offer unique benefits compared to their full-grown brethren?
Broccoli sprouts contain a special compound known as sulforaphane that offers protection against cancer. It also reduces the risk of neurodegenerative and heart disease.
These young sprouts contain up to 100x the amount of sulforaphane that mature broccoli does, making them a full-fledged superfood. Best of all, broccoli sprouts are easy to grow at home.
For more information on how to start sprouting, check out this guide!
Conclusion
I hope today’s post showed you why you should consider adding these superfoods to your diet.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which of the 6 superfoods from today’s post are you going to try first?
Are you going to start with something you’re already familiar with?
Or maybe you want to get adventurous and try something new.
Either way, let me know by dropping me a comment below!
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