The word “superfood” sure gets tossed around a lot these days, but that doesn’t mean you should discount these nutrient powerhouses as a passing fad. Indeed, certain foods, more than others, pack large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, essential vitamins, and minerals and eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease, and prolong life. Plus, people who eat these foods tend to be healthier and thinner than those who don’t.
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On top of all their healthy benefits, these superfoods taste delightful, and can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Here’s our list of the top 10 superfoods to try and why they’re so “super.”
1. Kale
With so many ingenious ways to eat kale — in a salad, in smoothies, as chips — there’s no excuse not at least try this superfood. The green goodness comes rich in folate, which is essential for continued brain development. One cup of kale has just 33 calories, so dine away and heck, dine to excess! Additionally, kale is chock full of vitamins A, C and K.
2. Avocado
This superfood makes its way into many a Southwestern-inspired dish — tacos, taco salads, guacamole and more. Additionally, the avocado, when added to, say, your go-to smoothie, can greatly enhance the creamy texture of your drink without any of the unhealthy fats associated with other creamers. What about the health benefits, you ask? Turns out avocados play direct hand in cutting down on your cholesterol and triglyceride levels — pretty remarkable for a fatty, tasty fruit!
3. Blueberries
Toss these little blue bad boys into your whole-wheat pancakes or into a morning smoothie or just eat them plain — blueberries provide an impressive slew of health benefits. The ORAC score given to blueberries is 6,921, which means blueberries are one of the foods that are richest in antioxidants. On top of that impressive rating, blueberries actively combat against the visible effects of aging (healthier looking skin is a bonus), and with a great amount of phenols, blueberries claim title as neuro-protective agents.
4. Beans
Beans come densely packed with potassium, calcium, B vitamins and folate — all of which are essential to the healthy functioning of your body. Additionally, the little miracle workers spike your hormone leptin levels, which can curb your appetite. So this is a great superfood to seek out for a late night snack.
5. Wild Salmon
This popular fish protects against the later development of life-threatening conditions such as cancer, and further, provides high levels of B2, B6 and B12 vitamins. Among other benefits, B2 vitamins aid against migraine headaches, provide natural energy, and are anti-carcinogens.
6. Dark Chocolate
At last, a superfood that will satisfy our sweet tooths!. It turns out that dark chocolate combats against the oxidation of LDL, which helps fight against the development of cardiovascular disease. Be sure to choose semi-sweet or unsweetned dark chocolate for the highest benefit.
7. Chia Seeds
This plant and its seeds grow in South America, and are renowned for their ability to provide spectacularly sustained levels of energy. They were an essential food for the ancient Aztecs, and now they’re an essential superfood for the modern day hard worker like you! Additionally, their high fibre content can assist with weight loss, making you feel fuller for longer and less likely to consume excess calories.
8. Steel-Cut Oats
Consider swapping out your usual sugary cereal breakfast and start your day with a bowl of freshly-cooked, steel-cut oats. Rich in fibre (much like the chia seeds), steel-cut oats will curb your appetite throughout the day. Further, the oats provide impressively high levels of sustained energy and can be eaten in dozens of ways.
9. Oysters
We don’t usually imagine oysters when we think “superfood,” but hear us out. Oysters are a low-calorie, low-fat food that are a good source of vitamins A, E, C iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin B12 — all in one little, delicious package!
10. Edamame
This delightful dish packs impossibly high levels of protein, and can be consumed as an easy and healthy snack.! Just one cup of edamame has 22 grams of vegan protein, along with cholesterol-cutting phytosterols.