6 Superfoods You Need to Know About

It is a fact that no single food contains all the health benefits, nutrition, and energy the body needs but some come really close.

These “superfoods” are considered such because they offer essential nutrients that further enrich your meals and snacks while promoting a healthier eating pattern.

What are these superfoods and why should you include them in your diet?

Fish

An excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, fish is known for helping reduce the risk of contracting heart disease. They are also known for helping reduce the risk of diabetes as well as inflammation.

Fish is good whether you buy them fresh, frozen, or canned.  If you’re aiming for the highest omega-3 content, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are some of the best choices.

Berries 

Considered a nutritional powerhouse, berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

They are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation and does a good job of treating digestive and immune problems. They’re best consumed as part of your breakfast, dessert, or even in salads or smoothies.

Dark Leafy Greens

Kale, Spinach, and Collard greens.  These are just some of the best examples of dark leafy greens that are packed with essential nutrients the body needs.

They are excellent sources of calcium, iron, folate, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C among others.  What makes them essential is the fact that they help reduce the risk of various illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

While not everyone enjoys their bitter taste, the best way to consume them is by including them in salads, soups, and curries depending on your preference.

Moringa

Also known as “drumstick tree” and “miracle tree,” Moringa has been around for centuries and is known for its health and medicinal benefits.

This wonder tree is also known to contain anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, and antiviral properties.  They are also rich in calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A, magnesium, and zinc just to name a few.

You can include moringa in your daily meals by mixing them with your smoothies, making a tea out of them, or even add them to your favorite soups and salad dressings.

Eggs

Controversial as they may be due to their high cholesterol content, there’s no denying the fact that eggs remain as one of the healthiest foods we have around.

Rich in nutrients like vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and selenium, eggs are also loaded with high-quality protein as well as antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of fiber, healthy fats, and protein.  They are also known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that the body needs.

Studies have also shown that nuts and seeds consumption can also aid in protecting us from contracting heart disease, making them a daily must-have.

Some of the common nuts and seeds you may want to include in your meals are almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, just to name a few.

Final Thoughts 

Achieving good health is not impossible but it would take more than one food to gain all the vitamins and nutrients we need.

There’s no such thing as an ultimate “superfood” that contains all the health benefits we need but we can make it happen by including some or all of the foods mentioned in the list in one power-packed yet balanced diet.