10 Important Superfoods You NEED to Eat
1. Quinoa
Quinoa is often referred to as a grain.
This healthy superfood is actually a seed, related to beets and spinach, and not a grain. It does cook and prepare like grains, and has a grain-like appearance.
Quinoa is easy to prepare, can be sprinkled on salads, eaten as a separate side dish or added to a soup.
Health Benefits of Quinoa
This protein-rich food delivers roughly twice as much fiber per serving as common grains. It also delivers high levels of iron, magnesium, manganese and vitamin B2.
Quinoa has excellent antioxidant benefits, is high in essential amino acids, can help lower your blood sugar and boost your metabolism.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are second only to strawberries in popularity in the US. Many nutrition experts refer to blueberries as the "perfect superfood".
Health Benefits of Blueberries
This super berry delivers plenty of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, manganese, dietary fiber, and potassium.
Blueberries also contribute to healthy cholesterol regulation and deliver heart-healthy benefits, as well as improved brain function.
3. Salmon
Salmon is full of healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids.
The amino acids and proteins found in salmon also deliver a lot of health benefits.
Tip: Eat wild-caught salmon instead of farm-raised fish.
Health Benefits of Salmon
The salmon superfood promotes heart health, joint and cartilage strength and resilience, insulin effectiveness and inflammation control.
The omega-3s found in salmon also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.
4. Almonds and Walnuts
These nuts definitely qualify as superfoods.
They are full of healthy fats and deliver multiple health benefits.
A handful of walnuts or almonds makes an extremely healthy snack, and these raw superfoods can be sprinkled into your oatmeal, salads, soups and desserts.
Health Benefits of Almonds and Walnuts
These versatile, easy to pack, filling super foods can actually help improve your memory.
They also fight cancer and lower cholesterol.
They promote heart health, protect against type II diabetes, contribute to weight loss, and are rich in vitamin C, potassium and serve as healthy energy boosters.
5. Avocado
This delicious superfood is full of healthy monounsaturated fat.
Healthy fats help your body properly absorb vitamins A, E, D and K.
Just 1 cup of avocado delivers a full 10 g of fiber (25% to 45% of your daily recommended allowance).
Avocados are extremely versatile and can be used in salads, to prepare fresh guacamole, or eaten raw.
Health Benefits of Avocado
The high fiber content of avocados lead to heart health, proper digestion, and control of your cholesterol level.
Avocados are also rich in vitamin C. They additionally provide healthy antioxidants that prevent damage at a cellular level.
Avocados help reduce your risk of contracting a long list of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes.
6. Cayenne Pepper
This natural health booster works in a number of ways to deliver physical and mental benefits.
Add to your salads, soups, sandwiches and meats for a spicy kick that is nutrient-dense and full of vitamins.
Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
A significant amount of iron and vitamins A, C and E are contained in a small dose of Cayenne.
Cayenne is an anti-irritant, fights colds and flu, is an antifungal, anti-allergen and digestive aid.
It also helps detox your body and supports weight loss while fighting cancer and relieving joint pain.
7. Kale
The leafy green kale delivers more antioxidants than almost every other fruit and vegetable per serving.
Kale can be eaten raw, baked into crunchy kale chips, added to salads, sandwiches, and juices.
Health Benefits of Kale
The kale superfood is extremely high in healthy dietary fiber, iron, and calcium.
It can be boiled, enjoyed raw, steamed, stewed, roasted or juiced.
Just 1 cup of kale delivers 0 g of fat and 20% of your daily dietary fiber.
Kale helps regulate digestion, prevents constipation, keeps you from overeating and helps lower your blood sugar to a healthy level.
Kale is also extremely high in healthy antioxidants and cancer fighters.
8. Eggs
Eggs provide numerous benefits to the human body, are simple to prepare and eat, and inexpensive.
Eggs can be boiled, fried, poached and used as the basis of a healthy homemade mayonnaise recipe.
Tip: Eat eggs from grass-fed chickens rather than those that are grain-fed.
Health Benefits of Eggs
Eggs have shown to lead to a lower risk of heart disease and mental problems.
Brain development is actually boosted by this simple food.
Egg yolks are one of the densest sources of the B complex vitamin choline.
Choline helps improve neurological function and reduces inflammation.
Eggs also pack omega-3 fatty acids.
9. Sweet Potatoes and Yams
White potatoes are treated by your body as simple carbohydrates and lead to fat and weight gain.
Sweet potatoes and yams deliver a long list of vitamins and minerals which lead to mental and physical health properties.
Sweet potatoes are also extremely versatile, and easy to incorporate into your meals.
Yams and sweet potatoes are not technically the same thing, yet they are so similar.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes and Yams
One medium-sized sweet potato delivers 200% of your recommended daily requirement of vitamin A.
You also receive 50% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Sweet potatoes are inexpensive and versatile, rich in vitamin B6, and a good source of iron, vitamin D, potassium and beta- carotene.
10. Green Tea
Green tea is commonly referred to as one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.
Tip: Opt for organic green tea whenever you can, and check product labels to ensure as natural a product as possible.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
The secret health booster found in green tea is the beverage's antioxidants.
Green tea can actually slow down and repair dying cells, which makes it a great cancer fighter.
The phytochemicals in green tea have also been found to reduce your risk of heart disease.
This natural remedy promotes weight loss, healthy brain function and can lower the chances of contracting Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
