Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that contain a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals your body needs to maintain optimum health and function.
Let’s highlight five of the best superfoods that are easy to find and easy to add to your usual meals and snacks.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is full of antioxidants that reduce inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity. However, the more affordable cinnamon from the supermarket is not as beneficial. Specifically, you should look for Ceylon, which is more expensive but also healthier. You can make cinnamon tea, bake with cinnamon, or include it in pancake batter. You can also add it to smoothies, fruit, stew, or soup; It can even be used to liven up a cocktail.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are also high in antioxidants, plus they also contain phytochemicals, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Phytochemicals control cell-damaging free radicals. Vitamin C supports your immune system. Vitamin K makes proteins that contribute to blood clotting and bone building. Manganese helps your metabolism, among other functions.
3. Avocados
Avocados are loaded with healthy fats, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Folate is also known as vitamin B9. It forms red blood cells and promotes the function and growth of cells. Getting adequate amounts of folate early in a pregnancy can reduce the chances of brain and spine birth defects.
4. Salmon
Salmon has a number of nutrients in it, including antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, protein, and selenium. It also tends to be palatable to people who usually do not enjoy eating fish because salmon is not a very “fishy” fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are the building blocks of hormones that control many functions in your body. B vitamins are responsible for breaking down carbs and moving nutrients throughout your body. Potassium regulates the number of fluids in cells. Protein is needed for the proper growth and healing of muscles and bones and the creation of hormones and enzymes. Selenium makes DNA and protects the health of your cells.
5. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is vital for vision, cellular division, immunity, reproduction, and growth. You can even make a junk food substitute – sweet potato fries instead of French fries made with white potatoes. Bake your sweet potato fries to make them even healthier rather than frying them.
Add these five superfoods to your grocery list and experiment to find out what you enjoy the most.
