If you want to lead a healthy life, prolong your life, manage your weight, and function as you should, focusing on your diet is a fantastic place to begin. We’re constantly told of the importance of eating healthily, yet what really constitutes as being healthy? Well, to begin with, you should ideally consider eating more superfoods. But what are superfoods and are they really as beneficial for us as we’re led to believe? To get to the bottom of this once and for all, we’re now going to take a look at 7 of the healthiest foods in existence, as we look at what are superfoods and why they’re considered to be so great for us.
What are superfoods?
Technically speaking, from a nutritional standpoint, there isn’t actually such a thing as a superfood. It is a term which was created for marketing purposes, and to help emphasize the point that some foods are nutritionally better for us than others. When people speak of superfoods, they are talking about incredibly healthy foods that are loaded full of nutrients, which do the human body a world of good.
7 of the healthiest foods in existence
Now it’s time for us to take a look at 7 of the healthiest foods in existence. These foods are packed full of nutrients and are extremely good for you. They include the following:
Berries – When we speak of berries, we’re talking about berries such as strawberries, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries. We could also include blueberries here, but we’re giving them their very own section, and you’ll find out why a little later on. Berries are rich in vitamin C which boosts the immune system, while being surprisingly low in natural fructose sugars. They’re also rich in antioxidants which help to provide anti-aging benefits and fight and prevent oxidative stress and damage to the cells. A handful of mixed berries with a serving of Greek yogurt in a morning is a great way to start your day.
Green leafy vegetables – Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are loaded full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are considered to be superfoods for a reason. Commonly you’ll find heaps of vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin K in green leafy vegetables. They’re also packed full of minerals like: Zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. In fact, gram for gram, in certain green leafy veggies you’ll find that they contain more calcium than milk. Finally, these veggies are also loaded full of polyphenols and fiber, making them great for your cells and your digestion respectively.
Blueberries – Remember how we didn’t include blueberries in our list of mixed berries earlier? Here’s why. Read any list of superfoods online and 99.9% of the time you’ll find that you see blueberries included on the list. This is because blueberries have one of the most impressive antioxidant profiles of any food in existence. Antioxidants help protect your cells and prevent them from being damaged by toxins and free radicals. Antioxidants can therefore help to prevent cancer and can ward off other illnesses, diseases, and chronic conditions such as inflammation. Blueberries also have one of the lowest fructose contents of any fruit, making them great for the waistline and great for your blood glucose levels as well.
Eggs – Yes, eggs are indeed classed as a superfood. This may come as a surprise to some of you, as once upon a time, eggs were believed to be responsible for heart disease. Eggs contain healthy cholesterol, which means that they can actually reduce harmful LDL cholesterol. They’re also a great source of protein and amino acids, making them great for your muscles if you are working out. One egg provides roughly 5 grams of protein, making them a great food for bodybuilders. You’ll also find minerals such as zinc, iron, and choline in eggs, making them great for the immune system, circulatory system, and brain, respectively.
Oily fish – Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are all examples of foods that are considered to be superfoods. Oily fish is loaded full of omega 3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids fight inflammation, they boost immunity, they improve your circulation, they’re great for the heart, they boost the metabolism, and they’re also great for the brain. On top of this, oily fish is also rich in minerals such as zinc, iron, and potassium, plus it’s a great source of protein and amino acids. Just be careful when eating oily fish, as it is rich in healthy fats and calories, so if you consume too much your weight may increase.
Avocado – Avocado is yet another food that proves that fat is not the enemy. Avocado is a fruit (yes, it is a fruit) that is loaded full of healthy monounsaturated fats that are extremely beneficial for your heart and cardiovascular system. The fats in avocados are also very good for your brain. It is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Gram for gram, an avocado contains more potassium than a banana as well.
Sweet potato – Sweet potato is a root vegetable that is considered to be a nutritional powerhouse. It gets its amazing orange color from beta-carotene and other carotenoids which function as antioxidants that help to protect you from a number of illnesses and diseases. You’ll find vitamins such as vitamin A, and vitamin C in sweet potato, making it great for the immune system. Despite their sweet taste, they’re also naturally low in sugar.
These ingredients in the raw foods mentioned above can also be found in supplements like Living Fuel Supergreens. Continue reading this for more information about the ingredients contained in this supplement.
So, if you were wondering what are superfoods, hopefully now you have a better idea of what they are, and why they’re so good for you. The next time you’re out grocery shopping, why not pick some up and begin improving your health?
