We all want to stay healthy so we can be productive and enjoy all that life has to offer. And a healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward helping that happen. Key to that lifestyle is nutrition, and there are certain powerhouse foods, known as superfoods, that are packed with nutrition and health-enhancing benefits. Here are some of the main superfoods to eat for a healthy, vibrant life.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Moms are right when they remind kids to eat their vegetables. Those foods are full of vitamins and minerals, as well as other amazing nutrients. In particular, the family of cruciferious vegetables, which includes broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage such as bok choy, is extremely beneficial. Not only are these veggies high in nutrients like vitamin C, fiber and folate, but they are also low in calories.
Leafy Greens
Popeye was on the right track when he encouraged kids and adults of all ages to eat spinach and be strong. Other leafy greens are also nutritional superstars. They include kale, chard and collard greens. Salad greens like leaf lettuces are also wonderful choices. Also beneficial are fresh cilantro and parsley. Many leafy greens are versatile enough to be great eaten either raw or cooked.
Berries and Other Fruits
If you like berries in the summer or all year long, you’ll be glad to know that these colorful, juicy fruits are actually considered superfoods and contain helpful levels of nutrients like antioxidants. So enjoy strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries to your heart’s content. Other fruits that can boost your health are grapes, particularly red ones.
Garlic
Garlic may seem simple, but its unassuming appearance masks a powerhouse of nutrients and benefits. Consisting of small bulbs made up of individual cloves, garlic is antifungal and antimicrobial. It is great eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, from pasta entrees to salads. Try growing garlic in a pot or in your garden.
Red Fruits and Vegetables
The color of your food can indicate how beneficial it is. In particular, fruits and vegetables that are red provide you with a wealth of nutrients. So load up on foods like red beets, red cabbage, tomatoes and strawberries. These foods are also as delicious as they are nutritious.
Grains and Seeds
The fiber that grains and seeds contain is super beneficial to your health, so do your best to include in your diet foods like whole grains in the form of rice and oats, as well as seeds like quinoa and pumpkin seeds. The fiber in them can help to ward off problems with blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease and even cancer.
Fish
Who doesn’t love a satisfying meal with high-quality fish as the centerpiece? And fish is as much of a superfood as it is a tasty dish. In particular, the fatty acids in salmon, tuna and oily fishes can lower harmful inflammation and heart disease risk. Fish needs to be prepared and served properly to get maximum benefits. That means baked and boiled fish is better than fried.
Olive oil
Oh-so-versatile olive oil is abounding with healthy fats that can help your heart be healthy and can even boost longevity. It’s easy to find in just about any grocery store, but make sure you buy a high-quality brand rather than one that is mixed and diluted with non-olive oil substances.
Just a couple notes to keep in mind when it comes to healthy eating and superfoods. Make sure as much of your food as possible is organically grown. That way it will be higher in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and lower in toxic substances such as pesticides and herbicides.
Also make sure as much of your food as possible is home-cooked. By preparing food yourself, you will know exactly what ingredients you are eating and can prepare food in the healthy way you prefer.
How you eat is as important as what you eat, so make sure your meals are relaxed and shared with people you love. Chew your food thoroughly, and take your time to eat slowly. By incorporating these superfoods into your daily diet, you will be making huge strides toward boosting your overall health.
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