Top 5 Superfoods You Should Eat Everyday
By Erika Long
In the ongoing pursuit for a healthier body and mind, superfoods are growing increasingly more popular. This category of nutrition consists of mostly plant-based foods, although there are some fish and dairy, that are thought to be nutrient rich and great for our health. The health benefits of superfoods range from being a deterrent of cancer and heart disease to improving digestion and reducing the risk of diabetes. They also hold anti-aging properties that help protect our minds from memory loss and cognition problems. Given that superfoods are packed full of what our bodies need to perform optimally, it’s smart to consume at least one of these top 5 superfoods daily.
Top 5 Superfoods You Should Eat Everyday:
- Turmeric: Turmeric is made from the ground roots of a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America. The active ingredient, curcumin, is widely used to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can help with arthritis and other causes of joint pain while the antioxidants it contains can improve liver function and aid in healthy digestion.
- Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and Swiss chards, arugula, are both low in calories and carbs while having amazingly high amounts of fiber. They contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are a great way to get a feeling of fullness that is helpful when attempting to lose weight. Besides the health benefits for your body, they are also known to promote mental alertness and reduce the onset of cognitive decline.
- Hemp Hearts: Also known as hemp seeds, hemp hearts are the nutrient dense seeds of the hemp plant. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp hearts can promote hormone regulation, bone health, and the maintenance of our metabolism and reproductive system. Besides fatty acids, they are a complete protein, which make them a perfect protein source for vegans. Plus, their mild nutty flavor is delicious.
- Matcha: Matcha means “powered tea”. The unique process of making matcha brings with it unique health benefits. When consuming matcha green tea, we are ingesting the actual tea leaves and thus, the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that come with it. Its health benefits include the risk reduction of heart disease and cancer, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, anti-aging benefits, and more. Matcha has caffeine but also L-theanine so it gives energy but not the jitters that can come with coffee. Regardless, it’s best to consume matcha at least six hours before you plan to go to sleep.
- Blueberries: Besides being delicious, blueberries are packed full of vitamins and nutrients. It is thought that blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruits and vegetables, making it the ultimate superfood. Protecting us from DNA damage, cancer, and the aging process, the health benefits of blueberries stretch far and wide. They have been linked to causing a reduction in the effects of diabetes, the maintenance of brain function and memory, and the ability to help muscles recoup after exercise.
When eaten daily, these top 5 superfoods can have amazing effects on our health. They assist in the everyday prevention against inflammation and digestive problems, as well as acting as protecting against serious health issues like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Superfoods can be a delicious way to help the mind and body perform at its peak potential.
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Erika Long loves corgis, curry and comedy. Always searching for the next great snuggle, flavor or laugh, she inspires people to live their best life now. When not writing, Erika can be found at her local brewery dominating Harry Potter trivia night.