Superfoods You Should Be Eating More Of

Since the pandemic hit, there's been a lot of talk about taking care of our health, both physical and mental. Many people decided to do everything in their power to be as healthy as they could be. One of the main things many people changed in their pursuit of health and fitness was their eating habits. A lot of people decided to cut out junk foods and start eating only the most nutritious and healthy ingredients. If this path interests you, continue reading to discover the best way to improve your diet. Find out what superfoods are and which superfoods you should be eating more of.

What Are "Superfoods"?

While there is no universal definition of a superfood, most define them as foods that are jam-packed with disease-fighting nutrients and presented in a tasty manner. They are some of the healthiest foods you should eat daily. On the other hand, the real truth is that not one food, not even a superfood, can provide you with all the nutrients and energy you need. That's why to get the best results, it's recommended to combine different healthy choices across all food groups, all while paying attention to calorie intake.

Nuts

One of the essential superfoods you should be eating more of is nuts. They're high in polyunsaturated fats and magnesium, both very important for heart health. Moreover, these nutrients can also help protect against insulin resistance, which is a condition that can lead to diabetes. Not only that, but nuts can also reduce your inflammation and lower the risk of cancer. Finally, nuts also include insoluble fiber, which can help you stay healthy by feeding helpful gut flora.

If you want to add more nuts into your daily regimen, that's very easy. You can grab a handful of nuts every time you feel like going for a snack, or you could incorporate more nut butter into your diet. Peanut butter is especially popular with athletes since it's a great energy source, and it's also super convenient and affordable. 

Avocado

There's a reason millennials go into debt simply to eat avocado toast once in a while - it's a true superfood! And not just that, it's also delicious. Avocados include more fiber, antioxidants, and potassium than bananas and substantial doses of vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E. Moreover, these little green fruits may also help lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol, and cut blood triglycerides. If you want to experience all these benefits and more, consider adding more avocado into your daily meal plan.

You can eat avocado as is, season it with pepper or other seasons, or make guacamole.

Berries

Even though all berries can be considered superfoods, blueberries are often at the top of nearly every superfood list. According to research, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed full of antioxidants that help combat cancer-causing free radicals. Blueberries themselves act as powerful antioxidants that may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

So, the next time you're making yourself a healthy after-workout snack, consider incorporating berries. For example, add them to your greek yogurt and granola mix, or create a tasty smoothie to boost your energy.

Salmon

Fish are typically healthful due to their high protein and omega-3 fatty acids, with salmon potentially the healthiest option. Generally, adults should consume two 3.5-ounce portions of fish each week to help avoid heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, obesity, and even depression. 

Although it might seem tricky to cut all the red meats out of your diet and replace them with fish, it can be highly beneficial to your health. When it comes to daily meal plans, it's worth sticking to your regulated diet to achieve your goals. You'll be surprised how fast you'll be able to see the results.

Salmon is the healthiest fish, low in calories, high in protein.

Spinach

Another one on the list of best superfoods you should be eating more of is spinach. It's a great muscle builder, and it's high in plant-based omega-3s, which can help prevent heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, spinach is high in lutein, a chemical that helps prevent macular degeneration. It's even better for you than kale.

To add more spinach into your life, consider adding spinach salads to your meal plan every once in a while. Moreover, you can also add spinach to scrambled eggs, any breakfast sandwich, and even pizza.

Eggs

Over the years, there's been a lot of debate around eggs and how healthy they really are. At first, eggs were thought to be terrible for your health, then excellent. At one point, the whites were considered the only healthy part of an egg until it was discovered that the nutrients dwell in the yolk. Today, the whole egg is considered an essential element of a healthy diet. 

Eggs are low in calories, and they're high in complete protein. Moreover, eggs contain vitamins such as B2, B5, B12, and C, as well as selenium, choline, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, all of which are good for your eyes. And, contrary to common opinion, eggs can really help lower cholesterol levels.

There are plenty of different ways to eat eggs: fry them, boil them, put them on a sandwich, or eat them by themselves.

Kefir

The health advantages of this 2,000-year-old meal are undeniable. The fermentation process produces hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms, which act as reinforcements for your body's beneficial bacteria battalions. That's why kefir is one of the most effective and consumable sources of probiotics. It can help improve your immune system and protect you from cancer. Although often overlooked, kefir is truly a superfood.

Final Thoughts

Don't stress if you can't immediately switch out your complete diet and start eating only the healthiest options out there. Eating healthier is a journey, not a destination. Start by incorporating some of the listed superfoods into your meal plans. However, keep in mind that we couldn't possibly list all the superfoods. There are a lot more other superfoods you should be eating more of that we didn't even get to name.