With a kajillion diets to choose from, picking the right foods can get tricky. But an easy way to get plenty of nutrients is to add superfoods to your diet.
But what are superfoods? Foods with superpowers, right? Kind of. Superfoods are foods packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re usually plant-based but can also include some meats and dairy.
Here are 25 superfoods to help spice up your health life. There’s something for everyone!
Greek yogurt — kefir’s thicker, creamier cousin — is chock-full of probiotics. These microorganisms are great for digestion and promote a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome. Plus, it’s a protein-packed snack and a 10/10 substitute for heavier choices like sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo.
This teeny-tiny, pseudograin packs some serious nutritional prowess. Quinoa is one of the only grain– or seed-like foods that provides all nine essential amino acids. It’s also a protein powerhouse — 8.14 grams per 1-cup serving to be exact! BTW, it boasts a delish nutty flavor that works well in soups, salads, or solo.
Blueberries are known for their sweet flavor. But it turns out, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious! This popular fruit
is filled with fiber, vitamin C, and cancer-fighting compounds. Berrylicious bonus: A 2010 study suggests blueberries can even improve memory! But keep in mind, this was an animal study. So we still need more research on humans to show these results are for real.
This rough and tough green is a nutritional superstar. Kale is a killer source of calcium, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. We also love that it’s super affordable and can work into a TON of dishes. You can boil, steam, roast, or stew it. But it’s also *chefs kiss* tasty as a salad base.
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Yep, this little seed is the same as those adorable little ceramic animal planters of the 90s! But don’t worry, the nutritious part is not the clay pot. A single serving of seeds is a great source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also have high antioxidant content and may help fight free radicals.
Oatmeal is high in fiber, antioxidants, and tons of other nutrients. It may help lower cholesterol levels, aid in digestion, and even improve metabolism. Oh, and the fact that it’s downright delicious is def an added bonus. Pro tip: Try one of these oat-mazing overnight oat recipes!
Green tea has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. It’s been historically used to treat everything from cancer to heart disease. The secret to this delicious drink? Antioxidants! This includes Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a phytochemical that slows irregular cell growth.
Some studies suggest EGCG can even prevent certain types of cancers. But most research has been done in-vitro or on animals, so we def need more human studies to show this is legit.
This lean, mean, green machine is packed with vitamins, minerals, disease-fighting compounds, and fiber. Though all members of the cruciferous vegetable family are super-duper healthy, broccoli stands out for its high levels of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. So get to chopping 🥦!