We’ve heard the expression so many times over the past few years – “why you should eat these incredible super foods.” Well, believe it or not – they wouldn’t be super if they didn’t offer your body incredible health and energy benefits. Packed with nutrients, super foods are the way to slimming down, staying toned and keeping your body in tip-top health. Here’s a look at 8 super foods and why you should be eating them.
- Seaweed – Sounds like a flavor you wouldn’t really enjoy, right? Don’t worry this slightly salty vegetable from the sea is part of the algae family – and actually tastes pretty good. Loaded with iodine and minerals, it’s great for regulating thyroid. It’s a low calorie item, which makes it perfect for watching your waistline and can be added to salad or used as the wrapper to make sushi. You can even eat it plain for a salty snack!
- Kale – Definitely not the new kid on the block anymore, kale is the leafy green that could. This low-calorie, good for you green is great used in salad, sautéed, blended up in a smoothie or even turned into chips. Loaded with flavonoids, great for detoxing – kale packs a punch when it comes to fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Quinoa – This small grain has been around the block for quite a while, packing a serious punch when it comes to health benefits. It’s got an incredibly high protein level and provides essential amino acids. It’s even gluten-free! Exchange rice or potatoes for quinoa and bump up the health factor of your next meal.
- Chia Seeds – These itty bitty seeds look too small to be so good for you, but seriously – they are packed with omega-3 fats (great for your heart!) and are loaded with fiber (necessary for digestive health). Add chias to smoothies, on your salad, sprinkled on fruit or cereal. Anything goes with chia!
- Cacao – Ever wonder what it is exactly that makes dark chocolate such a healthy, sweet treat? It’s the seed called cacao! Loaded with flavonoids and antioxidants, this little seed can help keep cholesterol on track, blood sugar stable and even help lower blood pressure. It even can boost your mood! Add cacao nibs or powder to smoothies, yogurt, cereal – you name it!
- Hemp Seeds – If you haven’t tried these yet, get right out to your local health food store to pick some up. The mild, nutty flavor is delicious when added to yogurt, salad, soup or even your morning oatmeal. Believe it or not, hemp seeds are actually a small fruit, packing lots of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, fiber, magnesium and potassium. Can you believe all that goodness is packed into something so small?
- Blueberries – The color of blueberries is what’s actually to credit here for their awesome nutritional value – it’s the flavonoids! Great for protecting the cells that carry your memory, blueberries are a powerful brain food. They’re also super hydrating because they’re packed with water.
- Red Bell Peppers – Packed to the brim with vitamin C, red bell peppers are full of antioxidants that will keep you looking great and super healthy. Great for skin, these delicious peppers also help protect against eye disease (like cataracts) and they’re packed with water for super hydration. Great as a snack or an addition to salad, stir fry – you name it!
Will you make any of these super foods part of your daily menu?
