What Are Superfoods And Why Do You Need Them?

The expression ‘superfood’ gets thrown around a lot and is often heard among fitness fanatics and nutrition gurus. Whether you are looking to lose weight, boost your health or combat chronic illness, you will probably come across superfoods. If you are wondering what superfoods really are, and why you should be incorporating them into your diet, then read on for our guide.

What Is A Superfood?

It is a common misconception that superfoods are certain types of food that are going to single-handedly improve a poor diet, but this isn’t the case. In reality, there is no such thing as a superfood, but there are some foods that provide more health benefits than others.

These are usually what are referred to as superfoods, but in actual fact, they are just nutrient-packed foods that can help boost your daily diet. These kinds of nutrient-dense foods offer loads of benefits and can give you a healthy boost, which is why they are often called superfoods.

Knowing how to eat a well-balanced diet and get all the nutrients your body needs to thrive can be a struggle. Incorporating some of these powerful foods into your daily life can help you stay on track. Experts suggest focusing on a varied diet of colourful fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure you are getting a range of goodness.

When you want to incorporate more superfoods into your diet, look out for those that pack a big nutritional punch and are a steady source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. If you are struggling to get enough nutrients in your diet, try our One Nutrition Power Greens for an extra boost of wellness.

What Superfoods Should I Eat?

While superfoods don’t really exist as a type of food, there are some nutrient-dense foods that can be considered superfoods. These are a few of the top foods to add to your diet for a nutritious boost;

• Broccoli: Leafy green vegetables are usually very vitamin-rich, and broccoli is one of the healthiest options. It is high in vitamin C, vitamin A and folic acid. Many other cruciferous vegetables offer similar properties, such as cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and kale.
• Beans: Beans, peas and lentils all fall under the category of legumes, and they are low fat but high protein, making them great for a balanced diet. Not only are beans a great source of protein, but they are high in iron, potassium and phosphorus. Because they contain lots of soluble fibre, beans can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
• Berries: There are many berries to choose from, such as blueberries, strawberries and cranberries. These are all packed full of vitamins, fibre and plant compounds known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are great for reducing the risk of developing various type of chronic diseases. Berries have been linked to slowing age-related memory loss and other aspects of stress that comes with age.
• Salmon: Salmon is one of the best foods available for omega-3 fatty acids. The fish is low calorie and doesn’t contain much-saturated fat, making an excellent option for a high protein meal. It contains lots of vitamin B and has been linked to lowering blood pressure and unclogging arteries.
• Kale: When many people think of superfoods, they think of kale, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Kale is packed full of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K and is also loaded with calcium, fibre and other vital minerals.
• Nuts: All kinds of nuts are a great addition to any diet, in moderation. Walnuts, almonds, cashews and more all provide excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Nuts are also dense in vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron and calcium.

Why Add Superfoods To Your Diet?

There are so many reasons why adding these nutrient-dense foods to your diet is a good idea. They are packed full of vital vitamins that will help your body function at its best. Not only that, but some can also be high in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which may help prevent chronic illnesses.

With such an abundance of unhealthy food options available on a modern diet, ensuring you are getting some goodness from these ‘superfoods’ is essential. Healthy eating and getting the right nutrients can be very beneficial for your hair, skin, body and immune system.

Just remember that eating one superfood is not a cure for all ills, but it’s about making the most of all nutrient-rich foods and avoiding nutrient-poor foodstuffs.