Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods with a host of nutrients to make you healthier. More foods are being added to the superfood list and consumers are seeing an explosion of healthy foods to choose from.
While the concept of superfoods is really a marketing hype, it’s continuing to become more popular. Foods such as blueberries, salmon, kale and acai are labeled as superfoods and are thought to be more nutritious.
There’s been a 40% increase in the number of superfoods in the past few years and superfoods are a billion dollar industry. Superfoods such as quinoa, chia seeds and kale have enjoyed significant sales growth. Up and coming foods are pea protein, seaweed, ginger, turmeric, barley and chickpeas.
Superfoods contain a variety of nutrients beneficial to health. Antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber found in superfoods help with a variety of ailments including heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Top Superfoods
Blueberries are rich in vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are compounds believed to protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer.
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Kale is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, calcium and other minerals. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help counteract oxidative damage by free radicals in the body.
Sweet potatoes are a distant cousin to the white potato and have a sweet taste and are high in fiber. They are a rich supply of vitamin A with over double the daily value of vitamin A. They are also high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which have a variety of health benefits including reducing inflammation. It can help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Salmon is packed with healthy fats, protein, vitamin B, potassium and selenium.
Avocado is a nutritious fruit although its treated more like a vegetable. Avocado is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Eating avocado may reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and certain types of cancer.
Olive oil comes from the olive tree and is a mainstay in the Mediterranean diet. It has high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamins E and K. It can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Eggs are loaded with high-quality protein and are a rich source of vitamins A and B, choline, selenium, iron and phosphorus. Research shows eating eggs regularly will not increase your risk of heart disease or diabetes.
