Some foods are so nutritious that they have been deemed “superfoods”—high invitamins,矿物质, antioxidants, and other nutrients beneficial for your health.
But it is important to understand that there is no single superfood that is the key to boosting health and preventing disease. In reality, the best way to boost your health and keep illness at bay is to eat a balanceddiet.
However, since the term “superfood” is here to stay,here are 16 of the top superfoods that deserve that title.16 superfoods to include in your diet
- Green leafy vegetables:Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and beet greens are high invitamins, magnesium, and potassium. They help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
- Berries:Berries are high in vitamins, minerals,fiber, and antioxidants. In addition to helping promote gooddigestion, they can also help lower the risk ofheart diseaseandcancer.
- Amla (gooseberry):Amla is one of the best foods to boost immunity. Rich invitamin Cand possessing antibacterial properties, amla is beneficial for eyesight andanti-aging.
- Coconut:Coconut contains a unique fatty acid that provides fuel for good gut bacteria and can be beneficial to the skin when applied topically. Coconut water also containselectrolytesthat make it a great pre- or post-workout drink.
- Bananas:Bananas are high in potassium, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients that are vital for physical andmental health. Bananas contain plant sterols, which help regulate the body'scholesterol levels. They are also good for thedigestive systemdue to their high fiber content.
- Almonds:Almonds are high in fiber, essentialfats,vitamin E, and zinc and have health benefits for your eyes, skin, hair, and brain.
- Seeds and nuts:Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds are high inheart-healthy fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
- Ghee:Ghee may help lower theglycemic indexof your food and aid in the absorption of other nutrients found in your food. Ghee has prebiotic properties, lowerscholesterol, regulates hormones, and boosts the immune system.
- Turmeric:Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin, which helps reducepainand preventsheart diseaseandcancer. Some studies have shown that turmeric may also help treatdiabetes.
- Eggs:Eggs are abundant in protein, antioxidants, vitamins A and B, iron, and phosphorus.
- Garlic:Garlic is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins B6 and C. It boosts the immune system and lowers the risk ofhigh cholesterolandheart disease. According to some studies, garlic may also inhibit the development of somecancers.
- Ginger:Ginger contains antioxidants that protect the heart by reducing inflammation. Ginger may also help with alleviatingpainandnausea.
- Yogurt:Yogurt is rich inprobiotics, making it beneficial to the digestive system. Yogurt also contains calcium and vitamin B and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Avocado:Avocados are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help lower inflammation in the body. Avocados also contain vitamins and fiber that can help keep diseases at bay.
- Kiwi:猕猴桃营养丰富,但低热量,making it an excellent fruit forweight loss. Studies have shown that kiwi may lower the risk ofstrokes.
- Salmon:Salmon is rich inomega-3 fatty acidsand protein, helping to lower the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.
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Medically Reviewed on6/20/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Image
Cleveland Clinic. What Is a Superfood, Anyway? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-superfood/
The University of California. What makes superfood so super? https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/what-makes-superfood-so-super
Harvard T.H. Chan. Superfoods or Superhype? https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/superfoods/
Cleveland Clinic. What Is a Superfood, Anyway? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-superfood/
The University of California. What makes superfood so super? https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/what-makes-superfood-so-super
Harvard T.H. Chan. Superfoods or Superhype? https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/superfoods/
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