You want to lose weight and improve your health, so you add nutritious foods into your diet. That’s a great start! But the key to a healthier life isn’t just to eat healthy. You should eat smart, too! And that’s where these superfoods come in.
What Is a Superfood, Anyway?
Superfoods are exactly what they sound like: a category of foods that are nutrient-dense with a variety of health benefits. They are often rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, as well as enzymes and health fats. All of these nutrients are essential to your body so you can thrive. They fuel your body so it can fight back to prevents disease and sickness. Most superfoods come from plants, but some meat and spices make the cut too.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense and versatile vegetable. It’s low in calories and contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that support many aspects of human health. The sulforaphane in this cruciferous vegetable helps to lower the risk of cancer.
How To Eat It:
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable. You can bake it, steam it, or snack on it raw. Add it to a breakfast scramble or mix it into a vegetable sauté for a delicious side dish.
Berries
They’re not just pretty in pink, red, and blue. Berries contain antioxidants (anthocyanins and vitamin C) and flavonoids, protecting healthy cells from damage. These fruits can improve memory and build collagen, the protein that keeps your skin wrinkle-free. These berries, whether blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries, have also been shown to have anti-cancer qualities.
How To Eat It:
Berries are perfect on salads and are key to refreshing fruit smoothies.
Leafy Greens
There are lots of leafy green options out there. Spinach is packed with iron, a mineral most women don’t get enough of. It’s also low in calories and packed with other beneficial nutrients like potassium and magnesium, both of which are important for healthy bones.
How To Eat It:
Sauté spinach and mix it into your next meal to add a savory flavor to any dish. You can also make it the base of a salad and layer other fresh vegetables on top.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in vitamin D, a nutrient needed for healthy bones. This heart-healthy fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and anti-inflammatory properties to support weight loss and healthy younger looking skin, hair, and nails.
How To Eat It:
Season the salmon well on both sides. Then, cook on high heat to seal in juices and form a delicious crust.
Turmeric
This earthy-flavored spice is native to Southeast Asia and contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin reduces inflammation and stabilizes blood sugar levels. If you have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, it may be beneficial to include turmeric in your diet.
How To Eat It:
Blend turmeric into your next smoothie for a kick. You can also add it to soups or season lean meats.
Ginger
Ginger has many anti-inflammatory benefits. This powerful food has been shown to alleviate abdominal bloat, pain, and discomfort. It can also support digestion and even aid weight loss. Spice up your diet with this zesty nutrient and add it to a cup of tea, stir fry, or smoothie.
How To Eat It:
Make a warm cup of ginger tea, add it to your stir fry or smoothie, or mix it into your soup for a spicy flavor boost.
Bonus Superfood: Water
Water technically isn’t a food; It’s a super beverage everyone should drink a little more. It’s great for your entire body and helps flush toxins out. Staying hydrated can help your skin, sleep, and weight loss.
Ready to take the first step to becoming a healthier version of you? Request an appointment to meet with one of our Licensed Medical Providers to help you achieve your personal health goals.
