Try These 9 Superfoods for Optimum Nutrition

These foods are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Various superfoods that are packed with nutrition.

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While the term superfood is fairly new, it refers to those foods that are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. These foods contain a large volume of vitamins and minerals that your body needs for you to feel healthy and fit.

While superfoods are incredibly good for you, according toMedical News Today,you still need to eat a healthy balanced diet.

Superfoods can not cure an unhealthy diet, Dietitian Penny Kris-Etherton told Medical News Today. “A lot of people have unrealistic expectations about these foods, thinking they’ll be protected from chronic diseases and health problems. They may eat one or two of these nutrient-dense foods on top of a poor diet.”

The best thing to do is to add one or two of these ninesuperfoodsdaily to reap all the health benefits these foods contain.

Avocado

This fruit definitely deserves the title superfood. Avocado is rich in vitamins, minerals – including potassium – , fiber and healthy fats according toHealthline. Similar to olive oil, avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats including oleic acid which could help to reduce inflammation. Addingavocadosto your diet may also help to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Avocados are a superfood rich in healthy fats.

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Berries

Berries are full of flavonoids that have many health benefits that may aid in lowering the risk of heart attacks according to theHeart Organization. The most common superfood berries include acai berries – that contain 19 amino acids and antioxidants andblueberriesthat are high in fiber, vitamin K, and manganese, according to Medical News Today. Another excellent superfruit berry are goji berries that contain flavonoids and have been used in eastern medicine to treat diabetes and high blood pressure, according to Medical News Today.

Blueberries are full of healthy flavonoids.

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Leafy Greens

When most people say eat your veggies they are probably referring to leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. That’s because these superfoods are rich in vitamins A,C,E, K, and B, iron, manganese, potassium, and calcium. Leafy greens are also high in fiber and water so they could help promotegut health.

Leafy green superfoods are good for gut health.

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Green Tea

This lightly caffeinated beverage has a large number of medicinal properties according to Healthline.Green teais rich in antioxidants and polyphonic compounds that contain anti-inflammatory benefits. A 2017studysuggested thatcatechin epigallocatechin gallate, one of the most prevalent antioxidants in green tea, could help to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

Green tea has many health benefits

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Salmon

The highomega-3 fatty acidfound in salmon makes it a superfood. Fatty acids are necessary to help build and maintain your body’s major systems functioning.Salmonis also a great source of protein, vitamins D and B12. So instead of eating red meat, try this heart healthy fish and reap all the benefits.

Salmon is a superfood high in Omega-3s.

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Nuts and Seeds

While small in size, nuts and seeds are nutritionally mighty, suggested Healthline. Rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and good fats, nuts and seeds are also full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some of the best nuts to eat arealmonds, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts. Super healthy seeds include pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds.

Enjoy snacking on healthy nuts.

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Kefir

Fermented beverages made from milk likekefircontain protein, calcium, potassium, and probiotics that are necessary for gut health. Yogurt is also a highly nutritious and healthy food. Astudyabout the nutritional and microbiological benefits found several potential health benefits that included improved digestion, helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as anti-inflammatory effects.

Kefir is a superfood made from fermented milk.

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Garlic and Onions

Pungent allium vegetables like garlic, onions, chives, and leeks are full of potent health benefits according toEveryday Health.Garlic contains antibacterial and antiviral properties and much more. Ameta-analysis, of allium vegetables and health, found that eatinggarliccould benefit people with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Garlic is a very healthy food.

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Dark Chocolate

Leaving the tastiest superfood for last,dark chocolate可能会带来一些重要的健康益处。cacao found in dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and flavonoids. But one of the best benefits is that dark chocolate is also a brain food that may help slow mental decline and improve memory according to astudyon the impact of cocoa flavanols on cognition and behavior.

Dark chocolate is a superfood full of antioxidants.

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