There is no single food can fulfill every nutritional requirement and render comprehensive health benefits. Wondering what’s the hype about superfoods then? Superfoods essentially are few foods that are power packed with several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids, and antioxidants but not all. Adopting a combination of superfoods in your everyday diet can help you evade the wrath of infections and chronic diseases in the long run.
Let’s take a quick look at some superfoods that you should try including in your daily meals:
- Berries
Rich in soluble fiber and antioxidants, berries help reduce cholesterol and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Its antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and resveratrol can lower the risk of cancer. Moreover, it is high in vitamin C that helps fight inflammation that can contribute to the development of chronic disorders including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and gout. You can include berries in your breakfast recipes such as in smoothies, cereals, and yogurt. - Dark chocolate
Loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols, dark chocolate can help mitigate the risk of heart attacks by preventing the arteries from getting blocked. Certain research studies suggest that having small amounts of dark chocolate regularly can normalize blood pressure and lower the risk of strokes in women. It also promotes brain health by boosting memory, so it might be instrumental in preventing the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. - Fatty fish
Fatty fish including salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help control the level of fats in the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots that can cause heart disorders. Moreover, fatty fish helps increase the blood flow in the brain, preventing diseases associated with dementia, depression, epilepsy, learning, and memory. According to the American Heart Association, people should have at least 2 servings of fatty fish twice a week. - Yogurt
An incredible source of calcium, protein, and probiotics, yogurt helps improve bone and skin health as well as enhances the intestinal function. It can prove to be an effective home remedy for individuals struggling with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as it restores the good bacteria levels in the gut. However, it should be avoided, if one happens to be lactose intolerant. Plain yogurt can also help treat and prevent the symptoms of UTI (urinary tract disease) by keeping the bad bacteria from growing. - Avocado
Popular for its taste and texture, avocado is also highly abundant in healthy fats and various vitamins and minerals. Due to the high vitamin E content, regular consumption of this fruit prevents chronic inflammation that is notorious for triggering diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and degenerative brain and eye disorders. Avocado also contains folic acid that is an indispensable form of nutrient for the growth and development of a fetus. - Tomatoes
Apart from adding bright flavors and vibrancy to a recipe, tomatoes play a vital role in alleviating the risk of cancer and stroke by inhibiting cell damage. They are also a wonderful source of carotenoids that promote eye health and overall immunity. Furthermore, its high vitamin C content along with potassium and fiber supports healthy functioning of the heart and helps stabilize the blood sugar levels in diabetics.
