Superfoods: Feed's All You Need Guide

Eating healthy is a wonderful way to support your body, mind, and overall well-being. There is a large variety of fruits, vegetables, and other foods you can enjoy daily to fuel your muscles, brain, and heart and support your hormones and other body functions that keep you going each day. One thing is for sure, though; not all fruits and vegetables are equal in their nutrient density, but that’s where superfoods come in! Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and more, superfoods can help make an immense difference in the way your body feels and functions. For today’s Feed’s All You Need guide, we will explore the world of superfoods - what they are, what they can do for your body, and much more.

First and foremost, what are superfoods?

Before we get into depth on all of the different superfoods you can find and different ways to enjoy them, we wanted to share a bit about what superfoods actually are. According to Medical News Today, superfoods provide a substantial amount of nutrients with very few calories. Typically superfoods are full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, helping protect your body against damage from free radicals while helping prevent heart disease, cancer, arthritis, strokes, and other health issues. As Nebraska Medicine notes, superfoods contain colorful phytochemicals, or plant-produced compounds, that contain different health benefits. These include carotenoids, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which may differ based on the food you choose; for instance, carrots contain high levels of carotenoids, while berries may be higher in flavonoids. While each of these phytochemicals does different things, eating a wide variety of foods containing these can help support your body’s healthy functioning in the long run!

What are some superfoods I can incorporate more into my diet?

Berries

The first superfood we have on our list is berries! Berries are quite a powerhouse; they make for a delicious low-calorie option chock full of antioxidants, which help protect your body from free radicals that can damage your cells. You can enjoy a wide variety of different berries throughout your day (along with a wide range of ways to incorporate them into your cooking!). You’ll typically find blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries easily at your local grocery stores. However, if you’re looking for a way to switch up your berry routine, try acai berries, blackberries, boysenberries, mulberries, and more!

Fish

Another delicious superfood you can incorporate into your diet is fish! Fish, according to the Washington State Department of Health, are considered superfoods thanks to their high levels of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been seen to help prevent heart disease. Additionally, fish has also been seen to help with vitamins and other nutrients that can help to lower blood pressure, aid in brain function, and prevent inflammation within the body, among other health benefits.

Leafy Greens

The final superfood group on our list is leafy greens! These vegetables are full of vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more and are an incredibly versatile option for all sorts of applications! For instance, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and can support healthy blood clotting, bone health, and support in weight management. Additionally, other leafy greens like microgreens, collard greens, watercress, endive, and more can help reduce inflammation, increase nitric oxide in your body, and aid in protecting against free radical damage and cancerous cell generation.

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