Over the past few years, the term super food has become a big part of modern vocabulary. It’s hard to read a magazine without reading about the latest super food and how it has the potential to change your life. If you’re picturing a head of broccoli wearing a cape, it’s time to think again. Super foods are not magical, but they are foods that contain an especially high concentration of vitamins or minerals. Some ingredients do have the potential to improve health, but they can’t work alone. Super foods should simply be a part of our holistic approach to health and well-being. Read on to discover what some of these super foods are, how they can improve your health and how maintaining a healthy diet is the first step in overall wellness.
Salmon and Other Omega-3 Containing Fish
If you found out that a single pill taken twice a week could reduce rates of depression, possibly prevent Alzheimer’s and even lower your cholesterol, the odds are high that you would drive straight to the pharmacy to pick some up. Believe it or not, a single serving of salmon eaten twice a week can do all of that and more. Salmon, as well as a fish like mackerel and herring, are high in healthy Omega-3 fats that can do a world of good for the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Blueberries
Blueberries are a food that most people enjoy, but they simply don’t make it into your shopping basket as often as they probably should. These tiny and tasty berries are full of Vitamin C and other nutrients, but what makes them seriously super is their anti-inflammatory potential. Inflammation is the cause of a number of health problems including arthritis and gastrointestinal distress, but a half-cup serving of fresh or frozen blueberries every day can go a long way in preventing these diseases caused by inflammation.
Greek Yogurt for Protein and Probiotics
When you think of bacteria, you probably think of something that needs to be cleaned in a hurry. When it comes to your digestive system, healthy bacteria are actually a vital part of the equation. Yogurt is high in calcium, but it can also be the perfect way to ingest healthy bacteria on a daily basis to aid your digestion. Greek yogurt has a thicker texture than traditional yogurt, and it has a much higher concentration of protein. Look for plain Greek yogurts and then top them with nuts or fresh fruit for a nutritious snack, breakfast or dessert to enjoy without any guilt.
Fill Up on Nutritious Sweet Potatoes
Plain white potatoes are one of the most widely consumed foods in the world, but we might be a lot better off if we replaced plain potatoes with sweet potatoes. These tasty potatoes are full of fibre, which means that they can fill you up without a lot of calories. Plus, sweet potatoes are bursting with Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which can prevent skin damage and help your immune system. Try cutting up sweet potatoes and baking them like chips, or bake them whole and enjoy with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweeter but still guilt-free snack.
Improve Your Eyesight with Eggs
Eggs have gotten a bad reputation over the last few decades, and many healthy eaters still shun egg yolks because they are a source of fat. While it is the egg white that contains the most protein, keep the yolk in to get the most nutritional benefits. Egg yolks contains lutein, which works to keep your eyes healthy and reduce the chance of macular degeneration in old age.
There is no shortage of reasons to begin or continue eating these super foods on a regular basis. Along with the health benefits, you can enjoy financial benefits when you take charge of your diet. Many health insurance providers see the link between a healthy lifestyle and fewer medical conditions, and they are offering discounts to individuals who can demonstrate their healthy choices. For more healthy living tips that go beyond food, check out Compare the Market’s guide to sustainable weight loss.
