What’s really considered a Superfood these days anyways, as they’re now featured everywhere, highlighting their extraordinary benefits, and how good they are for your health.
Certain superfoods are known to naturally contain higher than average concentrations of nutrients, which fights off disease while simultaneously improving the quality of your life and health.
The majority of superfoods in the past were considered exotic, rare, and thus expensive, such as, the goji berry, acai berries, noni, and mangosteen, which are not exactly household food items.
But there are also some everyday common foods which are found at your local grocer, which are now classified as superfoods because of their superior nutritional value. These are usually more affordable, and can be easily added to your daily diet.
The Most Popular Common Superfoods
Can’t Beat Broccoli
Broccoli is gloriously low in calories but high in the health promoting polyphenols. Broccoli in the raw is now considered one of the most potent superfoods available for its nutritious superiority.
There are studies which support that broccoli is able to combat certain cancers, heart disease, boosting of the immune system, fighting off cataracts, and even reducing birth defect risks.
Broccoli is best eaten raw and organic, lightly steamed, or as a stir fry. It’s also recommended that broccoli be cooked just below crisp tender, this to avoid reducing it’s nutritional value. Make sure that you include small bits of raw chopped broccoli in all your salads, grain dishes, or quiche.
“A” Is For Avocado
The silky green avocado with its fine creamy texture and delicate flavor is known to lower the risk of heart disease, this by reducing LDL, which is the unwanted bad cholesterol, while increasing the good HDL cholesterol.
Avocado’s are also low in calories, as they contain the good monounsaturated fat, natural vitamin E, fiber, folate, potassium, and magnesium. Try replacing mayonnaise by spreading avocado on your sandwich, or puree it as a salad dressing. Also try dicing them and then adding to your fruit salad, or blend into a healthy smoothie.
Those Leafy Dark Greens
Healthy dark green leafy vegetables such as: kale, spinach, chard, arugula, and collard greens, are just few of the excellent low calorie, dark leafy greens which are packed with nutrients and thus considered as superfoods.
These are excellent dietary staples which promotes better eye health, boosts better brain function, combats certain cancers, and fights off heart disease. Since there are such wide and ample tasting varieties of these greens, you can include them easily in your diet.
So go ahead and create designer salads using arugula or spinach, or saute any of these dark greens with olive oil and fresh garlic for an excellent side dish. Add the greens directly to your stews and soups.
Wild About Salmon
Salmon, preferably wild, are packed with protein while being an excellent source of omega-3 fat, which promotes a healthy heart and immune system. So make sure that you include salmon into your diet regime several times a week.
Experts claim that the omega-3 fats which are found specifically in salmon can reduce inflammation in the body tissues and the brain, which helps in warding off arthritis, asthma, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other inflammatory diseases.
So roast a side of salmon and serve with vegetables, or cube salmon and make a delicious chowder. Puree steamed salmon along with cream cheese and fresh herbs for an excellent party dip.
Holy Whole Grains
Make sure that you include: whole wheat flour, oats, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, and bulgur, into your diet. These are the most popular well known whole grains which will fight against heart disease and diabetes. Be aware of their gluten content, however, if you are sensitive.
The fiber which are found in whole grains will stabilize your blood sugar while lowering bad cholesterol. Also, whole grains contain healthy doses of natural vitamins and minerals while being extremely versatile when cooking.
So begin your day with a dish of oatmeal, or any other whole grain, either hot or cold. Also include these grains liberally into your salad or veggies for lunch, serve up some bulger or quinoa with dinner, and always choose whole grain varieties when it comes to baking bread products.
Know that the fiber, protein, and calorie content will vary among the different grains, so make sure that you read the labels to pick the healthiest grain for your meals.
Delicious Dark Chocolate
One of the most super of superfoods is the mighty dark chocolate, which is also an indulgent treat. Although it’s considered unhealthy when eaten in excess, small portions of dark chocolate on a daily basis isn’t just good for the soul, but it’s also able to extend your life.
There are studies which have shown the main ingredient in dark chocolate, known as polyphenol, can lower blood pressure while reducing the risk of heart disease.
So eat a small chunk of pure dark chocolate, and down it with a glass of red wine for an additional boost of valuable antioxidants to better your health.
Wacky About Walnuts
The majority of most raw nuts can also be considered superfoods. This because of their heart-healthy unsaturated fats as well as containing other phytonutrients.
Walnuts, however, also happen to contain high levels of omega-3, which is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mild depression.
So crunching down a handful of walnuts on a daily basis, which equates to around 200 calories, is a generous amount of excellent health. Walnuts are great as a snack, or include them in your favorite recipes, giving your salads a delectable crunch and a distinct nutty flavor.
Pure Perfect Pomegranates
The pomegranate once upon a time was considered an exotic fruit, but not any longer. The sweet tasting, beautifully ruby red pomegranate bursts with antioxidants, and its delicious tart flavor is extremely low in calories.
Known to be excellent for brain and heart health, the pomegranate seeds can be tossed directly in salads or sprinkled on yogurt, added to muffins or pancakes. Pure extracted pomegranate juice is a refreshing wake up call, or it can be made into a delicious sweet syrup, or transformed into a trendy tasty cocktail.
Glorious Green Tea
Green tea is now considered a super drink which fights off disease. This group also includes certain white, black, and red teas as well. They are known to be high in polyphenols along with the flavonoid known as EGCG.
There are studies which suggest that drinking green tea on a daily basis can prevent stroke, fight off heart disease, boost the cognitive and immune systems.
The best solution is replacing your daily soft drink intake by sipping calorie-free green tea, or drinking green tea infused drinks and their related food products.