Sophia Smith
Over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of hype surrounding the notion of superfoods and how they can benefit us. In case you’re not familiar with the term, superfoods are healthy foods that come in a delicious form while brimming with essential nutrients that benefit our body.
They boast rich nutritional profiles that can help ward off certain diseases while also supporting our overall health and wellness. The best part? They can be so tasty that you’ll want to eat them all the time.
Below, five superfoods you should definitely add to your shopping list.
Cinnamon Is Loaded With Antioxidants Making It One of the Top Superfoods
The popular, warming spice has been used by the Egyptians since ancient times for both cooking and incense. Its delicious, fragrant aroma makes it the ideal complement to a wide range of both sweet and savory recipes. Its stimulating scent also helps raise energy and dispel negativity.
The medicinal properties of cinnamon have also made it a staple in traditional medicine. It’s effective in reducing inflammation, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and it’s especially useful for individuals suffering from diabetes. Cinnamon is also a great source of calcium, iron, manganese, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, all of which benefit your overall health. To reap the benefits of this superfood, add it to your yogurt and smoothies, or use it to take your healthy desserts up a notch!
Read more: Here Are The Best Herbs for PMS
Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read that correctly! Sweet, sour, and deep, dark chocolate is a superfood in its own right. A source of natural, beneficial nutrients, dark chocolate is known for a plethora of health benefits, including improved brain function and heart health, increased blood flow, as well as cell support. It also acts as a prebiotic, meaning it encourages good bacteria to grow in your gut and helps control your appetite, thus aiding in weight loss.
The food and wellness industry has gotten chocolate down to a science, and nowadays, you can get your hands on delicious chocolate vitamins that you can easily add to your wellness routine. If you were looking for a delicious loophole to satisfy your sweet tooth while simultaneously reaping some significant health benefits, this is it.
Maca Powder
Another superfood that’s been gaining in popularity in recent years, maca is a root crop native to Peruvian Andes. It comes from the cruciferous family of vegetables, so it’s related to vegetables such as kale and cauliflower. The edible part, the root, is usually ground into a fine powder after which it’s ready for consumption.
Maca powder is a rich source of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, and calcium, with a teaspoon of maca powder containing only 16kcals. The health benefits maca powder is known for include improved mood, memory, energy, performance, and libido, and it may be particularly helpful in relieving menopause symptoms.
Read more: 5 Ashwagandha Recipes for a Healthy Life
Goji Berries
A rich source of phytochemicals such as zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and polysaccharides, goji berries are widely regarded as a superfood that can boost strength and longevity. A staple in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, goji berries have been used to treat everything from kidney and liver issues to certain eye conditions.
Goji berries, both fresh and dried, are quite easy to incorporate into a diet. They make a wonderful addition to smoothies, yogurts, and oatmeals, and they can also be included in desserts, salads, and baked goods, or added to trail mixes for a quick and healthy snack on the go.
Bee Pollen
Another must-have supplement that is taking the health community by storm, bee pollen is a superfood that offers a wide range of health benefits. A rich source of amino acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals, fats, enzymes, carbohydrates, and proteins, the nutritional profile of bee pollen is quite impressive.
Thanks to its rich nutrient composition, bee pollen is effective in everything from warding off chronic diseases and boosting liver function to preventing infections and improving longevity. The best part? For most people, it is safe to eat, and like other superfoods on this list, it is quite easy to add to your diet. You can use it as a topping in your smoothie bowls or yogurt, add it to your breakfast foods, or take it as a supplement in capsule form.
Wrapping Up Superfoods
They say that variety is the spice of life, and this is certainly true when it comes to trying out new superfoods that are as great for our health as they are for our taste buds. The best superfoods are the ones that are easy to find and easy to consume as they make eating a healthy and balanced diet not only simpler but also more enjoyable.
All you have to do is stock up on the superfoods listed above, look for some delicious recipes, and start reaping the numerous health benefits.
