Superfoods have garnered quite a reputation in recent years as being nutrition powerhouses. Superfoods, which are generally described as any food with extremely high levels of vitamins and nutrients, can easily be added to your diet to supercharge your health and wellness. We’re sharing a list of the seven of the best superfoods and some new ones you might not have heard of before!</p>
Acai
Acai isn’t necessarily a new superfood, but since acai bowls hit the food scene a few years ago, they have exploded in popularity and household availability. Known as the Brazilian superfruit, acai carries the benefit of being highly nutrient-dense, and loaded with antioxidants, which help neutralize damaging free radicals in the body. Give acai a try by blending store-bought acai packets into a delicious smoothie.
Blueberries
Speaking of antioxidants, another antioxidant rich superfood to add to your diet is blueberries. Second to acai, blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants. But as far as superfoods go, almost all berries, including raspberries and the exotic goji berry, are great additions to your daily menu. Berries are naturally sweet and high in fiber. According to Harvard Medical School, the rich color of berries is a sign that “they are high in antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients.
Fresh berries are great if you can find them, but you can also get similar nutritional benefits from frozen berries. Add them to a smoothie or bowl of yogurt for a sweet and healthy treat.
Chocho
You may be familiar with most of the superfoods on this list, but if “chocho” is new to you - you’re not alone! Chocho is one of the newest superfoods to become available in recent years. But what exactly is chocho? Chocho, which is a type of legume, is a superfood derived from Andean Lupin. Although it’s a brand new superfood to most of the world, it has been a staple crop in the Andean region of South America since pre-Incan inhabitants discovered its value over 1,500 years ago! This ancient wonderfood, is the highest plant-based protein on the planet, no net carbs, high in fiber, gluten-free, and more!
At Five Suns Foods we’re working to bring Chocho to the world starting with our protein powder coming out in May! In the meantime you can join our waitlist and be the first to try this ancient wonderfood.
Kale
It’s not news that kale is good for you - this leafy green vegetable has been living up to health hype for years. As a superfood, kale is loaded with “vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber, calcium and other minerals.” (Live Science) But the same can be said for most other dark, leafy greens, such as Swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, broccoli, and spinach. Leafy greens such as kale are also high in fiber, which is excellent for digestion and regularity in the body.
To add leafy greens to your diet, you can consume them raw as a salad base (some options, like kale or spinach will be better for this than others), or you can serve them warm by sautéing in a little olive oil, or adding them as an ingredient to soups or stews. However you choose to eat them, you’ll reap their nutritional benefits.
Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for the body, and salmon (as well as other fatty fish options like sardines) are excellent sources of omega-3s. Omega-3s are believed to improve your general heart health, as well as to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Salmon can be consumed in a number of different ways, including grilled, sauteed or baked as a delicious lunch or dinner option.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, manganese. Vitamin A helps to fight inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and keep your vision strong. Sweet potatoes can be easily cubed and cooked, to add to soups, sheet pan dinners, and even pizza! And of course, they are delicious and a healthier fries as well.
Walnuts
Nuts are another source of healthy fats for the body, but walnuts are especially great for their high antioxidant levels and positive effect on gut health. Almonds are another great nut superfood, since they are high in vitamin E and protein, but more impressively: have more calcium per serving than any other nut. When it comes to nuts, you really can’t go wrong. Snack on walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts and more to reap the benefits of this superfood.
There are even more than these top superfoods that you can add to your diet. Some of other top superfoods included avocado, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and legumes. Boost your diet and overall wellness by adding some of these superfoods to your meals.