If you’ve been around during the great health revolution (otherwise known as the time when people started drinking kombucha, going vegan, and other such activities), you might’ve heard about superfoods. In a nutshell, they’re foods that are nutrient-rich and beneficial to your diet and health.
Read: Can Superfoods Make Me Prettier and Healthier?
However, like many others, you might not know what specific foods fall under that category. So, for the sake of eating better and watching your health, we’ve got you — here’s what you need to know about superfoods.
What are they?
Superfoods are nutrient-rich food that supposedly carry great benefits to your health. Scientists often claim that the term “superfoods” is more of a marketing term than a food group category, though the health benefits of such food are hard to ignore. There is no current set list for what is considered a superfood or not, but most of them are plant-based or fish and dairy. Popular superfoods include blueberries (and other berries like acai and goji), kale and other leafy greens, sweet potatoes, beans, nuts, and salmon.
Benefits
These super nutritional foods are considered good for your health because they are high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, as well as fiber, flavonoids, and healthy fats. A quick science rundown will show you that antioxidants protect your cells from damage, which can ward off serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer. Minerals and vitamins, as we know, supplement our health and improve our body’s performance. Fiber helps with digestion and, along with healthy fats, lowers cholesterol and prevents heart disease. Lastly, flavonoids carry anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
So should you eat them?
Yes! But regulate it. As with all diets, the most important thing is to make sure that you are eating your food in a balanced manner. That means variety and controlled portions. You shouldn’t be having too much of one food because it keeps you from getting important nutrients and vitamins from other necessary foods. Just remember that mixing it up and preparing a “super plate” is the way to go!
Art Macky Arquilla
