From a nutritional point of view, the term ‘superfoods’ holds no actual value. Back in the day, marketers came up with the idea of superfoods to influence and create trends, and make more money.
Plus, we also need to consider that no single food holds the secret to good health and prosperity. The human body is quite complex, and we need a wide range of nutrients to function well.
With that said, some foods are better than others, and there is no arguing there. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at five popular superfoods and what makes them so beneficial for us.
1. Berries
Though small, berries pack a big punch. These small pieces of delight are delicious, low in calories, and full of fiber that aids cardiovascular and digestive health.
Besides that, berries are a fantastic source of many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep the body functioning well and fight oxidative stress.
Some of the healthiest examples include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, and blackberries.
2. Eggs
We’ve hopefully gone away from the idea that eggs are somehow bad for us. Back in the day, prevailing wisdom suggested that eggs were full of fats that clog up our arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease.
Today, we know this isn’t true. Researchers have even suggested the opposite:
Eggs appear to be one of the healthiest foods for us. Most notably, eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein we need. Eggs are also a good source of heart-healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Garlic
Garlic is perhaps best known for its unique taste and sheer versatility. But this plant food is much more beneficial than most people imagine. Rich in fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and the minerals selenium and manganese, garlic offers numerous health benefits.
Most notably, garlic offers powerful immune system support and helps us remain healthy. It is also great for normalizing blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and could even lower the risk of certain cancers.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are a collection of healthy and nutrient-dense vegetables with many health benefits for us. Most notably, leafy greens are rich in vitamin C, calcium, zinc, folic acid, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber.
Research finds that people who consume more leafy greens are at a reduced risk of developing various illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. These veggies are also rich in beneficial compounds called carotenoids, which can lower the risk of certain cancers.
Plus, these veggies are highly satiating and low in calories, making them the perfect weight loss aid. Great options include kale, spinach, cabbage, and lettuce.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is derived from olives and is said to be one of the healthiest foods we can add to our diets. Most notably, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids - healthy fats that play numerous vital roles in the body. These help keep the heart healthy, contribute to cell and hormonal creation, support metabolic function, and maintain our brain health.
Research finds that adding olive oil to your diet can lower systemic inflammation and lower your risk of certain illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One potential reason could be the rich content of antioxidants (such as vitamin E) that protect your cells against oxidative stress.