While it sounds a bit silly, the term superfood has been thrown about fairly frequently over the past few years, and for good reason. There are many superfoods to consider too, from certain types of fish to various fruits and legumes. These foods are popular because of their high nutritional value and the many health benefits they provide.
Nutritionists agree there is no one way to define what makes a specific type of food a superfood but the general consensus is that they contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, are not high in calories and are low on the glycemic index.
With that said, here are some of my favorite Superfoods and the benefits of consuming them daily:
Bok Choy
This nutrient-dense vegetable, made popular in many Asian dishes is known to prevent cancer, improve eyesight and reduce inflammation. Try simply stir frying it with garlic and ginger using this recipe.
Almonds
Packed with vitamins and minerals, almonds offer the highest concentration of nutrients per calorie per ounce. They are loaded with potassium, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, iron and are a great source of fiber. Plus, almond butter is a much healthier alternative to peanut butter. Next time you want a healthy breakfast, try this apple-almond pancake recipe.
Blueberries
Not only do they taste great, blueberries are so high in anthocyanins (a powerful antioxidant), that they are known to lower high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) potentially reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and may also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. They are also great in smoothies.
Sweet Potatoes
Don’t let the word sweet fool you, sweet potatoes are the healthier potato filled with anti-inflammatory nutrients. They are a smart choice for those suffering from diabetes because they rank low on the glycemic index and have less of an effect on blood glucose levels. For a superfood lunch try this sweet potato salad recipe.
Cinnamon
Known as the super spice, cinnamon is considered a medicine in some cultures. It is frequently used to help fight oral bacteria, while a cinnamon face mask is said to boost collagen in aging skin. Try this paleo, gluten free roasted cinnamon chicken recipe for dinner one night.
What is your favorite superfood or superfood recipe? Share some with us on social media and make sure to tag #juliettehohnen.