In recent years, the term “superfoods” has been widely used to refer to foods that are rich in nutrients and therefore beneficial to health.
While there is controversy over the classification of “superfoods” and the indication that it is just a marketing term, there is a group of foods rich in body nutrients that can be beneficial to us, especially during the cold winter months.
Nutritionist Caitlin Colucci says that while the term “superfood” is used by companies as a popular way to highlight certain foods and market foods in particular, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables commonly found in our kitchens that are actually healthy.
Caitlyn presented a list of ten “super” foods and explained their health benefits.
eggs
Eggs contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals and are an excellent source of protein.
It contains vitamin A to protect against infection and disease, vitamin E which is good for nerve health, and vitamin D for bone and muscle health, found in very few other foods.
Eggs also contain a number of B vitamins that support strong cell functions.
It contains ten minerals, including bone-healthy calcium, immune system-supporting zinc, and energy-boosting iron.
banana
Bananas are especially rich in potassium, one of the most important electrolytes in the body, as well as minerals called electrolytes.
Bananas also promote heart health and digestion due to their antioxidant and fiber content.
oats
Oats are a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of dietary fiber, which also have cholesterol-lowering benefits.
It promotes heart health and a healthy weight, and contains protein that helps you stay full longer.
Oats contain a number of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium, which boost energy and nerve function.
plum (peach)
This fruit has long been popular for its health benefits, as its sorbitol sugars and high fiber content help prevent constipation.
This fiber is especially good for digestion, but plums also contain antioxidants.
To get the full benefits, eat the whole fruit, not just prune juice.
lentils
Lentils can replace meat as part of a healthy diet low in saturated fat.
It is an excellent source of folic acid, which can replace anemia, B vitamins and dietary fiber.
It helps bowel function and healthy habits and stabilizes blood sugar levels. It is also a good source of protein, which we need to repair cells and create new ones.
Almond
Nuts such as almonds, which is a particularly healthy example, are high in vitamin E, which fights free radicals, and vitamin B2, which helps treat inflammation of the nerves that contributes to migraines.
It also contains dietary fiber, which can lower blood cholesterol levels.
mushrooms
Mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium, a component of proteins and enzymes that protect against infection and cell damage.
It also helps with metabolism and thyroid health.
If you expose mushrooms to the sun for 24 hours before cooking, they will produce much-needed vitamin D, especially during the colder months when the sun gets less sunny, making them a true “superfood”.
broccoli
Dark green leafy vegetables are full of nutrients, while broccoli is loaded with energy-boosting iron and folic acid.
It is also rich in vitamin C, and in fact, 45 grams of raw broccoli provides 70% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
To preserve these vitamins, it is preferable to steam broccoli rather than boil it.
garlic
Garlic is one of the favorite cold-fighting foods because it is rich in the health-boosting compound allicin, which is also found in onions and leeks.
Allicin helps prevent free radicals and stops the spread of bacteria.
Garlic can be minced up to ten minutes before cooking and left alone to release more allicin.
coffee
Coffee has excellent antioxidant properties and is especially rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help cardiovascular function and gut health.
Source: Sun
