If you’re health-conscious and even occasionally read about healthy diets, you’ve almost certainly encountered the concept of superfoods. These foods have been found to contain a disproportionately high amount of vitamins, nutrients, and other compounds that are beneficial to human health, and eating them can give your body the extra boost of nutrition needed to look and feel your best.
Here are 8 superfoods worth trying right now, and what sets them apart from the pack:
Turmeric
This plant from the ginger family was only recently discovered to have a multitude of health benefits including relieving joint pain, countering Type 2 diabetes in those who are under risk, and even possibly delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Bone Broth
This isn’t a new superfood as much as a rediscovering of one of the most traditional kitchen ingredients — cooking stock. Rich in protein and a variety of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and others, bone broth also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are prescribed for arthritis and joint pain. It also has plenty of collagen and gelatin, which help to improve the health and appearance of skin, hair, and nails.
Flaxseed
While it’s not the most exciting or exotic superfood, flaxseed does help to lower cholesterol, and, by containing compounds called lignans, potentially helps to fight cancer. Last but not least, it’s high in fiber, which most people could use more of in their diets.
Mushrooms
This often nutritionally-ignored food group is spending more time in the limelight, with one study pointing to the fact that mushrooms may be able to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. Of course, the fact that they’re also delicious helps!
Watermelon Seeds
That’s right — the things we’ve been trying to avoid for years by buying “seedless” varieties of watermelon have turned out to be beneficial for us. Watermelon seeds are usually sold dried and flavored, and are high in protein (10 grams in just a small handful), vitamin B, magnesium, and good fats.
Black Currant
Rich in nitric oxide, this supplement claims to help with muscle recovery and boosting your metabolism.
Maqui Berries
Originating from Chile, and a long-time staple of the diets of the Mapuche Indians who are known for their long lifespans, maqui berries are very high in the kinds of antioxidants that can potentially help to slow aging.
Offal
The rise of this superfood happens to coincide with U.S. chefs becoming more adventurous in the kind of foods they serve. Just as less-frequently eaten parts of the animal such as liver, heart, and tongue are making their way on menus across the nation, scientists are discovering that these contain vitamins, amino acids, iron, and antioxidants, and are actually much more nutrient-dense than traditional cuts of meat!
We hope these superfoods help to make a difference in your health and lifestyle this year. Has a superfood helped with your health? We want to hear about it. Get in touch with us on Facebook!
