We've all heard the term "superfood" before, and all the health benefits associated with consuming them, superfoods have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. But what are superfoods? Interestingly enough superfoods don't actually have their own specific food group, and there are many different superfoods out there. The term "superfood' is really more of a marketing term used to describe foods that have various health benefits, superfoods are jam-packed with nutrients and other substances that are considered to be very good for your health. We all know that eating healthy has many benefits to your overall physical and mental health, when you eat well, you feel great. On the flip side, when you eat crap.. you feel like crap. The great thing about superfoods is that they take healthy eating to a new level, helping to optimize your body’s ability to function by supplying a huge dose of nutrients! But the real key to a healthy and balanced diet is to consume a variety of nutritious foods in the right quantities. In other words don't go crazy and overindulge on superfoods. 10 TOP SUPERFOODS TO GET INTO YOUR DIET 1. Blueberries Blueberries are an incredible Antioxidant Superfood, and are believed to have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables! They often top many lists of superfoods because they are rich in vitamins, soluble fiber and phytochemicals, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. 2. Avocado Avocado's have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, I mean you cant avoid the classic image on Instagram of some hipster eating avocado on toast.. but don't let that put you off, the health benefits really are outstanding. Avocado's are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, folate, vitamin C and vitamin K. Not only do Avocado's provide many health benefits, they can also help you to lose weight as they contain high levels of potassium, even more so than a banana, making it one of the best fruits for weight loss. 3. Sweet Potatoes You'll be pleased to hear Sweet Potatoes are on the list, I mean lets face it, they taste awesome! The reason Sweet Potatoes are on the list is because they are high in vitamins and minerals, more specifically these nutritious root vegetables are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and manganese. 4. Goji Berries Goji Berries are one of the best superfoods out there, these delicious berries actually have around 12 times the antioxidant levels of blueberries! Goji berries are Rich in antioxidants, including immune-boosting Vitamin C and selenium and have actually been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Goji berries are also full of fibre and carotenoids like beta-carotene, which helps support good eyesight and eye health. 5. Coconuts Coconut and coconut oil are both high in medium-chain triglycerides, a type of beneficial fatty acid that can help support the health of your gut. Coconut oil can also help to promote weight loss as it is rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which stimulate your body’s metabolism and help you trim off excess body fat.Coconut oil is actually around 2/3 medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also called medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. Coconut oil can also help to lower cholesterol, as it is loaded with saturated fats that actually raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease. 6. Flaxseeds Flaxseeds are absolutely packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, antioxidants, and lignans, that can help improve brain function, and even potentially protect against cancer and diabetes. Flaxseeds are know as the original superfood, this is because flaxseed and flax oil have been used in cooking for centuries, and there are even records referencing its use dating as far back as Ancient Greece. 7. Acai Berries Acai berries are a Brazilian "superfruit", they are high in antioxidants and health-promoting properties, the acai berry is without a doubt one of the best superfoods out there. Acai berries are native to the Amazon region where they're a staple food. Recent studies have show that the compounds found in acai berries may help improve cognitive function, enhance lipid profiles and maintain normal blood sugar levels. 8. Kale Kale is not exactly the most exciting superfood, however is it without a doubt one of the most highly regarded superfoods out there, I mean just go ahead and type “superfoods” into your search engine and kale will appear everywhere. Kale is actually one of the best superfoods out there for weight loss and can supplement your diet with lots of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and manganese in return for very few calories. IN SUMMARY There are a wide range of superfoods to choose from (we only listed a few, there are many more) and they are very easy to incorporate into your diet and daily routine. Add a few of these superfoods into your daily routine along with a well-rounded diet and exercise routine to get started on your journey to better health.
