No single food can offer all the vitamins, minerals, energy, and other health benefits your body needs for nourishment. This is why the 2015–2020 US Dietary Guidelines recommend adopting healthy eating patterns and combining choices from across all food groups while paying attention to calorie limits. However, there are a few particular food items that are worthy of recognition because they offer important nutrients that can power-boost your meals and snacks.
Each of the following foods provides something different and beneficial to your body. Therefore, eating a wide variety of superfoods is the best way to enhance your overall well-being and eat to fuel your body. Here are five “super” foods you can add to your diet to improve your health:
1. Oats
If your major health concern is your high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, then prioritize incorporating oats into your diet. These are rich in powerful soluble fiber called beta-glucan that is linked to lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They work by slowing the digestion of sugar and keeping your blood sugar levels under control.
In addition, oats are a great source of carbohydrates and plant protein that can aid in your muscle growth and repair, making them an excellent breakfast or pre- or post-workout meal. Start your day right and power up your body by eating a bowl of oats every morning or before or after exercise.
2. Apples
The adage says “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”—and this could very well be true! These fruits are filled with antioxidants called quercetin and catechin that protect your cells and help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
If you are considering adding apples to your daily diet, make sure to eat their skin to consume more fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. They can help you lose excess weight by keeping you full for a longer time and providing you with the energy to do intense workout sessions. Best of all, they taste delicious and can ease your cravings for sweets.
3. Green tea
Green tea is known for its ability to increase your metabolism, which is why it is usually consumed to lose unwanted weight. It also contains powerful antioxidants, particularly high doses of catechin that help prevent cell damage, decrease the risk of heart disease, keep your blood pressure levels under control, and reduce inflammation in your body.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is popular for its probiotic or live beneficial bacteria. It is proven to boost your immune system by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria in your digestive tract, maintaining stable pH levels in your body, and protecting you against various diseases. This superfood can also help you deal with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, urinary tract infections, and vaginal yeast infections.
Keep in mind that not all yogurts are the same. To promote healthy eating and nutrition, search for those labeled with “live and active cultures” to ensure they have probiotics and opt for plain varieties.
Conclusion
Eating healthily is essential to good health by helping you sleep better, have better concentration, maintain a healthy weight, minimize the risk of developing different diseases, and improve your overall quality of life. One of the best ways to do that is by adding the superfoods listed above to your diet and learning more about eating well by subscribing to free mental health newsletters like ours.
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