As time progresses, scientific research continues to emerge about the health benefits surrounding different superfoods. Years ago, acai berries weren’t considered well-known outside of certain cultures. Now, it’s hard to walk down any frozen produce aisle without seeing a few acai berry options. In addition to acai berries, it’s beneficial to enjoy the wide range of antioxidant superfoods on the market. If you haven’t already done so, add these seven items to your diet this year.
1. Green, Leafy Vegetables
Green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale rank high in the produce department as it pertains to the amount of antioxidants they contain. They’re easy to add to a salad. They also pair well with a lot of superfoods on this list. Decrease your chances of developing skin cancer and breast cancer by eating green, leafy vegetables at least two to three times every single week. If you can add more to your diet, that’s even better.
2. Sesame Seeds
Including sesame seeds in a weekly meal plan helps to ward off a number of diseases such as arthritis and diabetes. Just by adding a spoonful of sesame seeds to your diet, you’ll get the benefits of magnesium, iron, and other nutrients in one sitting. Easy ways to add sesame seeds to your diet include preparing tahini to consume as a condiment on a sandwich. When you’re preparing a homemade salad dressing, add a spoonful of sesame seeds for added nutrition, texture, and flavor.
3. Goji Berries
The National Institutes of Health points to goji berries as a natural antioxidant medicine. A lot of products claim to counteract the damage of free radicals. However, goji berries can prevent damage done from an internal perspective. Enjoy them on their own or in trail mix to receive the benefits.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Instead of eating a ton of regular French fries when you dine at a restaurant, ask for sweet potato fries instead. They’re a dynamic source of antioxidants, but they’re also rich in fiber. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system. If you’re looking to boost your immune health, in addition to consuming colorful fruit, add sweet potatoes to the mix.
5. Salmon
Salmon contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin, which is known to lower cholesterol. It also serves as an excellent source of protein. If you’re in need of more potassium or Vitamin B12, salmon is one of the best options to consider. It’s easy to prepare, and it works beautifully on top of an evening salad for dinner. Yet, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in a morning omelet.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is known to be high in antioxidants which makes it a great superfood. The key is to avoid options that contain a high sugar content. Heart disease is a silent killer as it’s considered the main cause of death in women. If you’d like to lower your chances of getting heart disease, add some dark chocolate to your diet. Since it contains compounds that help with brain function, consider consuming a bit of dark chocolate in the morning. Dark chocolate even has some caffeine in it which can help to wake up the senses. Add some dark chocolate shavings to a smoothie bowl for a fun morning boost.
7. Pomegranates
If you’re an avid red wine connoisseur, chances are you’re aware that red wine contains some antioxidants. However, if you’re looking for wine consumption to be your main source of rich antioxidants, it’s time to make the transition over to pomegranates. Studies point to pomegranates containing three times more antioxidants than your beloved red wine.
Because aging is a result of excessive inflammation, it’s best to consume anti-inflammatory foods such as pomegranates. If you’re looking to lower your blood sugar levels, pomegranate consumption is a great habit to consider. In order to seamlessly add it to your diet, add a few tablespoons of the seeds to a salad. They taste great on their own so enjoy them as an afternoon snack as well.
Conclusion
As you incorporate these items into your weekly meal-planning schedule, don’t overwhelm yourself. Do the research in order to learn how to properly prepare various items in order to maximize their health benefits. For example, the best way to consume a lot of vegetables is by steaming them first. As you learn and adjust your methods, a time will come when your meal-prepping process will feel like second nature, and your health will reflect your intentionality in incorporating more superfoods into your diet.
