Superfoods: How Can They Benefit Your Health?

Having a healthy diet is one of the best ways to have a fitter and stronger body. So, it is important for you to know more about different foods and ingredients so that you can determine which ones have the most nutrients that you need to stay fit and healthy.

Superfoods are some of the best foods you can incorporate into a healthy diet, as they would usually have more nutrients compared to other foods. What exactly are these superfoods? And how can they benefit your health? We can find out the answers to these questions as we dive into everything we need to know about superfoods and their benefits.

What are Superfoods?

different kinds of superfoods

The term “superfoods” is utilized to refer to specific foods that contain more nutrients compared to other foods. So, you can expect that superfoods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Antioxidants are natural molecules that are found in some foods and are effective in eradicating free radicals from a person’s body. [1] Free radicals are harmful elements that can cause diseases or disorders if their numbers are too high inside our bodies. Some of the diseases that antioxidants can help prevent include arthritis, cancer, and stroke.

Vitamins are organic compounds that are beneficial in supplying the body with the nutrients that it needs to be healthier and stronger. There are different types of vitamins that have different functions in the body. However, getting too much of certain vitamins can also be bad for your health, so it is essential to only take ample amounts of vitamins found in superfoods and other kinds of foods. [2]

Minerals are elements that help our bodies develop in a healthy manner. There are many kinds of minerals that can be consumed for a healthy diet, but one of the most common is calcium, which is supposed to help in making our bones stronger.

What are the Benefits of Eating Superfoods?

superfoods

There are several benefits of eating superfoods, and these benefits are all connected to how they can make the body look and feel healthier. Read below to learn more about the different benefits of superfoods.

Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

Some superfoods can help in lowering blood pressure, which is important for people that experience constant hypertension or high blood pressure. When you have hypertension, you will have a higher risk of getting more serious diseases like heart disease and kidney problems. There are superfoods that are rich in potassium, which is a mineral that can be consumed to lower blood pressure.

Can Help Keep Blood Sugar Levels Normal

breakfast meal with superfoods

If you have diabetes or if you are trying to avoid having it, then you should consume superfoods that can help keep blood sugar levels normal. There are superfoods that have a low glycemic index, which basically means that they can help your body have a normal or stable blood sugar level. People with diabetes should stick with eating foods that have a low glycemic index for most of their meals so that their blood sugar levels won’t rise drastically.

Can Help Lower Bad Cholesterol

Superfoods are also beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein). When our body has high amounts of bad cholesterol, we are at a high risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. So, we should do our best to lower our body’s amount of bad cholesterol by consuming superfoods that are rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber, which can also help increase good cholesterol.

Can Help with Weight Loss

healthy meal

Different superfoods can also help with weight loss for those that are struggling to reduce weight. Instead of consuming a lot of calories, which can contribute to weight gain, you should replace calorie-rich foods with superfoods that are healthier since they have fewer calories and more vitamins and minerals that can make your body healthier, stronger, and less prone to disease. Some of the best superfoods that can help with weight loss include the ones that are rich in vitamin C, protein, and potassium.

Can Improve the Immune System

A lot of superfoods can help improve the immune system, which is arguably one of the most important systems in our body since it is responsible for preventing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful elements that can cause illnesses. It is impossible for us not to get exposed to bacteria and germs, as they are found almost anywhere. So, in order for these harmful elements to not infect our bodies, our immune system is working 24/7 to fight germs.

However, when we don’t have a healthy diet, our immune system becomes weaker, so it will have a much harder time fighting bacteria, viruses, fungi, or germs. So, it is essential for us to have a healthy diet, which should include superfoods that are rich in vitamins A and C and are beneficial in boosting the immune system.

What are the Best Superfoods You Can Eat?

superfoods on a table

Dozens of different superfoods are available in supermarkets or groceries for you to choose from, but there are a few superfoods that are considered to be better than the others in terms of taste and benefits. Here are the best superfoods that you can eat.

  • Tomatoes – these are rich in potassium, folate, lycopene, and vitamins C and K. These nutrients can help in enhancing vision, improving the skin, making the heart healthier, and reducing the risk of cancer. [3]
  • Avocados – these have magnesium, which is a mineral that is effective in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar. Avocados also have fiber that is helpful in having a better bowel movement.
  • Blueberries – these particular berries have low calories but are high in fiber, so they help in weight loss while also being able to improve your digestive system. Blueberries also contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals that can cause cancer and other severe diseases.
  • Tuna – this is a type of fish that has low calories and is rich in omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Omega-3 fats are known to be helpful in preventing heart disease and stroke, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium better, which can then strengthen the bones at a much more efficient rate.
  • Oranges – these tangy fruits are considered to be one of the best sources of vitamin C, a nutrient that can boost your immune system to fight against free radicals and other harmful elements that can cause infections and diseases.

Superfoods should always be part of a healthy diet so that they can be more effective in helping the body become healthier, stronger, and more resilient against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other types of germs. Pick two or more superfoods that we mentioned above and incorporate them into your meals for a much healthier diet.

For a healthy snack for seniors, you may want to try our Fun Fish Taco Recipe Great for Senior Activities.

References

[1] Ware, M. (2019, January 7). What are superfoods and why should you eat them? Medical News Today. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303079

[2] Brazier, Y. (2020, December 16). What are vitamins, and how do they work? Medical News Today. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/195878

[3] Rowlings, E. (2020, July 15). 5 Amazing Benefits of Superfoods. The Upside by Vitacost.com. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.vitacost.com/blog/benefits-of-superfoods/