What Are Superfoods? 6 Superfoods To Consume More Of

Have you ever heard of superfoods? Whether you’re ordering a microgreens salad at your local salad bar or enjoying your favorite acai smoothie, superfoods aren’t just delicious — they can also have a high impact on your nutrition and overall wellness.

Ahead, we explore 10 superfoods that can improve your health. From berries to sweet potatoes, these nutrient-dense foods will surely become your new favorite culinary staples.

What Are Superfoods?

Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that boast a wide range of health benefits. 

Here are some key features of superfoods:

• Nutrient density: Superfoods are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to boost their overall nutrient intake.
• Health benefits: Many superfoods are associated with specific health benefits, such as cognitive support, immune support, and overall heart health.
• Versatility: Superfoods can be incorporated into a wide range of meals and snacks, making them a convenient and flexible addition to any diet.
• Whole food sources: While there are some supplements marketed as "superfoods," the best way to incorporate these foods into your diet is through whole food sources like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

What Nutrients Should You Look For in a Superfood?

There are many important vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function properly. While it's possible to get most of these nutrients through a balanced diet, many people take supplements to ensure they're getting enough of each nutrient. 

Here are some key vitamins and minerals to include for a healthy diet:

• Vitamin D: This important vitamin is necessary for strong bones and teeth and can also help to support immune function.
• Calcium: Another important nutrient for bone health, calcium is also involved in muscle function and nerve transmission.
• Iron: This mineral is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant is important for immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
• Magnesium: This mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body and is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.
• B vitamins: This group of vitamins includes B12, which is important for red blood cell production, and folate, which is important for DNA production and cell growth.

Other nutrients to look for include potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamin K.

What Are Some Nutritious Superfoods? 

Now that we have a solid understanding of what superfoods are, let’s discuss our favorite superfoods here at Love Wellness.

Berries

These superfoods are wonderful sources of antioxidants and are packed with vitamins and minerals. 

There are many different types of berries, each offering a unique set of health benefits. 

For example, blueberries, goji berries, and acai berries are packed with antioxidants that can help support immunity. Meanwhile, cranberries and raspberries are high in vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which can help support energy production.

Adding berries to your diet is easy. You can enjoy them in a smoothie, on top of your oatmeal, or even just as a snack. They also make a great addition to salads, yogurt, and ice cream. For extra nutritional value, pair your berries with protein-rich chia seeds and healthy fats.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of fiber, we recommend Sparkle Fiber® — a super greens blend that supports normal detoxification for immunity, digestion, and overall health.* 

Leafy Greens

From kale and spinach to collard greens and swiss chard, these nutrient-dense greens are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. 

Leafy greens are also excellent sources of fiber, which can help support your natural probiotics, weight loss, and healthy levels of cholesterol. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to support your immune system and encourage long-term wellness.

To get the most out of these veggies, consider adding them to your diet as often as possible. Salads are a great way to get your daily dose of leafy greens, but you can also add them to smoothies, sandwiches, and stir-fries. For a unique spin, try adding them to omelets or pizza.

For some extra protein, try adding some legumes, chickpeas, or lentils to your dish. Not only are these foods full of delicious nutrients, but they can also add some variety to your greens to help keep healthy eating interesting.

Pro Tip: Give this superfood a hand in caring for your skin, hair, and nails by pairing it with our Beauty Bundle! 

Quinoa

Quinoa is an ancient whole grain that is packed with protein and fiber. It’s also an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals.

These can include:

• Folate
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Iron

In addition, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great alternative to wheat-based products — which makes it perfect for those who are sensitive to gluten. 

Cooking quinoa is easy and can be done in just 15 minutes. To prepare quinoa, rinse it, add it to boiling water or broth, and cook until tender. Once cooked, you can enjoy it in a variety of dishes like salads and soups.

Salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can support overall cardiovascular health, support healthy blood pressure levels, and soothe irritation in the body. This fatty fish is also rich in selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin E, and vitamin D3, making it an incredibly nutrient-dense food.

To prepare salmon, simply season it with your favorite herbs and spices and bake it in the oven. You can also grill, sauté, or even poach it. Once cooked, you can enjoy this fish in a variety of dishes. 

Sweet Potatoes

Looking for a plant-based, low-calorie snack? Next time you have a sugar craving, try sweet potatoes. 

This superfood is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, which can help support the immune system. 

When it comes to cooking, sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. You can bake, boil, or mash them for a delicious side dish or use them to make sweet potato fries. You can also add them to soups, smoothies, and even pancakes.

Green Tea

Green tea is another great source of antioxidants that can help support long-term health. It also contains phytochemicals like flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins, which can help your body fight off free radicals and support energy levels.

Green tea is incredibly simple to make. Simply pour hot water over the green tea leaves and let them steep for about two minutes. For added health benefits, consider adding some honey or lemon. You can also try different types of green tea, such as jasmine, matcha, and sencha.

Just make sure to stay away from pre-packaged green teas, which are often full of added sugar. These added sugars can disrupt blood sugar and contribute to chronic diseases.

Pro Tip: Need an extra boost of sleep support after your caffeinated tea? Try Sleeping Beauty™ capsules, a snoozy supplement made with natural ingredients to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.*

The Bottom Line

Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. From berries and sweet potatoes to salmon and leafy greens, there are countless superfoods out there. If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start when building a healthy diet plan, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a registered dietitian.

Here at Love Wellness, we believe in supporting our natural biology with expert-backed products that nurture our bodies from the inside out. From beauty and vaginal health to gut and brain health, you can always count on us to help you feel your best. 

Sources:

Berry Phenolic Antioxidants – Implications for Human Health? | PMC

Avocado Nutrition Facts & Benefits: 5 Reasons to Eat The Fruit! | NASM

Healthy food trends - beans and legumes | MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia