As you stand in line at the grocery store, you’ve surely seen headlines on the front cover of nearly every health magazine touting the next “superfood.” I don’t know about you, but it seems like there’s a new superfood “flavor of the month” every time I look.
While we agree that “superfood” is a marketing term that gets thrown around far too often, here are 6 of our favorites, and why we think they’re, well, super!
Blueberries. While all berries are worthy of the superfood title, blueberries hold a top spot. These delicious bursts of flavor provide a profusion of antioxidant phytonutrients (including anthocyanins and resveratrol), vitamins (especially vitamin C), and soluble fiber, which can help fight belly fat and support glycemic control.
Spirulina. Spirulina’s got so many benefits, we consider it “Nature’s Ultimate Superfood”. A nutrient and antioxidant powerhouse, spirulina can help boost energy levels, immunity, detoxification, heart health, fat burning, and more.
Cinnamon. Due to its health-promoting properties, this popular spice has been used around the world for thousands of years. Packed with over 40 different antioxidants, cinnamon is perhaps best known for its abilities to soothe digestion and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. You don’t need much: a mere half teaspoon may help support digestion, immune function, cognitive function, and carbohydrate metabolism.
Beans. Beans are one of the most humble, undervalued superfoods. Yet they’re completely affordable, super easy to find, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And with their high concentrations of fiber and protein, they help keep you feeling full and support glycemic control. With a healthy serving of soluble fiber, beans support heart health and help fight belly fat.
Whey protein. When it comes to protein quality, whey is often crowned king. As an excellent source of protein, whey helps enhance muscle building and recovery, body composition, and more. But there’s more than meets the eye to whey. It also has a powerful effect on appetite—helping control cravings and hunger—promotes immunity, supports healthy aging, boosts immunity, and even has heart health benefits.
Avocados. Avocados are not only creamy and delicious, they’re packed with appetite-satisfying healthy fats and fiber, as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have more potassium than bananas and also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known for supporting vision, cognitive function, and heart health. And because avocados help reduce hunger, they can help promote weight loss.
But all of this is just advice. You can do whatever the f**k you wanna do.
Your friend and coach,
Crystal aka Barbell Barbie. NY
References:
Duyff, R. L. 2012. American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (Revised and updated 4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Eat Right. Website. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. http://www.eatright.org
Fruits and Veggies More Matters. Website. Produce for Better Health Foundation. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
Hoy, M.K., & Goldman, J.D. 2014. Food Surveys Research Group Dietary Data Brief No. 12. Accessed July 20, 2017. www.ars.usda.gov.