5 Superfoods that may help Boost Your Energy

Superfoods don’t have night-vision or the ability to fly, but they may boost your health. According to Cleveland Clinic1 , there are no specific criteria that a food must meet to be considered a superfood. Still, the term describes natural foods that are nutrient-dense and full of vitamins and minerals. The next time you’re at the grocery store, keep an eye out for some of these superfoods:

Berries

Stock your refrigerator (or freezer) with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. These colorful, low-calorie and fiber-rich berries are full of antioxidants that may help battle cancer-causing free radicals, according to a recent study.2 Eat a handful or throw them into your favorite yogurt, cereal or smoothie.

Beans

Beans and legumes are excellent sources of protein. According to Healthline3, beans can help reduce cholesterol, decrease blood sugar levels and increase good gut bacteria. With so many varieties to choose from, experiment with sprinkling them in soups, tacos or salads.

Fish

The American Heart Association4 recommends eating two servings of fish twice a week. Fish is a superb source of protein, and eating it regularly has been linked to lowering a person’s risk for heart disease, according to the association.5 Try fresh, frozen or canned fish and see what you like the best.

Whole grains

Not every grain is the same. Refined grains (white flour, white rice and white bread) are linked to obesity and inflammation, but whole grains (like buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth) are full of benefits — including a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, according to Healthline.6 Switch the cereal for breakfast for a bowl of oatmeal (don’t forget to add the berries). Swap out the baked potato for a cup of brown rice at dinner.

Tomatoes

Because these fruits (yep, tomatoes are fruit) are full of vitamin C and lycopene, they’ve been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, according to Harvard Health Publishing.7 Biting into a tomato raw might not be up your alley, so try chopping them up for your next salad, stew or soup.

Superfoods are easy to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. Try incorporating a few in your diet today to reap the benefits!

Sources

  1. “What is a Superfood?,” Cleveland Clinic, last accessed May 31, 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-superfood/
  2. “15 Superfoods and the Scientific Reasons to Eat Them,” Everyday Health, last accessed May 31, 2022, https://www.everydayhealth.com/photogallery/superfoods.aspx
  3. “9 Healthy Beans and Legumes You Should Try,” Healthline, last accessed May 31, 2022, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthiest-beans-legumes
  4. 4., 5. “Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids,” American Heart Association, last accessed May 31, 2022, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids
  5. “9 Benefits of Whole Grains,” Healthline, last accessed May 31, 2022, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-whole-grains
  6. “10 Superfoods to Boost a Healthy Diet,” Harvard Health Publishing, last accessed May 31, 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-superfoods-to-boost-a-healthy-diet-2018082914463