While there is no true definition of what constitutes a superfood, most health professionals agree that it means any particularly nutrient dense food with high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Eating superfoods can lower your risk for various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. In addition, those who consume high amounts of superfoods tend to be healthier overall than those who eat high amounts of unhealthy and processed foods.
#1: Walnuts
Walnuts contain a multitude of neuroprotective compounds. These compounds help to preserve and boost brain function. Walnuts also contain several antioxidants that are only found in a handful of foods. These antioxidants help to fight off various types of cancer such as prostate and breast. Just one quarter cup of walnuts has 100 percent of the daily recommended value of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids in addition to high amounts of copper, biotin, molybdenum and manganese. One of the amino acids found in walnuts, called l-arginine, is very beneficial to heart health. People suffering from conditions such as heart disease can greatly benefit from incorporating walnuts into their diet.
#2: Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are extremely high in a number of vitamins and minerals. One vitamin that brussels sprouts are high in is Vitamin C. Just one half cup of brussels sprouts contains around 50 percent of the daily recommended value. Vitamin C is crucial in supporting a healthy immune system as well as maintaining strong teeth, skin and gums. Brussels sprouts also contain a certain type of phytonutrients known as organosulfur compounds. This compounds have strong antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties help to fight oxidative stress which is a leading cause of the formation of cancerous cells.
#3: Acai berries
Due to the high antioxidant content in acai berries, they are great for fighting cancer as well as slowing down aging and preventing wrinkles, etc. Acai berries are even higher in antioxidants than many other berries such as strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc. Acai berries are also shown to help suppress appetite by controlling appetite hormones, regulate various metabolic functions, increase energy and even prevent heart disease. In addition to antioxidants, acai berries are high in Vitamins C, A and E, as well as omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
#4: Avocados
Avocados contain 20 different vitamins and minerals. One mineral that avocados are particularly high in is potassium. In fact, avocados actually contain more potassium than bananas, which are typically thought of to be the most potassium rich food. In addition to vitamins and minerals, avocados are also incredibly high in healthy unsaturated fats. While avocados are a health food, they are not a low fat food. Roughly 77 percent of the calories in avocados come from fat. However, the fat in avocados is healthy and has been shown to reduce inflammation which is the leading cause of many diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
