Superfoods have taken the health world by storm recently due to their reputation as powerhouses of nutrition and vitamins. Even more, many superfoods are also just delicious!
If you're new to superfoods and want to try them, here are 7 tasty and healthy superfoods you should include in your diet.
1) Cacao
Cacao has been a part of people's diets for centuries. If you've ever eaten a chocolate bar or enjoyed the rich, earthy taste of good hot cocoa, you've had cacao. Cacao is a favorite superfood for those who like chocolate because it has a flavor and offers health benefits.
Its stimulant properties have been used to ward off hunger in Central America and improve energy levels among the Maya and Aztec populations. Studies have shown that flavonoids found in cacao may be responsible for some of its health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol.
2) Turmeric
Turmeric is the star of this post. Turmeric is a root that grows in India, China, the Caribbean, Central America, Northern Europe, North Africa, Southern Africa, North America, and parts of Southeast Asia. It has a very distinct flavor with a peppery overtone. Eating turmeric has many benefits, as it has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric also has many antioxidants that act as an immune system booster to fight infections internally and externally. These anti-inflammatory properties can help to relieve joint pain for those who suffer from arthritis or chronic pain.
There are also claims that it reduces inflammation in Alzheimer's disease patients. However, there have yet to be any concrete studies to validate these claims.
3) Matcha Green Tea
Originating in Japan, matcha is the concentrated green tea leaves that have been stone-ground into a powder. Matcha's nutritional properties are the same as a traditional cup of green tea.
Matcha contains an antioxidant called catechins, which can help prevent heart disease and some cancers. Other benefits include increased metabolism, aided digestion, and increased mental alertness. This fantastic superfood also helps with weight loss.
The difference between regular green tea and matcha is that matcha contains even more antioxidants than a regular cup because you are ingesting the whole leaf rather than just its water content. With every sip of matcha, you're getting 10x more of these crucial plant compounds that fight cancer cells and protect your body from cardiovascular diseases.
4) Maca Powder
Maca powder is a nutrient-dense food packed with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acids, and more. It's also naturally high in calcium, potassium, iron, zinc magnesium- just to name a few. Maca has been cultivated in the Andes mountains for over three thousand years.
Recently research on maca's benefits shows that it boosts energy levels, strengthens the immune system, and can even help manage your moods.
5) Goji Berries
Goji berries are sweet, chewy berries with a delicious flavor. They can be eaten raw or made into a tasty jam on toast or pancakes.
These little powerhouses contain significant amounts of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin and vision. Plus, they are said to be anti-aging food!
6) Goldenberries
Goldenberries are a cross between the North American black raspberry and the European red raspberry. Their deep purple color is one of their most unique characteristics, resulting from anthocyanin pigments exclusive to this berry. These pigments are what make goldenberries so healthy.
The anthocyanins in these berries help pack a massive punch of antioxidants, improving your immune system while fighting off cancerous cells. One study showed that goldenberries have even more robust antioxidant capabilities than blueberries, despite having lower sugar levels!
In addition to all their health benefits, they taste great, too; they are very tart and flavorful. Just give them a try on your next cereal bowl or yogurt cup for an experience, unlike any other fruit you've had before!
7) Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green alga with many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. It's an all-around fantastic superfood that helps detox the body from heavy metals.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that spirulina helped increase blood oxygen levels in children and adults.
