Today’s busy lifestyle makes it difficult to squeeze in all the healthy foods we need to keep our bodies strong. That’s why superfoods are the perfect addition to your diet—they are easy to fit into any schedule. From blueberries and goji berries to quinoa and chia seeds, superfoods often pack major health benefits into tiny packages and can combat everything from Alzheimer’s and obesity to cancer and mental health.Â
To see the most health benefits from superfoods, the American Heart Association recommends adding them to an overall heart-healthy diet. Here’s how:
Ch-Ch-Ch Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are small seeds that can be added to smoothies and soups or sprinkled on salads. You can grind them into a powder for a smoother consistency or eat them whole. They are packed with protein, Omega-3, and fiber, and are loaded with calcium, magnesium, and iron. Chia is believed to help with digestion and could help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A teaspoon of chia can also provide enough energy to get you through your 9 to 5. Chia seeds absorb liquid and puff up, so don’t use more than a teaspoon at a time to start.Â
Try Turmeric
For a flavorful, superfood twist, add turmeric to your diet. This yellow-colored spice commonly used in Indian foods has recently come to the forefront as a major contender in the superfoods category. Turmeric has been used in India for ages because of its medicinal properties. The curcumin in turmeric is believed to be packed with antioxidants and has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is beneficial for brain health, lowers your risk of heart disease, fights depression, and relieves arthritis. You can reap all the benefits of this super spice by stirring it into soups and sauces. You can even add it to your daily vitamin regimen now that it’s available in supplement form.
Go for Goji Berries
Goji berries have been used in Chinese medicine for years. They are from the nightshade family, so beware of those with sensitivities. These delicious, nutritionally rich berries are loaded with amino acids, protein, and beta-carotene. They’re great for your skin, reduce cholesterol, and boost your immune system. Get your daily dose by steeping them in tea or adding a Tablespoon or two to a smoothie before blending. You can also easily add them to your daily diet by stirring them into yogurt or tossing them in your favorite salad.Â
Seek Superfood Inspiration
It’s easy to get excited and buy a week’s worth of superfoods—and then forget or give up by week two. In order to make superfoods a regular part of your diet, consider following superfoodies online. For example, DailySuperFoodLove.com offers daily motivation, recipes, and even podcasts to help you keep superfoods in your diet. Amway’s Instagram page features fun recipes like a protein-packed pumpkin smoothie bowl and a berry-perfect smoothie that helps you get in your blue and purple phytonutrients.
Superfoods provide a direct path to improved health without requiring major changes. By simply adding a few of these powerful ingredients to foods you’re already making, you effectively increase your body’s ability to reap the benefits of disease-fighting properties.Â
Great information. Thank you for sharing
We love our superfoods! Chia Seeds are great for thickening smoothies and puddings. I often use Goji berries any place I used to use raisins and give our oatmeal an extra nutritional boost.
I read ch-ch-ch-chia seeds like chia pet! I love superfoods add Cacao nibs to the list its one of my favorites!
I have seen so many people do the chia seed thing . I admit I am a little intimidated by the whole thing. I see they soak up the liquid and so not sure I could handle them in a smoothie or drink. But I supposed I should really just try and see what happens. I may like it.
I saw a difference in my energy after taking turmeric pills for a while. Pleasantly surprised by it. I will have to try your other suggestions too. Thanks for sharing.
Super foods are the only foods for me! I would love to eat a bunch of these.
I eat quite a lot of turmeric as I do curry once a week and I always add it together with the other spices. My dentist also told me that turmeric is very good for keeping the gums healthy as well.
coming from thailand, incorporating healthy ingredients is easy! thai food is spicy and surely needs to be balance with something sweet like nice veggies!
I only tried goji berries. I liked them. I have to try the others as well. I like the sound of chia seeds.
These are all amazing foods for your body. Chia seeds are especially good with oatmeal!
I can’t believe I haven’t tried them in oatmeal. I’ll have to try it that way.
Turmeric has so many benefits. I see a lot of people drinking it in tea form and I’ve been wanting to give it a try. I think it’s a lovely addition to your diet.
I need to try some of these. I haven’t tried turmeric yet, but I keep hearing about it. I admit, I don’t eat a lot of superfoods!
Start with the Chia seeds in your smoothies. Once you see a difference in your energy level, I think you’ll be more inclined to try the others. These are all good superfoods to try.
I’ve read so many wonderful things about Tumeric and goji berries. I have tumeric in the pantry already, I should pull it out and do something with it.
I learned all about Tumeric when our neighbors from India was telling me about it for my arthritis.