What You Should Know About Superfoods

What are superfoods and why should we eat them?

Superfoods are foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits for minimal calories. These foods typically contain a high volume of the following:

• Minerals: These essential nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and iron, help your body perform at its highest level.
• Vitamins: If possible, getting these organic compounds from natural foods – like superfoods – rather than from supplements (manufactured products, such as multivitamins) is preferred.
• Antioxidants: These natural compounds protect your cells from damage and may lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

What are examples of superfoods?

Common examples of superfoods include any type of berries, leafy greens, fish (especially salmon), dark chocolate, nuts, avocados, tomatoes, onions and sweet potatoes.

Can superfoods help with weight loss?

Yes, most definitely. Most superfoods are low in calories and high in fiber. Because of this, superfoods cause you to feel fuller for longer, which can help with weight loss.

Can I get my superfoods in a supplement form?

A word of caution from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): While the benefits of some supplements are well established, others need more study. Before buying or taking any dietary supplement, talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks. Keep in mind that supplements should not take the place of the variety of foods that are essential for a healthy diet.

Are superfoods usually expensive or hard to find?

Not necessarily. Superfoods, such as mushrooms, spinach, lentils (beans, peas, etc.), sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds, can be found at your local grocery store. Bottom line: Any fruit or vegetable is essentially a superfood. They don’t need to be exotic, expensive or hard to find.