Popular Superfoods: Are They Worth It?
Every year it seems like a new food is being touted as the be all-end all of healthy foods. The “eat this, not that” list grows and changes almost constantly. So, with the ever changing advice, what should we really be eating? If you’re confused about which superfoods should or shouldn’t be consumed, check out this list of great foods and the benefits that come along with them.
Kale
Kale came out as a superfood a couple of years ago. Suddenly everyone wanted to jump on the kale bandwagon. Kale smoothies and kale shakes were a staple among the super fit. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Kale is an extremely nutrient dense food. It contains Vitamin D, which is scarcely found in foods. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes a healthy body. If you need energy, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 can also be found in this food. It’s a leafy green, so it aids in digestion. It has high amounts of protein, which helps to build muscle and provide fuel for the body. It’s also very low calorie. Eating kale is a fantastic way to boost your health, so add this to your “eat” list and leave it there.
Quinoa
Quinoa is relatively new on the healthy food list. It is a grain, and one that packs a powerful punch. It can replace rice or potatoes in many meals as a very healthy side choice. While the taste and texture can take a little bit of getting used to, the health benefits that come along with it are worth it. This is another food that packs Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6. It also provides healthy amounts of protein, magnesium, and potassium. This means that it can give you energy and also fight off muscle cramps. Though it contains quite a few more calories than kale, it serves an entirely different purpose. While kale is used as an herb or addition to meals, quinoa can be a significant side or a small meal in itself.
Coconut Oil
For some coconut oil has been around forever, and for others it is relatively new. This is another food that is well worth the time and money. Coconut oil has significant amounts of Vitamin E, which means that it is great for the skin whether it is ingested or used topically. It also remains an excellent source of healthy fat. Though the word fat makes it seem scary, your body actually needs these healthy fats in order to function properly. Coconut oil is also a great way to keep your digestion moving. Being an oil, it lubricates the intestines and keeps that part of your body in a healthier state. This is another to add to the “do” list.
The advice on nutrition is seemingly never ending, and because of that, it can also be confusing. If you want to eat healthy, try adding any of these superfoods to the list. You’ll find that the effort and time it takes to get used to them and add them to your meals is well worth the healthy benefits that come along with them.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Katherine Lim