There are many healthy and nutritious foods out there being labeled "superfoods," but how many of these are more trendy than helpful?
Rather than go down a long list of pureed health drinks and kale chip-derived "super snacks" like avocados, we thought we'd focus on some lesser-known foods.
The eight superfoods listed below can not only support your health, but they are also all among the smartest nutritional choices you can make for whole-body health.
1. Turmeric
It may surprise you to see turmeric on a list of superfoods, but it might just be the very best one here. Not only can turmeric help support healthy blood sugar levels, but turmeric also helps to relieve occasional joint discomfort. Curcumin, the extract derived from turmeric, is a highly effective, naturally-sourced way to help support bones, joints, mobility, and flexibility, and it has been used in this capacity for thousands of years.
2. Blackcurrants
Blackcurrants, not to be confused with zante currants, are immensely nutritious and good for you in multiple ways. Because they’re packed with antioxidants, blackcurrants can help support healthy cellular aging by reducing typical oxidative stress.
People who consume blackcurrants can also aid in the maintenance of healthy, blood sugar levels. Snacking on these berries, instead of processed convenience snacks that are packed with sugars, can help avoid unhealthy sugar spikes and crashes.
3. Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed is truly one of the best superfoods. Flaxseeds are packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them one of the best ways to stay healthy, supporting the brain, digestion, and immune system.
The soluble and insoluble fiber in flaxseed can help support healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, energy levels, and regular bowel movements. These fibers are also a great resource for those trying to support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
The lignans in flaxseed act as powerful antioxidants, which can help reduce typical oxidative damage through the body and can help maintain a healthy hormone balance for healthy aging.
4. Maca Root
The consumption of maca root may be able to help people support healthy hormone balance, which can have all sorts of health benefits for the body and make all the difference for people with a wide range of different health conditions.
Maca root is from Peru originally, and the people there have been using it for a long time. Consuming maca root can support help you maintain healthy energy levels through the day, so you don’t have to fill up on energy drinks and caffeine.
5. Freekeh
This toasted young green wheat has an interesting and unique flavor bordering on smoky and nutty, so you know it tastes great while providing incredible benefits. Freekeh is rich in fiber and protein, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and is quick and easy to prepare.
Freekeh contains four times the fiber as brown rice and twice as much as quinoa, which makes it an excellent superfood for digestive and heart health. It also contains calcium, iron, and other nutrients that are missing from common foods included in most western diets. Try it out!
6. Kalettes
It's a hybrid of kale and brussels sprouts, and it may just be the coolest and most interesting healthy new vegetable on the scene today.
This highly nutrient-rich vegetable made its debut in the U.S. last year for the first time. Kalettes are full of essential vitamins and nutrients like magnesium to support proper sleep and muscle health and fiber to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and normal blood pressure.
7. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is an underrated superfood, but it is packed with nutrients and many health benefits. Anyone that can tolerate it should definitely give it a try.
It is produced by grinding and soaking hemp seeds in water, and it is a tasty drink and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids to support heart and brain health. As powerful antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce occasional oxidative stress to promote healthy aging. It's a top superfood, for sure.
8. Fermented Foods
This may be nothing new to those people who suffer from occasional digestive issues, but fermented foods have been a staple of healthy and nutritious digestive support for a long time now.
Fermented foods can revamp your entire body's health profile. Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso soup are extremely rich sources of probiotics and digestive enzymes, which support healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and healthy bowel movements.
Try to find sauerkraut and kimchi products that contain the greatest amount of live active cultures possible. Adding this into your diet will do wonders for your health.
The Bottom Line
These incredible health-supporting superfoods are only the tip of the iceberg in what is now available to promote optimal health without giving up good taste.
From cognitive and cardiovascular support to digestive regulation, vision support, and relief of occasional joint discomfort, superfoods come with a myriad of healthful advantages for most.
Try adding a few of these great foods, or all of them, to your diet and notice the difference it makes for your health. You just might fall in love with some of them.
