One of the easiest ways to eat healthier, prevent diseases, and stay youthful is to incorporate superfoods into your diet. These nutrient rich foods are easy to include in a variety of menus, and they can easily substitute for other less nutritious ingredients that are normally used. Here are five delicious superfoods that have great health benefits, and are easy to include in any diet.
1.Cacao nibs
Cacao nibs, which are simply fragments of cacao beans, are probably the most natural way of consuming chocolate. They contain no sugar and because they are raw, they have one of the highest concentration of antioxidants found in any food. They are also rich in fiber, iron, magnesium and potassium. Cacao nibs can be consumed as a snack, or sprinkled onto muesli or baked goods.
2.Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids which help reduce cholesterol and protect against heart disease. At the same time, medium chain fatty acids are great for promoting fat loss. Due to its high content of lauric acid, coconut oil also has remarkable antimicrobial properties, being able to kill some of the most aggressive pathogens. Coconut oil can be used to replace any cooking oil, or spread on bread instead of butter.
3.Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural medicine. It is high in antioxidants, which protect the body against cancer and heart disease. Due to its high content of acetic acid, which helps regulate blood sugar, it has also been shown to promote weight loss and prevent diabetes. Apple cider vinegar is best consumed drizzled over salads, or diluted in a glass of water along with honey.
4.Matcha tea
Matcha tea is perhaps the most potent of all green teas. Its extremely high level of antioxidants make it a veritable elixir of youth, which can protect against cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Matcha tea also helps regulate mood due to its high content of theanine, which can boost serotonin levels. Matcha tea is prepared by pouring hot water over the Matcha powder, and then mixing it vigorously with a bamboo whisk.
5.Chia seeds
Chia seeds are one of the most nutritious and healthy foods on the planet. Because they are full of antioxidants, fiber, good quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids, they have been shown to protect against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Chia seeds can be consumed sprinkled onto yogurt, muesli or baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and left overnight to make a healthy and delicious chia pudding.
Superfoods, foods which are known to promote health due to their richness of phytonutrients and antioxidants, are easy to include in any diet. Whether you chose to sprinkle some antioxidant rich cacao nib on your breakfast cereal, substitute your afternoon latte for an energizing cup of Matcha tea, or replace your cooking oil with coconut oil, you will definitely reap the health benefits of these miraculous ingredients.
