When you choose to make your health and wellness a priority, it requires changing things inside and out. One of the major things people tend to look at when they want to take control of their overall health is their diet.
Paying attention to what you eat is an important factor in bettering your health, in general. It doesn’t matter what your overall health goal is. Whether you want to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, or lower your risk of certain diseases, it’s never a bad idea to make dietary changes that can boost your body’s immune system naturally.
One of the best ways to do that is by including more superfoods in your diet. Most superfoods contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are substances that can either delay or prevent certain types of cell damage. That helps to lower your risk of a variety of different diseases while making your system stronger in the process.
So, what are some of the best superfoods you can include in your diet to boost your antioxidant intake?
1. Dark Chocolate
Just to prove that something indulgent can be extremely healthy too, we’re starting out our list with dark chocolate! Now, we’re not encouraging you to eat an entire chocolate cake every day. But, the antioxidants in cocoa can help to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, and raise your levels of “good” cholesterol. The darker the chocolate (the higher the cocoa percentage) the better, so don’t reach for that milk chocolate bar if you’re trying to get any health benefits. A small serving of dark chocolate each day will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but can help your body in many other ways.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are often one of the first foods people think of when antioxidants come to mind. There is a good reason for that.
Blueberries are often touted as a food that contains the highest amount of antioxidants above other fruits and vegetables. Plus, it helps that they’re delicious and versatile!
Some of the benefits of blueberries include decreasing inflammation and lowering the risk factors of heart disease. There have also been studies that have suggested blueberries can help to delay the decline in brain function that tends to happen naturally with aging.
3. Kale
Kale is more than just a fad diet trend. It is one of the most nutritious greens known to man, and it’s also very versatile. If you don’t particularly like the taste of kale or aren’t sure how to prepare it, you can “hide” the flavor in a fruit smoothie. Or, try delicious baked kale chips with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Kale contains many immune-boosting antioxidants, but it is also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, and C. Many people following a vegan lifestyle enjoy kale because it is a great plant-based source of calcium. Needless to say, a little bit of kale goes a long way when it comes to your health and the nutrients your body needs.
4. Beans
Beans have many health benefits that should make them a regular part of your diet. They are high in fiber and a wonderful source of antioxidants. But, the most important antioxidant in certain types of beans (like pinto) is kaempferol. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to reduce cancer growth, especially with breast, kidney, and lung cancers.
Beans are inexpensive and easy to find, so there is no reason not to add more of them into your life and experience the benefits right away.
Switching to a Super Diet
Getting the nutrients you need through your food is one of the best things you can do for both your body and mind. But, if you are particularly deficient in certain nutrients, or you’re having a hard time eating the foods that can really boost your health, taking natural supplements is a great way to still give your body what it needs.
For example, if you want to boost your antioxidant intake, red polyphenol powder can help by taking it every day.
Remember, by making your health a priority, you’re doing something kind for yourself. There are many more superfoods to consider that aren’t on this list, so don’t be afraid to do your research on different foods and how their antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can improve your immunity! You’ll also lower your risk of certain diseases, and simply feel better and stronger from the inside out.
What types of superfoods do you like?
Thank you for reading!
