Beyond the grocery store shelves filled with processed food, canned goods, and brightly colored packaging, there lies a whole other universe with healthy grains, beans, nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables, and berries.
Food has the immense ability to affect our moods, our mental clarity as well as our ability to focus. If you’ve been finding it hard to concentrate and keep your mind uncluttered, then changing your eating habits is a step in the right direction.
Consuming foods that can improve your memory, mood, focus and clarity will help you in your day-to-day tasks. Whether you’re working on a project, about to present to stakeholders, need that extra mental boost, or need all the help you can get to focus on hitting your business milestones- eating right has immense benefits. Below is a list of superfoods for a healthy body and healthy mind.
Acai Berry
Native to South America, Acai berries are known for their excellent antioxidant content, twice more than blueberries. It also contains anthocyanins which help prevent heart diseases and improves cardiovascular health. Acai berries also improve digestion and slow down the process of aging.
Beets
This deep red superfood is high in betalain, an antioxidant that gives it its deep color. Beets help reduce cancer risks and other degenerative diseases. It also contains vitamins A, B & C that help bolster the body’s immune system and produces collagen. It also contains potassium to help the body’s organ function. The fiber in beets also regulates the digestive system.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds, tiny as they come, are packed with an array of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Chia seeds are so versatile that you can include them in salads and smoothies, yogurt, and puddings. It also absorbs up to 10 times of weight in water, which is why eating them in the morning makes you stay hydrated and full longer, thus improving the body’s endurance.
Dates
Dates are an excellent substitute for butter and sugar in baking; vegans love it! They have very high fiber content, which aids in heart health and the digestive system. It also has selenium and magnesium.
Eggs
Yes, eggs have so many benefits, plus it’s yummy too! Eggs contain the right amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which also aid in bodily functions and heart health. They also contain antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect our eyes from light and free radicals and slow down eye degeneration due to age. Some say yolks are bad news because of their high cholesterol content, but yolks contain choline, which is a vitamin B component that aids in brain function.
Grapes
Grapes are full of the goodness of beta-carotene and vitamins C & K. This fruit also contains antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals in the body that can cause cellular damage. It also includes a component containing resveratrol that purportedly reduces LDL cholesterol in the blood and inhibits cancer cell growth. Grapes are also great for treating cognitive impairment.
Hemp
Hemp has essential fatty acids and protein that help in coronary heart disease and combating cancer and specific symptoms of depression. They also have high amounts of magnesium, iron, and zinc and are great for fighting allergies. It is also used to treat attention deficit disorder. Hemp in the form of hemp d9 gummies is one of the easiest ways to consume CBD without THC.
Jalapeno Peppers
The main compound found in Jalapenos is called capsaicin, which is credited for speeding up metabolism and also can suppress appetites. Capsaicin also increases fat oxidation, enabling the body to use fat as fuel more effectively.
Kiwi
Kiwi contains high amounts of vitamin C, even more than oranges. A great source of folate, which contributes to overall health. Studies have shown that kiwi can reduce the risk of colon cancer and heart diseases.
Nuts
Apart from being irresistibly delicious and a great addition to various deserts, nuts also contain unsaturated fats that are essential for the body’s growth. Different nuts can help lower blood pressure and body fat. It is also a great protein source, making it an excellent post-workout snack. While they may be high in calories, they also are nutrient-dense.
Oats
Oats are an excellent source of fiber and minerals, and it helps lower blood cholesterol and aids in digestion, and improves metabolism. It is always good to make your oatmeal instead of buying premade instant ones in the store to cut out on any additives and unnecessary sugar.
Pistachio
Pistachio is cholesterol-free and high in fiber and protein. These nuts have incredible amounts of potassium and are great to eat to fill your stomach. It helps keep LDL cholesterol low while having high antioxidants. Pistachios are great for weight management and heart health.
Quinoa
This couscous lookalike is related to leafy vegetables like Swiss chard and kale. Quinoa has nine essential amino acids that our body cannot produce naturally.
Salmon
Salmon is the only fish that swims against the currents, which is why they are on the superfood list! They have excellent benefits and contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Salmon’s Omega-3s also benefit the skin by protecting it from UV damage.
Watermelon
Watermelons are packed with water and have only 48 calories. It is high in vitamins A and C and has citrulline amino acids. Watermelons are also a great source of lycopene, the essential carotenoid usually found in tomatoes. Carotenoid protects the body from UV rays and certain forms of cancer.
Yams
This tuber is low on the glycemic index and can be consumed in high amounts without affecting your blood sugar levels. They are a great energy source and fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese.
Zucchini
Zucchini, a stable in most grocery cards, can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It is packed with vitamins B6 and C and potassium, manganese, and folate. Zucchini is used in many salads as it is low in calories and high in water content making salads a refreshing summer treat.