Eating a healthy diet with superfoods!

Planning a healthy diet can be a challenge, but keeping in mind some key 'superfoods' can help you both maintain a healthy weight and avoid illness. These superfoods are often touted for their nutritional benefits. They are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help boost the immune system and may reduce the risk of certain diseases, including cancer. While these foods aren't a panacea, incorporating them into your meal, planning is a part of maintaining a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

Superfoods - Oatmeal

Whole grains, like oats, are a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. Oatmeal gains its superfood status from its ability to help lower your cholesterol. The grain is chock-full of fiber, which helps keep you regular and is an essential part of a healthy diet. What pushes this superfood over the top is that it also contains around 6 grams of protein per serving as well as iron and other essential minerals. Adding a serving of the next superfood on our list will really help put your breakfast over the top.

Superfoods - Blueberries

Eating colorful fruits and vegetables is a great way to round out a diet, but no fruit packs quite the same punch as the little blueberry. The dark skin contains tons of nutrients from manganese, vitamins A and K to antioxidants. The fiber in blueberries can also help reduce inflammation and may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Some studies have shown that blueberries can even help improve brain health when it comes to memory!

Superfoods -  Dark Chocolate!

Probably the best news ever is that chocolate is a superfood! While not all chocolate is created equal, a serving of dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which are great for your overall health. Antioxidants have been shown to fight free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals are linked to multiple diseases from heart disease and diabetes to cancer. Dark chocolate may even help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Superfoods - Walnuts

Many nuts are considered a great addition to a healthy diet, but the little brain-shaped walnut is ironically one of the best nuts for heart health. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory that helps reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Walnuts are a healthy source of fat and fiber and have been shown to improve gut health.

Superfoods - Salmon

Last on this list of superfoods is salmon. Many fish are good sources of low fat, lean protein, but certain fish may also contain harmful compounds like mercury. Salmon, however, is a safe and nutritious addition to any diet, especially when wild-caught. Like walnuts, salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial to heart health. Seniors who eat salmon have also shown increased brain health. Adding in servings of salmon throughout the week can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Superfoods won't work magic all on their own, but adding a healthy serving of superfoods to your meal planning every week can help improve your overall health. While this list isn't exhaustive, it's a good start if you want to start eating healthier!

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