Top 5 Superfoods for optimal health 

You’re probably familiar with the term ‘Superfoods’ but do you know why certain foods are called super? It’s because these are foods that are packed with health-promoting nutrients required for optimal health. These nutrients help our body staying in top shape and promote physical and mental well-being. If you ask different nutrition experts each will have a different list of superfoods. The reason behind this is that each superfood has to offer something unique to the body and more often than not the lists that these nutritionists would compile would overlap. One food might be rich in antioxidants, while the other would have a higher fibre content. One might be loaded with vitamins, while the other might be packed with protein.

Here is a list of top 5 superfoods that will fulfil your nutritional needs and also give you optimal health:

Blueberries:

The reason blueberries are on this list is because of their high antioxidant content. In a study, it was found that blueberries contain more antioxidants than over 40 other common fruits and vegetables. This makes blueberries the ideal candidate for fighting diseases and illnesses.

Blueberries are rich in the antioxidant epicatechin. Epicatechin helps to fight against urinary tract infections as it prevents bacteria from sticking to walls of the bladder. The water content in blueberries is also pretty high, which means it can provide your body the hydration it needs.



 

Kale:

The leafy green vegetable is great at providing your body with Vitamins A, C, B-6 and also minerals such as copper, manganese, and potassium. If that wasn’t enough it also helps your skin looking youthful by renewing collagen.

It defends the body against different types of cancer and even supplements bone health.

 

Pistachios:

Pistachios are loaded with phytosterol, a plant compound that helps to lower your bad cholesterol levels. They’re also packed with protein and soluble fiber which aids in digestion. A handful of these delicious nuts will provide you with the nutrients you need for optimal health.

 

Yoghurt:

Yogurt is loaded with probiotics and live bacteria culture which is important for your digestive health. It reduces the growth of harmful bacteria in your digestive tract. The probiotics found in yogurt also help to fight against, bowel diseases, urinary tract infections, and ulcers.

A derivative of milk yogurt also contains calcium and protein. While calcium is important for healthy and strong bones, protein is important for muscle health.

 

Olive oil

Research has shown that olive oil is a healthy dietary fat especially extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is primarily composed of monosaturated fats called oleic acid which can fight off certain types of cancer. It also contains fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 both of which are required by the body for optimal heart health. The oleic acid found in olive oil has been known to reduce inflammation. The antioxidants found in olive oil help to prevent clogged arteries. Research has found that olive oil helps in promoting good cholesterol and improve the overall function of blood vessels.