5 Super Foods that are Easy to Eat

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The term “superfood” is thrown around a lot these days and can be confusing to many people. While there is no standard definition of a superfood, in general it refers to a fruit, vegetable or other natural food which offers the consumer a variety of health benefits. Usually, superfoods will be a rich source of some combination of vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, proteins, fiber or any number of phytonutrients with anti-oxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. Below are 5 of the easiest superfoods to incorporate into your diet.

Quinoa

This small, grain-like seed, native to South America, has been extremely popular in the last few years and that popularity does not look like it will be declining any time soon: it still shows up on many health-conscious restaurant menus and healthy living websites. It is popular because it provides a healthy, plant-based complete protein with all the essential amino acids and can be prepared and served easily in much the same way you would prepare and serve rice.

Hemps Seeds

Hemp has gotten a bad rap because of its association in the public mind with marijuana, but only very tiny amounts of THC (marijuana’s active ingredient) can be found in hemp products and these “seeds” which are actually a tiny fruit are incredibly healthy for you, bringing good plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids which boost cardiac health and general immunity. They have a mild, nutty taste and can be sprinkled onto yogurt or oatmeal, processed into a smoothie or added to a soup.

Kale

This member of the crucifier family (which also include broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage), is a real super-star and it is no wonder people are raving about it. It is rich in minerals and vitamins, including Vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber and phytochemicals with power antioxidant properties. It also incredibly easy to prepare: you can eat it raw in a salad or add it to soups, green smoothies, casseroles or crock-pot recipes.

Chia Seeds

These seeds have also gained massive popularity in the past few years as more people discover their health benefits. They are a great source of vegetarian protein, but are also packed with fiber (5 grams per tablespoon), which is something that many Americans are still lacking in their diets. They are also a wonderful plant-based source for Omega-3 fatty acids. They can be processed into smoothies, sprinkled over oatmeal or yogurt, or even made into a pudding.

Kim Chi

This extremely spicy fermented cabbage dish is the national dish of Korea and this and other fermented foods have become extremely popular in recent years. This is due not only to their wonderful, piquant flavor but also to the fact that they contain enzymes and probiotic bacteria that improve digestion and boost the immune system. Kim chi can now be found in most grocery stores and is a great side dish for beef or chicken.

These super foods may sound exotic, but in fact they can all fit pretty comfortably into the average diet and all can be prepared or added easily to foods to increase the healthy benefits of what you are eating and make every bit count in regards to good nutrition.

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Samriti
Samriti has written a number of articles and blog posts for websites and print in the health industry. The majority of this writing was related to cancer information, blood pressure and healthy living.