Top 5 Underrated Superfoods

What is a superfood?

You might have heard the term “superfood” used before when it comes to health and nutrition, but what is a superfood really? A superfood isn’t made up of any magic potion, and it’s not going to miraculously cure all health related ailments overnight. However, superfoods are considered to be “super” due to their unusually high concentration of nutrients, including antioxidants, thought to ward off cancer; healthy fats, thought to prevent heart disease; fiber, thought to prevent diabetes and digestive problems; or phytochemicals, the chemicals in plants responsible for deep colors and smells, which can have numerous health benefits.

Basically, superfoods are any kind of food that is packed with all sorts of healthy nutrients, which are typically naturally-occurring foods, such as vegetables and fruits. That said, anyone and everyone can reap the benefits that come along with incorporating more superfoods into their diet. But how do you discern which foods actually qualify for the title of “superfood”, and how do you choose the right one? Well, the good news is, you might already be a fan of superfoods and not even know it! Below is my list of the top 5, most underrated superfoods.

5 Underrated Superfoods

Kefir: Kefir is a protein shake-like fermented dairy drink that you can find at the grocery store or online (but let’s be real, what can’t you find online?!). It’s great for those who have gut issues since it contains healthy probiotics for digestive regulation. There’s so many things you can do with kefir like incorporate it into another drink recipe or even use it as a salad dressing base. Another plus? Even though it’s typically made from cow’s or goat’s milk, dairy-free options exist for those who are lactose-sensitive or intolerant.

Tomatoes: While not exactly an underrated food itself, tomatoes are definitely amongst the forgotten superfoods. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, containing 40% of your daily intake requirement. They also have lycopene, which studies indicate can help lessen the risk for heart disease and cancer. It’s also not a bad idea to mix them into your homemade face mask recipes for toned and luminous skin!

Bananas: Did you know that eating one banana is equivalent to eating a cup of your daily fruit intake because of how nutritious they are? That sounds pretty super to me! Bananas are filled with vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, which all aid with digestion and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Matcha: Matcha is a powdered green tea drink that hails from Japan. It’s super trendy right now and you might have already seen matcha lattes popping up at your local coffee shop, but few people know how healthy it is. Full of antioxidants, matcha is a great alternative to your morning brew if you’re looking for something that has caffeine for an energy boost.

Mushrooms: The edible super-fungi! I use mushrooms a lot when I cook because there’s a ton of different varieties that suit whatever need I have. They used to be considered low in nutrients but research has disproved that. They’re chock-full of antioxidants that have shown to be particularly useful when it comes to lowering your risk of age-related diseases, like Alzheimer's, dementia, and heart disease.

There you have it -- five of the most underrated, but still amazing, superfoods! What’s your favorite superfood? I’d love for to share in the comments below!

xoxo,

Lindsay