Revitalize Your Health: The 12 Ultimate Superfoods You Can’t Ignore!
It’s really important to pay attention to these signs and deal with them on time to avoid more problems.
The truth is there’s no one magical food that can make you super healthy. Instead of rushing to buy the latest “superfood” you heard about, it’s better to focus on eating different healthy foods and creating a super healthy diet.
Having a well-stocked kitchen is important for a healthy diet. Keeping various healthy foods around helps us build a good eating routine with mostly balanced meals and snacks. Eating a healthier diet with lots of different foods is an easy way to make sure we stay healthy and avoid chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Even though everyone, including me, likes to treat themselves sometimes, eating well most of the time is the key to staying healthy. Having nutritious foods around us makes it easier to make healthy food choices. My motto is “make the healthy choice the easy choice.”
Here are 12 healthy superfoods you should eat. I’ve picked a mix of foods from different groups because I think all foods can be part of a healthy diet.
These 12 superfoods have lots of different nutrients and help with your immune health, heart health, and gut health. They can even help you lose a few pounds if that’s what you’re aiming for. Including these tasty, satisfying foods in your diet can really boost your health.
Here are 12 healthy superfoods you should add to your grocery list:
1. Oats
Oats are really good for you. They have a kind of fiber called beta-glucans that helps lower cholesterol and keep your blood sugar steady. Oats is one of the 12 superfoods, also have another type of fiber that keeps you from getting constipated, helps you have regular bathroom trips, and might lower the chance of colon cancer. If you have tummy troubles, oats are great because they don’t have gluten.
Oats have good stuff like potassium, magnesium, manganese, and B vitamins. You can eat oats in many ways. A popular one is having oatmeal for breakfast. You make it by boiling oats in water or milk. Oatmeal is better for you than granola and a lot of other breakfast cereals because it doesn’t have as much added sugar.
Another yummy breakfast with oats is overnight oats. You mix oats with liquid (like milk or water) and extras like nuts, seeds, and fruit. Let it soak overnight, and in the morning, you have a pudding-like breakfast that’s easy to grab and go.
Here’s a tasty recipe for peanut butter berry overnight oats from my book “Finally Full, Finally Slim.” Put these ingredients in a jar and soak them overnight:
1 cup of blueberries or strawberries
1 teaspoon ground flaxseeds
½ cup whole-grain oats
¾ cup fat-free milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 teaspoons peanut butter
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon to taste
Don’t worry about gaining weight from oats and other whole grains. Studies show that whole grains can actually help you lose weight by making you feel full and reducing your appetite.
2. Greek yogurt
I always have Greek yogurt in my fridge. It’s creamy, tasty, and has lots of protein that keeps you feeling full for a long time. It also has calcium, which is important for strong bones and preventing high blood pressure. Greek yogurt has probiotics too good bacteria that are really good for your health. They help your immune system and make digestion better.
When you buy yogurt, check the label because some have a ton of added sugar. If you don’t like the tangy taste of plain yogurt, try adding a bit of honey for sweetness. You can control how much you put in—aim for a teaspoon or less.
Greek yogurt is a fast and healthy choice for breakfast or a snack. You can add lots of good stuff on top, like ground flax, hemp or chia seeds, mixed nuts, and mixed berries. This makes Greek yogurt even better for you.
3. Blueberries
These delicious blueberries are super healthy fruits. They not only taste good but also have lots of good stuff like vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and manganese. Blueberries are low in calories too. They have a ton of antioxidants, especially flavonoids called anthocyanins, which make them really good for your health.
Studies show that eating blueberries might protect you from getting old too quickly and from cancer. They do this by stopping free radicals that can harm your cells. Blueberries might also help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and keep your brain working well as you get older.
I really like adding blueberries to things like yogurt, smoothies, and salads because they taste good and look pretty. You can eat them fresh or frozen. While I really love blueberries, other berries like blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are also really healthy. They have lots of good things for you and can be part of a healthy diet.
4. Pistachios
Pistachios, like other nuts, are good for you because they have a mix of healthy unsaturated fat, fiber, and protein. Besides being tasty, pistachios have a bunch of health benefits. These little green nuts might help your gut stay healthy, lower cholesterol, and protect against Type 2 diabetes.
The trick to eating nuts in a healthy way is to control how much you eat. A recommended serving of nuts is about 1 ounce, which is roughly 1/4 cup. Pistachios are one of the nuts with fewer calories, having about 160 calories in a serving.
Pistachios have an extra advantage because you can buy them in their shells. This helps you control how much you eat and encourages mindful eating. Even though nuts have fat, studies show that people who eat nuts have a lower risk of getting overweight because they make you feel full.
You can enjoy pistachios, along with other nuts, as a healthy snack. You can also add them to yogurt, hot cereal, or salads for extra goodness.
5. Eggs
Eggs are super nutritious and can be used in many ways. They’re full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and good fats that are really good for your health. Eating eggs can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, keep your eyes healthy, and make your brain work better.
The proteins in eggs are high-quality, and they can make you feel full and satisfied, which is great for weight loss. The healthy fats in eggs also give you energy and help your brain work better.
Eggs have lots of essential vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. The vitamin A in egg yolks is important for your eyes and can lower the chance of having vision problems as you get older. The B vitamins in eggs turn the food you eat into energy, and minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium help your cells work well.
You can enjoy eggs in different ways—boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried. They’re an easy and nutritious choice for breakfast, snacks, or any meal of the day. You can add them to salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls to make your meals more filling and healthier.
6. Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a great source of protein for people who don’t eat meat or want to cut down on it. These legumes are filling because they have lots of fiber and protein, keeping you satisfied all day. Chickpeas are not just tasty; they are also a nutrition powerhouse with high amounts of potassium and magnesium, which are good for controlling blood pressure.
Eating chickpeas comes with many health benefits. They can improve digestion, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and may even help with managing weight. Chickpeas have properties that can help keep your blood sugar levels steady due to their high protein and soluble fiber content.
I keep both dry chickpeas and canned chickpeas in my pantry (remember to rinse canned ones to reduce sodium), and there’s always hummus in my fridge. Chickpeas are super flexible and can be added to salads or whole grains for extra protein and nutrients. When I want a crunchy snack, I love to oven-roast them.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil, especially extra virgin (known as EVOO), has lots of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that bring many health benefits. It’s a key part of the Mediterranean diet, which helps prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. This healthy oil also helps control cholesterol and manage blood sugar levels.
Even though olive oil has a high amount of fat and calories, using it in moderation doesn’t seem to make you gain weight. A good serving is about 1 to 2 tablespoons, which is like a shot glass, for things like salads. I always have a bottle of extra virgin olive oil in a cool, dry place. I use it to dress salads, drizzle on fish, and add flavor when I’m sautéing or roasting my favorite vegetables It’s important food from the 12 superfoods, it’s very important as we always use Olive oil.
8. Salmon
The Dietary Guidelines from 2020 to 2025 suggest that Americans should eat more fish instead of red meat and have fish at least twice a week because it’s an excellent source of protein.
Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, arctic char, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are crucial for heart and brain health and should be a part of your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of plaque build-up in the arteries.
My personal favorite is grilled salmon, but canned salmon is also a budget-friendly and nutritious choice, plus it’s a good source of calcium. I like to enjoy grilled salmon with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of salt as the main dish. There are other ways to include more salmon in your diet, like adding it to pasta, making salmon burgers, or topping your favorite salad with either grilled or canned salmon.
9. Bok choy
Bok choy, a Chinese cabbage, belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. It’s rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C, and it provides potassium, iron, and folate. This vegetable is a nutrition powerhouse, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Plus, it’s great for weight loss with only 20 calories in one cup when cooked, thanks to its fiber content.
For bone health, Bok choy is excellent. It’s packed with vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium – all crucial for maintaining strong bones. There’s also evidence suggesting that regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, like Bok choy, may lower the risk of certain cancers.
Cooking Bok choy is easy, and it makes a fantastic side dish. You can stir fry it with a drizzle of olive oil or toasted sesame oil for a delicious and healthy meal.
10. Buckwheat (kasha)
Despite its name, buckwheat is not a wheat or grain; it’s technically a seed, similar to quinoa and millet. However, it’s often considered a pseudo-cereal and categorized as a grain. The good news is that it’s gluten-free. Buckwheat is rich in iron, copper, potassium, and magnesium—nutrients that can be beneficial for heart health.
With a combination of healthy carbs, protein, and a good amount of fiber, buckwheat helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, making it helpful for people with diabetes. It also contains flavanols and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
You can incorporate buckwheat into your meals by adding it to stir-fries or serving it as a side dish. It pairs well with fish and vegetables. One way I enjoy it is by mixing buckwheat with beaten egg, frying it (optional with onions) for a few minutes, and then adding hot water or vegetable broth with olive oil, covering the pan to finish cooking. This gives it a texture similar to brown rice or quinoa. Another bonus is that it freezes well.
11. Carrots
Carrots make a perfect crunchy and sweet snack or side dish. They are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, including the antioxidant beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), lutein, vitamin K, biotin, and potassium. Antioxidants, like those found in carrots, protect our body from damage caused by free radicals and are linked to improved immune function and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Eating carrots may decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
The nutrients in carrots, especially lutein, contribute to better eye health, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Carrots are also a weight-loss-friendly food, being low in calories and high in fiber. Contrary to concerns about their sugar content, carrots are a healthy choice.
The numerous health benefits combined with their satisfying taste make carrots a great addition to your diet. Roasted carrots, in particular, make a delicious side dish. To roast them, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, toss the carrots with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, you can drizzle them with honey and coriander. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes.
12. Butternut squash
I’m a big fan of butternut squash. It’s not just nutritious but also versatile, filling, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s fairly low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for weight loss. In one cup of cooked butternut squash, you get only 80 calories, over 6 grams of fiber, and it’s rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium.
Roasting butternut squash or lightly sautéing it in olive oil tastes fantastic. Pureeing it into a soup is another delicious option. If you have a sweet tooth, try topping it with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I often include it as a satisfying side dish for dinner, and the leftovers make for a tasty late afternoon snack.
FAQ Superfoods for a Healthier Lifestyle
Are oats good for weight loss?
Oats are indeed beneficial for weight loss. Studies show that the fiber in oats, particularly beta-glucans, can make you feel full and reduce appetite, aiding in weight management.
How can I make Greek yogurt healthier?
To enhance the health benefits of Greek yogurt, choose varieties with minimal added sugar. Add nutritious toppings like ground flax, chia seeds, mixed nuts, and berries for extra flavor and health benefits.
Why is salmon recommended for a healthy diet?
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart and brain health. It helps lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and decrease the risk of plaque build-up in arteries, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
What makes bok choy a nutritious vegetable?
Bok choy belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, providing vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, and folate. With only 20 calories in a cooked cup, it is nutrient-dense and supports bone health while being beneficial for weight loss.
How can I incorporate buckwheat into my meals?
Buckwheat, a gluten-free seed, can be added to stir-fries or served as a side dish. Its combination of healthy carbs, protein, and fiber helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, making it a helpful choice for those with diabetes.