Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Superfoods are the superheroes of the food world as they are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of vitamins and minerals. They can also be a source of antioxidants, substances that shield our bodies from cell damage and help prevent disease. Here are 9 of our favorite superfoods with the health benefits they offer. Add these to your product offerings and your customers will thank you!
Dried Plums – Prunes
Prunes might convey an old-fashioned image of your Grandma peddling “nature’s candy”, but they are actually a great superfood to incorporate into your diet. They’re packed with polyphenols, plant chemicals that have been shown to boost bone density by stimulating your bone-building cells and can be an effective preventative measure against osteoporosis. They’re naturally sweet and fat free, while also being high in potassium and fiber.
Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the most true superfoods out there. They’re loaded with essential Omega-3s that can help reduce the potential for heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and clinical depression. They are also an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, protein, and phosphorus, as well as the antioxidant selenium.
Sunflower Seeds
Not just for baseball games, regularly snacking on protein-rich sunflower seeds can help lower your blood pressure. They are also a good source of Vitamin E which promotes healthy circulation by helping you make red blood cells. Vitamin B-1, or thiamine, activates enzymes within your cells, helping you derive energy from food. Sunflower seeds are also a good source of copper which makes melanin, a pigment protein that helps give your skin and hair their color.
Flax Seeds
A serving of flax seed definitely pulls its weight nutritionally, but to get the health benefits, you’ll either have to chop or grind whole flax seed. Only grind what you need, as flax seed tends to spoil quickly once it’s ground. It’s a good source of protein and fiber, plus contains plenty of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and brain-boosting vitamin B1.
Dried Cherries
In addition to being rich in potassium, vitamin C, and B complex, research has shown that cherry consumption can help the body prevent heart disease and cancer, as well as provide pain relief and improved bone health.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are considered a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. This makes them a beneficial addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Also a rich source of dietary fiber, Brazil nuts make a filling snack that can help with weight control.
Chia Seeds
Ch-ch-ch-chia! These nutrient-rich seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium. If you’re not someone who enjoys fish, they’re a great way to get plant-based omega-3s in your diet. Chia seeds are also popular for weight loss by making you feel full since they absorb 10 times their weight in water, forming a bulky gel.
Pistachios
These lil’ nuts are bursting with health benefits – a one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts and has almost as much potassium as one small banana. Pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free and contain more than 10% of the Daily Value for dietary fiber, vitamin B-6, thiamin, phosphorus and copper.
Almonds
Almonds aren’t as boring as they might seem. They are the most nutritionally dense nut, meaning they offer the highest concentration of nutrients per calorie per ounce. They provide a healthy snack that’s packed with protein, fiber, calcium, zinc, and antioxidants. Research also shows that raw almonds can lower the risk of heart problems since they’re a good source of monounsaturated fats.
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