Vegan Superfoods You Should Try

Medical News Today defines superfoods as food with very high nutritional density for minimal calories. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Most superfoods are plant-based, which makes them a great inclusion to a person’s daily diet. In the same report, Dietician Penny Kris-Etherton said superfoods are not a cure-all: “A lot of people have unrealistic expectations about these foods, thinking they’ll be protected from chronic diseases and health problems. They may eat one or two of these nutrient-dense foods on top of a poor diet”. With that, she recommends that you consume a healthy, balanced diet that includes superfoods, instead of concentrating on individual fruits or vegetables.
If you want to kickstart your healthy eating, here are some of the superfoods you can try:

Berries

Registered dietitian Lauri Boone called berries the ultimate anti-ageing superfood. That’s because they are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help fight free radicals that damage the cells in your body. In turn, it can help keep your brain young and your skin glowing. Not only that, berries can also help increase your body’s insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar. They are also high in fiber, which can help decrease your appetite and reduce your calorie intake. The best kinds of berries for your health include blueberries, acai, goji, and cranberries.

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks you can have on a daily basis, next to water. Healthline notes that it’s about 30% polyphenols, which helps reduce inflammation. Like berries, green tea is also rich in antioxidants. According to Pretty Me’s review on Lean n’ Green, they state that green tea can also help manage stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of depression. Green tea can also improve your digestion, which helps increase the number of calories you burn.

Nuts and seeds

Snacking on nuts is one of the healthiest ways to get fats inside your body. It’s a vegan and vegetarian’s protein, too, and it’s very rich in heart-friendly nutrients, which can protect you against heart diseases. On Vanilla Sky Dreaming we talked about how nuts, especially pecans and almonds, are a better alternative to chips and other salty snacks. Some experts even say they can help you lose weight and keep the fat off your belly.

Lemon juice

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, not to mention the fact that they can give your dishes a bright, acidic flavor and an extra zing. In an interview with Shape, nutritionist Kayleen St. John R.D. said that when you add lemon juice to plant-based iron sources like leafy greens, seeds, and beans, it will help your body more efficiently absorb the iron. “Try adding a simple lemon vinaigrette— lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper—or even just a squeeze of lemon juice to your next grain bowl or salad to enhance your iron absorption,” she said.

Flaxseeds

Ground flaxseeds are one of the most versatile superfoods as they can be sprinkled over almost anything, from vegan yoghurt to cereals, oatmeals, and salads. You can even combine it with water and use it as a substitute for egg to create cheaper and healthier baked goodies. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which is a great antioxidant.

If you eat flaxseeds regularly, along with other superfoods, you’ll see its benefits to your digestive system, cardiovascular system, sugar level, and brain function. Just make sure that you don’t rely on only one superfood. Come up with delicious recipes featuring a few of your favorite superfoods so you can have a healthy, balanced diet. Combine your healthy diet with regular exercise, enough sleep, mindfulness, and plenty of water for optimal results.