7 Superfoods You May Not Know About

We’ve written on the importance of self-care for employees and employers alike on our blog before. It’s important to invest in your health in order to be your most engaged, productive self. However, this doesn’t mean you need to pay out a small fortune just to make sure you’re being healthy.

Case in point, did you know that you can get a lot of the essential micronutrients your body needs daily from some common fruits, vegetables, and other foodstuffs? These nutritious eatables are aptly called superfoods and provide amazing health benefits that keep your body in shape.

Keep reading to discover seven superfoods that can immensely improve your health and well-being:

Alfalfa

Alfalfa sprouts are popular in many vegan and vegetarian restaurants dotting the United States and are commonly found in sandwiches, salads, and even soups. Alfalfa is rich in protein, amino acids, essential vitamins, and minerals. Its high vitamin K content also aids in the absorption of calcium, which in turn reduces the risk of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Apples

Apples are known to be the third healthiest fruit in the world. They are a good source of fiber, and they have a ton of antioxidants. No wonder they help reduce the risk of asthma, heart attacks, diabetes, and hypertension. Apple juice specifically has been proven to improve one’s memory.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a good source of vitamins C and K as well as Manganese. They’re high in phenols, which helps protect the brain from damage and degeneration. And they’re also a very good source of antioxidants. Blueberries have been known to revive one’s skin and even prevent urinary tract infections! And though they’re sweet, they have anthocyanin properties, which guard our bodies against diabetes.

Kale

Considered as the king of all greens, kale is a highly nutritious sprout.  Kale has even a nutrient density score of 49.07. Kale naturally detoxifies the body, provides support for a healthy heart, promotes brain development in newborns, can help prevent cancer, improves vision, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Greek Yogurt

Yogurts are probiotics, which means that they help maintain regular and healthy digestion. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute for mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream. In addition to that, Greek yogurt is highly rich in calcium, which can be very good for women, especially mothers. It also contains more protein than regular yogurts.

Parsley

Parsley is more than what meets the eye! It is very rich in vitamins K and A. Moreover, it is also a very good source of dietary fiber, as well as the minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. In fact, it contains more iron than spinach. Even more surprisingly, parsley promotes kidney health. It also relieves rheumatoid arthritis, prevents diabetes, provides better digestion, and it is even a natural breath freshener.

Spinach

Spinach is certainly as super as Popeye claims it to be. Like beet and chard, it contains low levels of fat and cholesterol. However, it has a high amount of zinc and niacin. And with its other essential vitamins and minerals, which act as antioxidants, spinach is able to protect your body from harmful free radicals that bring about all kinds of diseases and health problems.

It’s easy to find superfoods that promote health — just turn to your local grocery store. To discover more super fruits and veggies, check out Be Healthy Today’s longer list here.