When I hear the word superfood, my mind drifts to some version of a plump fruit or stalky vegetable wearing a cape and mask, flying through the air to save the day.
As wild as that would be, we don’t exactly have Batman versions of food soaring through city skylines…
But we do have foods that are “super” in their own way.
We all know a general guideline of healthy eating. But what foods are master multitaskers that take on providing vitamins and nutrients to the body AND the mind?
Let’s take a look ⬇
The Nut Side
➤ Nuts and Seeds
They come in all shapes and sizes — great for snacking! Some of the best seeds are flax and chia, whereas Walnuts win the nut game.
All act like an umbrella in a rainstorm. They are some of the best defenders against illness and disease.
PLUS your mood starts to improve after adding these to your meal plan.
➤ Quinoa
Not exactly a nut, but a nutty flavor. Quinoa is a complex carb that fuels the brain and gives it some much needed vitamin love.
Like putting gas in a car, adding Quinoa to a meal helps keep memory and brain function running at a solid speed.
Not to mention all the packed-in fiber and antioxidants for internal health.
A perfect side OR base to add to any meal!
The Green Side
➤ Spinach and Kale
Do I really need to say more? These famous, wonderful leafy greens are good for the body all around.
VITAMINS, MINERALS, FIBER… oh my! What else could you ask for in these low calorie greens?
➤ Broccoli
Eat your broccoli! You’ve probably heard this before when you were younger. But I say this even today — eat your broccoli.
Anti-inflammatory and natural Antioxidants help brain function and provide the body with a needed boost of plant-based energy through proper nutrients.
➤ Avocados
If you didn’t think you could compare much else to broccoli — meet the avocado. This fatty little friend is incredibly good for body and brain health.
Avocados are natural mood-boosters and provide the body with necessary fatty acids to keep you up and running.
Keep things extra green my friends!
The Dairy Farm Side
➤ Yogurt
You’ve probably heard that yogurt has happy little bacteria that help with gut health — but did you know that researchers found a connection from the gut to the brain?
According to UCLA Newsroom “UCLA researchers now have the first evidence that bacteria ingested in food can affect brain function in humans. In an early proof-of-concept study of healthy women, they found that women who regularly consumed beneficial bacteria known as probiotics through yogurt showed altered brain function, both while in a resting state and in response to an emotion-recognition task.”
Pretty amazing!
➤ Eggs
It’s really good that we’ve debunked some of the myths about eggs over the years and started seeing some of the amazing benefits.
Eggs are a wonderful source of protein and provide the body with a substantial amount of nutritional value.
On top of that, eggs have a micronutrient called Choline — this helps with memory and brain development.
So stock up on your next trip to your local farmers market!
The Sweet Side
➤ Berries
Berries give you a good dose of vitamins and powerful antioxidants that keep the body running strong.
Blueberries in particular have been found to reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia — which is pretty fantastic.
Munching on a serving of berries will help those brain cells keep firing information, so make sure to keep your fridge stocked!
➤ Dark Chocolate
Yup! That’s right. Do you ever have a slight euphoric feeling when you bite into chocolate? That’s because chocolate has natural stimulants.
A little bit of dark chocolate can play a role in attention and focus. It’s also filled with antioxidants.
Remember! A little can go a long way. Moderation is key with this one.
The Oil Side
➤ Fatty Fish
Shoutout to Omega-3! Certain fish varieties are packed with it — which is extremely important in brain function, memory, and cognition.
Our brains are made of a large percentage of fat. So it’s important to keep it charged with the right stuff.
Not to mention — fish is a wonderful source of lean protein for the body.
➤ Olive Oil
Last but certainly not least — Olive Oil has healthy fats that hold some really solid benefits, including prevention of heart disease.
On top of that, it’s another great source of Omega-3 fatty acids that help with cognition and memory.
Plus it’s delicious on a salad.
The Good Stuff
Whole foods that power the body and brain are critical to a balanced diet. The good thing is that you can get really creative with incorporating them into dishes and different meals.
Enjoy those natural boosters that keep us running!
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