Have you ever wondered what people are talking about when they bring up superfoods? 

Superfoods are just nutritional dense foods (primarily plant-based but also some fish and dairy are included) tending to be lower in calories and good for one’s health with consumption.

There usually is no set criteria for determining what is and what is not a superfood, but when you see them, most people will understand why. Take a peek at a few examples.

Superfoods have exceptional health benefits. In particular, superfoods are rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, fiber, flavonoids (which have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties), and healthy fats. All of the nutritional properties of these foods are shown to aid in good heart health, a robust immune system, lower cholesterol, reduced inflammation, and cancer prevention.

But(!) there are always things to be wary of.

Things to watch out for with superfoods: Scientists claim that the term “superfood” is largely a marketing tool with little roots in academic research. Although most of these superfoods are nutrient-rich and good for you, be careful with the processed superfoods and the brewed/or juices with all of the added sugars. 

Ultimately, always check and be aware of the labels and your overall diet. Superfoods might be a good entry into eating healthy (especially if you’re just starting out). But know that there are plenty of “healthy foods” out there to explore – even if no one calls them a “superfood.”

Take these tips into consideration to help you get more superfoods into your diet:

• Observe the colors on your plate. If all of your food is beige or brown(?), then it is likely that antioxidant levels are low. So add in foods with rich colors like kale, beets, and berries.
• Add greens whenever you can!
• Try replacing some of your beef or poultry with salmon and other fish options.
• Have a side of berries, oatmeal, cereal or salad when out eating
• Make sure you have at least some fruits or a vegetable every time you eat with your meals and snacks.
• Have a daily green or matcha tea (maybe even algae if you’re up to it). Coffee is an acceptable second option for this too.
• Start making spices like turmeric, ginger, oregano, clove, and cinnamon your go-to to amp up your meals’ antioxidant content.
• Start snacking on nuts, seeds, and dried fruit (preferably with no sugar or salt added).

Here is a list of additional superfoods