A superfood is simply a type of food that is extremely healthy for you due to delivering a lot of minerals, vitamins, and essential nutrients. While many people know the basics like spinach, oatmeal, bananas and blueberries, there are some others that are a little less known. Here are some healthy superfoods you might not have known were included in this category.
Artichokes
Another vegetable that is on the superfood list is the artichoke. This is another fun addition since they’re delicious and unique in the way you eat them. You are only going to eat the ‘meat’ of artichokes, which is found on the inner part of each leaf. This soft meat is really good to be used as a dip or simply to eat on its own after steaming the vegetable. For a little more flavor, dip them in melted butter or mayonnaise, but be careful not to use too much! Artichokes contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Goji Berries
There are quite a few exotic fruits that are now becoming a staple in America, and goji berries are one of them. These delicious berries come from Asia and are filled with nutrients that can make you a healthier person. This slightly less common superfood has fiber, iron, amino acids, and vitamin A.
The best thing about them is that they can be eaten with the skin on and without removing a seed or pit. This makes it easy to add them to your cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal. Since they’re sold in dry form, they can also be added to granola. Read more about the health benefits of goji berries and the history of the goji berry.
Canned Pumpkin
Believe it or not, pumpkin is also considered a superfood. There is a reason so many ‘healthy’ dessert and baking recipes ask for pumpkin. It is low in fat, delicious, and good for you! Pumpkin in the can contains antioxidants, unsaturated fat, fiber, and an excellent amount of protein.
If you like pumpkin seeds better, there is even more included in them. Pumpkin seeds contain potassium, zinc, protein, magnesium, and vitamin K. Want a super easy recipe for pumpkin muffins? You’ll also read more detailed health benefits of pumpkin.
Beets
Beets may look a little too purple for you, but they are actually very delicious. Plus, they’re extra good for you. Adding a little beets to your salad could give you vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, calcium, and iron. This is huge for just one small little vegetable.
You can also find other recipes for beets that seem more appealing, such as steaming or roasting them. Risotto also tastes very good with cooked beets in the dish. You can even juice beets or add them to your smoothies.
Olives
As a kid you used to love putting them on your fingers and as an adult, you often have them on your plate during Thanksgiving, as a low-fat snack, or added to your salad for flavor. Luckily, olives are also very good for you! Olives contain vitamin E, iron, calcium, and copper. While you should watch your intake due to the sodium content, they are still very good for you and considered one of the superfoods.
Consider adding these delicious superfoods to your regular diet to increase your nutrients.