Superfoods To Try In 2016

You may be eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep, but you still may be lacking the vital nutrients key to maintaining your health. Micronutrient deficiency is still a problem, because one third of Americans are getting 47% of their calories from junk food.  We’ve assembled a powerhouse list of foods that will help you get the micronutrients your body needs for optimal health. 

1. Tomatoes—Tomatoes are famous for their lycopene content but tomatoes also are a great source of flavanols, lutein, flavanones, glycosides and fatty acid derivatives.  Consuming lycopene-rich foods can lower your risk of stroke and cancer. 

2. Seaweed—Seaweed is best known for its iodine content.  Iodine is critical for thyroid health and even though we do iodize salt, many Americans are still not getting enough iodine in their diets.  Seaweed has Vitamins A & C and Calcium as well, so have some sushi!

3. Kale—Kale is a superfood.  Besides having amazing levels of Vitamins A &C, kale boasts 1000% of the RDA of Vitamin K.  Vitamin K regulates blood clotting and injury repair and could help bone health.

4. Blueberries—Full of antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, blueberries have long been a favorite of health food enthusiasts.  Blueberries have significant amounts of Potassium and Vitamin C as well. 

5. Avocado—Many avoid avocados because of the high fat content, but you need to take a second look if you’re avoiding avocados.  With more Potassium than bananas, avocados also have high levels of oleic acid, which reduces inflammation.  Plus, avocado consumption can lower cholesterol.

6. Quinoa—Besides being protein-rich, quinoa is high in fiber, iron and magnesium. 

7. Black Beans—High in fiber, high in protein and high in iron, serve some black beans at your next meal and reap the health benefits.

8. Salmon—Have some fish to get your omega-3 fatty acids.  You’ll also see benefits to your cardiovascular health if you eat two or more servings a week and increase your longevity. 

9. Oats—Packed with soluble fiber, oats are an easy to prepare, gluten-free breakfast. 

10. Chia Seeds—The seeds are tiny but mighty, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, B, D and E and other micronutrients.  Chia seeds also can regulate blood sugar. 

11. Goji Berries—These berries are shriveled, but they are packed with nutrients.  Goji berries contain vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin A, iron, selenium and other antioxidants.

12. Acai—Acai berries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats.  However, if you are getting your acai from sugar-laden drinks, you’re nixing the health benefits. 

13. Kefir—Kefir has more probiotics than yogurt.  It’s also lactose-free. 

How many of these superfoods have you tried?  Your health is important, so be sure to diversify your food consumption and add some superfoods.  You can even make it a game.  Try a new food a week and then keep eating the ones you like!  We’re always here to connect you with promo codes to boost your health, so keep up those healthy habits!

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1. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02837/ten-surprising-nutrition-facts-from-Dr-Weil.html

2. http://authoritynutrition.com/11-most-nutrient-dense-foods-on-the-planet/