All About The Benefits Of Superfood Nutrition

Superfood is a word that has become buzz-worthy over the past few years but what is it and why is it important? Here at Betsy’s Best, we plan to answer that – and more. We will explain what a superfood is, what kinds of foods are considered superfoods, and why they are important to your health and nutrition. So relax, get comfortable, and learn all about this important information on how superfoods can change your life. And might we add that you can find plenty of interesting articles on superfood nutrition in our blog. For instance, how sunflower oil is the unsung cooking hero. Or, you might enjoy the many creative and tasty alternatives to peanut butter. If it’s about superfoods, we have plenty to learn.

What Is a Superfood?

Superfoods are simply plant-based and sometimes fish and dairy that are not only good for you, but packed with nutritional value. Even more so than other healthy foods. According to Live Science:

Superfoods contain a variety of nutrients, such as antioxidants, which are thought to ward off cancer. They also have healthy fats, thought to prevent heart disease; fiber, thought to prevent diabetes and digestive problems; and phytochemicals — the chemicals in plants responsible for deep colors and smells, which can have numerous health benefits. Consuming foods that are packed with nutrients (as many so-called superfoods are) is certainly a good idea.

And while there isn’t one magic food that can change your life, these superfoods have benefits that make them a standout. They are packed with the most nutrition with the least amount of calories. They include foods that have the most antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Why Are They Important For Your Health?

As mentioned, these foods have all the things you want, without the things you don’t need – like empty calories. There have been studies indicating that these superfoods have a high amount of flavonoids and antioxidants. Both of which help prevent coronary heart disease and cancer, as well as improving immunity and decreasing inflammation. They’re good for maintaining weight when eaten along with a balanced diet, and they may even help with things like energy levels, complexion, hair, and nails. That why we choose as many superfood items as possible when sharing delicious recipes, as well as what goes into our seed and nut butters. In fact, here is a post we wrote about sunflower seeds in our superfoods section.

What Are Examples of Superfoods?

There are quite a few superfoods that you can easily incorporate into your diet. Here are just a few you might like.

Nuts are is a type of superfood that everyone is familiar with, and we love using them in our seed and nut butters here at Betsy’s Best. Nuts include healthy fats and minerals. One thing to keep in mind is that they should always be consumed in moderation. They are incredibly tasty, but they are a little higher in calories than some of the other superfoods.

Blueberries are another well-known superfood. They have a lot of phytochemicals, vitamins, and soluble fiber. While other berries are high in these components too, blueberries seem to steal the spotlight. And besides, they’re quite delicious, so it’s a win/win for everyone.

Kale is another ingredient that is extremely popular – and for good reason. Along with other leafy greens like spinach, collards, mustard, and Swiss chard, kale has calcium, fiber, minerals, and vitamins like vitamins A, C and K. It’s easily made into smoothies or pairs with your favorite dishes like chicken. And of course, it’s great as a salad ingredient.

According to Harvard Health:

Whole grains are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, whole grains also contain several B vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They have been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease and diabetes.

Salmon and other fish like sardines, mackerel and other fatty fish have plenty of superfood potential. They contain a heart-healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids that may help lower the risk of heart disease. Some may worry about mercury but the benefits of eating these kinds of fish are far preferable to any risk otherwise.

Olive oil is something you can eat on salads or cook with and it’s full of components that help against the risk of heart disease. Like monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and vitamin E. It’s perfect as a dressing for things like rice dishes and you can easily use it instead of margarine or butter.

Other superfoods include things like yogurt, beans, spirulina, garlic, barley, beets, wheat grass, and more.

These superfoods can be incorporated into your diet easily. Choose blueberries and nuts as a snack, use kale in your salads, substitute olive oil for dressings – and the list goes on.

The best thing about these superfoods is that while they are good for you, they taste great also. Whether it’s a yummy grilled salmon with olive oil or a handful of nuts and berries, this food is fun, tasty, versatile, and healthy.

Why We Use Superfoods

Here at Betsy’s Best, we strive to create nut and seed butters that have all of the nutritional value you need and with a taste that is totally crave-worthy. Betsy is a registered Dietitian and uses her knowledge to create products that focus on healthy eating that is fun and tasty.

For instance, our almond butter supports balanced blood sugar, it is rich in antioxidants, good for your bone health, and lowers bad cholesterol. Along with that, we use ingredients like cinnamon, chia seeds, Himalayan pink salt, and organic honey. Not only is it naturally sweet, but it has plenty of the almond superfoods in it. And of course, everything is non-GMO and totally organic. We don’t even add extra sweeteners! This gourmet almond butter will delight your taste buds and give you a healthy option for you and your family – whether it’s snacks or in recipes.

We also like to share as much information as possible about the wonderful benefits of superfoods. There is so much to learn and we aim to share recipes, supply information, and teach you as much as possible. Betsy’s Best has blog categories on quite a few amazing things and starting at the superfoods nutrition area is a place to learn more about why they’re good for you, tastes great, and has a wealth of benefits.