Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating: Six Superfoods for a Super Summer

Story & photo by Ashley Sornsin

Kickstart a Super Summer by eating superfoods! The term ‘superfood’ refers to foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits, and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods are nutritional powerhouses. They are the superheroes of plant-based foods here to save the day with essential nutrients that help the body thrive! Read on for the delicious details of how to easily add six superfoods to your summer meals!

1. Blueberries – Small but mighty, blueberries, especially wild ones, are an excellent source of antioxidants that help protect our cells against damage from free radicals. Studies have shown that blueberries can help in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Antioxidants are also important for hair growth, strong nails, and healthy skin. Add blueberries to a smoothie, on top of a salad or eat alone, there’s nothing more satisfying than a handful of plump blueberries!

2. Fermented Foods – You’ve probably heard that it all begins in the gut. It’s true, and fermented foods are filled with probiotics that are incredible for supporting gut health. Gut health has been linked to healthy immune function, mood, and even the prevention of several chronic diseases. Summer is the perfect time to load up on fermented vegetables like sauerkraut. Make your own (not canned or in a bag) or look for the kind that’s refrigerated as the probiotics are preserved.

3. Quinoa – An ancient grain and very popular, it’s known for being rich in fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa makes for an exceptional substitution for rice or other grains and is a super addition to a salad bowl!

4. Leafy Greens – Super-good for you, leafy greens like kale, spinach and chard are an excellent source of protein and flavonoids which can prevent damage from free radicals and harmful inflammation. They’re chock full of vitamins and easy to add into any meal, from smoothies to soups and salads, a handful goes a long way!

5. Avocado – As if we needed more reasons to eat this ‘fruit’, avocadoes are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They’re an excellent source of heart-healthy fats, they are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that help with cholesterol, bone density, skincare, eye health, and much more. Sliced avocado is the perfect salad or toast topper, or a favorite way to enjoy avocado might be in the form of a delicious guacamole.

6. Sunflower Seeds – If there’s a seed of summer, sunflower seeds would be it! Sunflower seeds provide a significant source of many nutrients and antioxidants. Sunflower seeds are the first things I reach for when I feel like I might be fighting off a cold.

Superfoods aren’t a cure all, but they will aid your body to fight back against nutrient deficiencies when you choose to eat them in conjunction with a healthy diet. Here’s to kickstarting your Super Summer with these six superfoods. n