Over the last several years, there has been a bunch of talk about superfoods. Fitness gurus have encouraged people to eat quinoa, kale, ancient grains, and the list goes on. We know these foods have been around for some time, so why do they get a random burst of attention? Better yet, what even makes a superfood a superfood? And who are they good for?
First off, a superfood is a food that is incredibly high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. While there is no one food that provides your body with all the necessary vitamins, these foods are significantly higher in quality that other types of food.
Also, superfoods are great for everybody to eat! There really is no distinction in regard to who it is better for, but there are some considerations when thinking about your own personal health.
Best Superfoods for Seniors
Nuts
One of the most chronic illnesses among seniors is cardiac health. While a lifelong habit of healthy eating is necessary to maintain a healthy heart, it is never too late to start. Nuts are an excellent way to introduce superfoods into your diet and improve heart health. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and many others are excellent sources of protein and will improve the health of your heart!
Dark, Leafy Greens
While bitter in taste to some, dark, leafy greens are excellent sources of nutrients and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen! You can easily have greens in a salad or as a side dish, but even better than that is you can have these greens in smoothies and breakfast drinks!
Greens are significantly high in folate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. These nutrients, among others, are shown to improve mental health among seniors! So not only are you eating deliciously healthy food, but you are also giving your brain the nutrients it requires to properly function!
Tea and Coffee
Yes, you read that right! You can still enjoy your hot morning and evening beverage without worrying about it’s health benefits! Tea and coffee provide your body with caffeine and vitamins to go through the day. This superfood is great because it can complement all other foods you are eating. Tea is famously known to be packed with vitamins and weight loss attributes! While coffee sometimes has a bad reputation for making people jittery and anxious when over-consumed, there are studies showing that caffeine, and coffee in general, helps improve your memory pathways.
When it comes to superfoods, there are a ridiculous number of options available! Studies are constantly being conducted on the best foods to eat and the nutritional value in different types of foods. One of the best ways to find what works for you is to consider your health, what you need to improve about your health, and implement the necessary foods into your diet!
Nowadays, there are so many culinary options available that you don’t need to feel blocked in with a super strict diet. So go out there and eat some greens, or nuts, or drink all the coffee in the world! Remember, they’re superfoods!
