Incredible Ways These Popular Superfoods Can Improve Your Overall Health

The term ‘superfood’ has been thrown around a lot in recent years. It refers to nutritionally dense food considered quite beneficial towards an individual’s health. It is important, however, to note there are no set criteria beyond this.

With this in mind, however, the food the public considers superfoods are so popular due to the status the label provides, and they are thought to be better than average when it comes to eating healthy. But many may not know what they are getting out of individual superfoods beyond general nutrients. The good news is you can better tailor your diet by reading about the most popular superfoods and the health benefits they provide now!

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds, found in most grocery stores, are small black seeds with a mild nutty flavor to them. Individuals use them in a wide variety of ways, including sprinkled raw into smoothies, on yogurt, or in a bowl of oatmeal. Many also find they are an excellent substitute for eggs in baking or a fantastic way to add more nutritional value to muffins, bread, and other baked goods.

What makes these tiny seeds one of the most popular superfoods is how much nutritional value they pack. A one-ounce serving includes eleven grams of fiber, four grams of protein, five grams of omega-3s, and eighteen percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium. They also do not contain any sugar! Two significant health benefits of consuming the nutrients in chia seeds are a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Many also claim chia seeds help promote a healthy complexion, a boost in overall energy, and is great support for weight loss.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are quite similar to chia seeds in that they are also tiny seeds and people commonly use them in baking, in smoothies, and sprinkled over oatmeal or yogurt. However, they are widely consumed after being ground into a fine powder, as this is easier for the body to digest.

One tablespoon of ground flaxseeds includes 1.9 grams of fiber, 1.3 grams of protein, 1.6 grams of omega-3s, and two percent of the recommended daily allowance for each of the following: calcium, iron, folate, and potassium. Flaxseeds are also a source of lignans, which have been linked to potentially reducing the risk of cancer. Other health benefits include lowered cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Due to the fiber content, individuals can expect some aid in weight loss because of suppressed hunger, help in regulating blood sugar, and assistance in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.