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When you hear the term “superfood,” you might be thinking of something that’s really healthy for you, but might not be something you’d enjoy eating. Superfoods are mainly considered foods that have great nutritional benefits in small amounts. The truth is, there are a lot of superfoods to choose from, not just the leafy greens that might come across your mind. Even more so, some of the foods you probably eat already are superfoods, and you might not even know it. Some foods you may eat now that are superfoods include nuts, berries, and ice cream (yes- ice cream!).
Now, you might be confused or doubtful about one of these superfoods, but the others are still worth explaining, too. So, let’s get right into it!
Nuts
Nuts are “packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, those good-for-you fats that lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes and, according to new research, help you control your appetite.” [1] You can eat a variety of different nuts to reap these benefits, including almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc. So, if one nut isn’t your cup of tea, you can opt for another. The great thing about nuts is that you only have to eat a handful to benefit from them nutritionally, and they are also a great snack to keep you satiated before your next meal.
Berries
A lot of different berries contain antioxidants which are one of the nutrients many people associate with superfoods. In a study by researchers at Yale University School of Medicine, they “discovered that after eating a high-carb, high-sugar meal, free radicals (rogue molecules produced when your body breaks down food) attack the neurons that tell us when we're full.” [1] Antioxidants help to counteract this so you are able to actually tell whether you have eaten enough since the free radicals wouldn’t be confusing your body. Some berries to consider eating include: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
Ice cream
Now, this is the one I think we all need an explanation for. “Calcium-rich desserts [...] bind to fatty acids in the digestive tract, blocking their absorption. In one study, participants who ate 1,735 mg of calcium from low-fat dairy products [...] blocked the equivalent of 85 calories a day. Plus, half a cup of vanilla ice cream gives you 19 milligrams of choline, which translates to protection from cancer, heart attack, stroke, and dementia.” [1] Now, this isn’t to say you should eat ice cream in abundance because it still isn’t the healthiest option for a snack; however, you should take comfort in knowing that eating a scoop of a plain ice cream flavor (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, etc.) a couple of times a week actually benefits you.
With all this being said, it is important to remember to always consume things in moderation and to, above all, listen and pay attention to what your body is telling you.
References:
1. 15 new superfoods. Men's Health. (2018, May 25). https://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/a19538394/15-superfoods/.
Contributors:
Author: Lauryn Agron
Editor: Kayjah Taylor
Health scientist: Jonnea Williams