Superfoods: What Are They and What Makes Them So Super?

Ever wonder what Batman and Wonder Woman eat for breakfast? Probably cereal or eggs Benedict if they’re brunching. But if we were being pun-ny, we would totally say superfoods.

While they might not defeat The Joker and Bane (but who knows, really?), superfoods perform a number of super tasks from lowering your risk of heart disease to promoting weightloss and antiaging.

What are they?

Superfoods consist of foods that have lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Some foods are more super than other foods, even in the healthy food category.

Why so super?

The term super was used as a marketing campaign (which stuck very well) to categorize these amazing foods. While “there is no legal or regulatory definition for superfoods” and these foods do not protect entirely from disease (and/or city destruction), they do aid in lowering the risks when combined with a healthy way of life. Therefore, if you eat one or two of the superfoods, then go out to the bar or binge eat because it’s that time of the month (and you totally deserve it), it’s not like the latter is cancelled out. So…unfortunately, while pretty super, superfoods are not magical.

Is wine super?

Have you heard how wine helps protect your heart? It’s true! In moderation. So while drinking a drinking a bottle of wine may make you feel super in the moment, you’re not doing your health (and head in the morning) any favors.

Super Duper Foods

Which foods are the most talked about superfoods?

• Kale – So much goodness. Low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium.
• Turkey – Turkey is a great superfood when it comes to choosing the best meat to consume. Turkey is leaner, with fewer calories and fat, with more protein though to keep you full.
• Nuts and beans – Need a snack? Nuts and beans are great superfoods for protein and the healthy fats.
• Berries – When choosing the best fruit to consume, pick berries, like blueberries and goji berries because of their antioxidants which help protect your body from heart disease.
• Dark Chocolate – Have a sweet tooth? Dark chocolate has many benefits in the flavonoids it brings to your body!
• Low-fat dairy – Love cheese? Yogurt? For many women, dairy is one of our struggles. The good news, they are superfoods due to their generous amounts of Vitamin D and Calcium. Don’t overdue them, though, too much of anything is not good for anyone’s super body.

Try incorporating some or all of these foods into your daily menu. You are what you eat; be a superwoman!

Photo courtesy of well-beingsecrets