You may have heard the term “superfoods” being thrown around a lot in recent years, but it’s more than a buzzword. There are many foods out there that qualify as superfoods due to their dense nutrient content and everything else that they have to offer to diners on a healthy diet. A variety of organic food options incorporate superfoods and this blog will help you pick out the right options at your local organic restaurant.
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What Are Superfoods?
Superfoods contain a ton of nutrients that you need as a part of a healthy diet. There are plenty of foods out there that offer the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you need to live a healthy life, but superfoods tend to offer them in huge concentrations. Many also make for great add-ons or ingredients to meals, so they can be easy to incorporate into a diet.
Why Should I Eat More Superfoods?
If you’re concerned about not getting enough of certain nutrients, eating more superfoods can be the best possible solution. They offer so many health benefits, and keeping your diet healthy can help in the fight against diseases like diabetes and cancers or health conditions like high blood pressure.
Fortunately, eating more superfoods isn’t that hard! These foods are more widely available than ever, and it isn’t just organic markets that carry them. You’ll also find plenty of organic menu choices at your local restaurants that incorporate superfoods!
Common Superfoods at Organic Restaurants
Fish: There are many types of fish that can be considered superfoods. Many of them contain plenty of protein, which is a plus, but the presence of omega-3 fatty acids could be even more important. These help in the fight against heart disease and are often consumed in supplement form, but fish like salmon, tuna, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines are some of the rare foods that contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.
Dark, leafy greens: Veggies like spinach, kale, and collard greens can all be considered superfoods due to their high vitamin content. They are all great sources of vitamin A and vitamin C, and they often have a lot of calcium and fiber to contribute to your diet. These greens are versatile too, so expect to find them in salads, soups, and side dishes at your local organic restaurants.
Nuts: Most nuts are a good source of plant protein. They also contain monounsaturated fats, often considered “good fats” that can assist in the fight against heart disease. They’re easy to add to your diet as well. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and cashews can be eaten as snacks on their own, or they can be mixed into salads or yogurt.
Whole grains: Replacing white bread with whole-grain bread can make a big difference in any diet. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and B vitamins, and superfoods made with whole grains can help protect you from heart disease and diabetes.
Berries: Tasty berries are high in antioxidants that can help you fight disease. Fresh berries are great, but frozen ones are just as nutritious if something you like is out of season or hard to find. You can eat berries on their own, add them to yogurt, or make them a key ingredient of a healthy breakfast smoothie.
Olive oil: This is a great cooking oil for anyone who’s trying to make healthy meals, but it can also be used as a dressing for salads. It’s high in vitamin E and polyphenols that act as antioxidants and fight disease. Also, remember that you can often sub in olive oil for less healthy margarine or butter in certain dishes.
Yogurt: This makes for a great breakfast or snack, but just watch out for excessively flavored yogurts that add a lot of sugar. Look for ones with short ingredient lists, low sugar content, and plenty of calcium and protein. Another healthy draw of yogurt is the high probiotics content. These are a type of “good” bacteria that can protect you from bad bacteria and improve digestive health.
Dark chocolate: Watch out for added sugar and other ingredients, but dark chocolate itself is high in flavonoids that help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. They also provide a boost to your immune system.
Seeds: Plenty of seeds make a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds make for healthy snacks, while chia seeds and flaxseeds can make for excellent additions to smoothies. Many seeds contain plenty of antioxidants and can boast anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet potatoes: These delicious root vegetables contain plenty of vitamin A, lots of vitamin C, and generous amounts of fiber and potassium. They also contain carotenoids, a compound that could reduce cancer risk. Sweet potatoes can even help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels!
Mushrooms: Popular types of mushrooms include shiitake, crimini, and portobello. Many of them contain high levels of vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. The high antioxidant content is common as well, but keep in mind that the nutritional value of different kinds of mushrooms can vary!
We do not doubt that you’ll be able to find plenty of these items on the menu at your local organic restaurants!
Learn More About Superfoods and Find Healthy Restaurants Near You
If you want to learn more about healthy eating and organic options near you, visit our blog or simply contact Organic Restaurants. We’re always delving into healthy eating topics there, and our website offers a directory full of organic eateries in major cities located all over the United States. Whether you’re looking for healthy food in New York City or refreshing menu items made with local ingredients in San Francisco, our website is ready to introduce you to something new!