Now that they are teenagers, my kids eat so much garbage, so I'm always trying to get more “superfoods” into their diets. I also eat plenty of junk when I'm running around during the week, so I try to maximize the nutrition in my food when I can.
You probably know that blueberries and kale are superfoods—but did you know that coffee and popcorn are too?
Here are 10 of our favorite (and maybe surprising!) superfoods, plus my favorite ways to eat them.
1. Coffee
Rich in antioxidant compounds, coffee really is very good for you. Regular coffee consumption has been associated with better metabolic and cardiovascular health and a lower risk of several chronic diseases.
Choosing the right coffee is key. Our top pick is Clean Caffeine, which is organically grown, processed in a zero-plastic environment, and packaged in PFAS-free bags.
2. Popcorn
You probably know that popcorn is a good source of fiber, but you might not know that it's also high in polyphenols. Popcorn is a massive snack upgrade compared with crackers or chips—even if it's Smartfood. Obviously, there are better brands out there, though, and LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt is one of our favorites.
The very best bet is to make your own popcorn. I add nutritional yeast—another superfood!—plus butter and olive oil. Which brings us to...
3. Olive Oil
This one isn't surprising, as olive oil has long been associated with the famously healthful Mediterranean diet, but I'm mentioning it because quality really matters. The health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil depend upon its levels of polyphenols, especially oleocanthal and oleacein.
Olea True was the clear winner when we reviewed olive oils, thanks to both its sourcing and the lab testing it undergoes to measure the potency of these compounds. I put Olea True on everything—including my kids' avocado toast at breakfast—and you can also simply take a teaspoon of it a day as a supplement.
4. Russet Potatoes
Everyone knows how nutritious sweet potatoes are, but white potatoes are also a superfood! Not only do they provide protein and fiber, but they also contain more potassium than bananas, plus meaningful amounts of vitamin C and vitamin B6.
Eating potatoes with the skin intact is ideal, but I'm happy when my kids eat even homemade mashed potatoes.
5. Sorghum
This one is underrated! Sorghum is naturally gluten-free and packed with polyphenols and antioxidants. You can buy sorghum and cook it like any grain to use in salads or bowls.
We also love Cob, a snack made with popped sorghum, extra-virgin olive oil, and Himalayan pink salt.
6. Tea
You’ve probably heard that green tea is incredibly good for you, thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants. But other varieties are also super healthful. Regular tea consumption has been associated with a variety of health benefits.
Try white tea if you want lower caffeine, or rooibos for a caffeine-free tea that's rich in polyphenols. We carry lots of toxin-free teas in our store, and we also love Pique Tea Crystals for a super-convenient option.
7. Chocolate
Raw cacao is rich in minerals and antioxidants, including flavanols, which have been studied for their effects on cardiovascular health, circulation, and inflammation.
Of course, not every chocolate bar qualifies as a health food. The ingredients matter, and contamination with heavy metals is a real concern. Our Chocolate Guide has more information on what to look for.
Mast is one chocolate-bar brand we love. If you want the health benefits without actually eating candy, check out Adaptive Cacao, which also includes our next superfood...
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain a variety of beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and beta-glucans. Different varieties have been studied for potential benefits ranging from immune support and cancer protection to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Even a white button mushroom, which I love in salad, is packed with nutrients. If you slice shiitakes and air-fry them with oil and salt, they are delicious for kids to snack on. I also love adding mushroom powders to smoothies.
9. Fish
Fatty fish provides critical omega-3 fatty acids. Our favorite lower-heavy-metal choices include salmon, herring, trout, sardines, and anchovies.
We love Seatopia for responsibly sourced, low-metal seafood delivery. For those who don’t regularly eat fatty fish, we also like the supplements from Puori or Needed.
10. Black Lentils
Packed with protein, fiber, and iron—the three things I am always trying to get more of—black lentils get their dark color from anthocyanins, the antioxidants that make blueberries a superfood.
I put organic black lentils in salads, soups, and grain bowls.
1 comment
Roberto
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