You know what they say: you are what you eat. Your diet is one of the most important factors in your overall health–if you chow down on processed foods and sugary beverages every day, you’re setting yourself up for some serious health risks down the line. On the other hand, making nutrient-rich foods (a.k.a. superfoods) part of your regular diet can be a great way to ensure your body stays happy and healthy. In fact, there are certain foods experts say you should definitely consider stocking up on to lead a healthier life in the new year.
To discover some of the best superfoods you can add to your plate this winter, we asked nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, about some of her go-to options. While there are tons of equally delicious and nutritious foods out there, she told us that leafy greens and quinoa are two of her top recommendations. Learn more about the benefits of these great foods below!
Leafy greens
If you feel like you’ve been told to “eat your greens” one too many times, that’s only because it’s true! Richards tells us that making dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens a regular part of your diet is a fantastic idea for your overall health. As she notes, they’re “rich in antioxidant nutrients that can help reduce inflammation in the body when they are consumed.” Keeping inflammation to a minimum is crucial if you want to keep your body as healthy as possible. If left untreated, inflammation can become chronic and lead to a range of health complications and disease, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more.
Spinach, in particular, is a great option when it comes to anti-inflammatory foods because it contains lutein, “which is a naturally anti-inflammatory nutrient and related to vitamin A and beta-carotene, fat soluble vitamins.” Nice!
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Quinoa
Another great superfood to consider adding to your plate (or, maybe more accurately, your bowl) this winter is the ever-versatile quinoa. Richards explains that this grain is packed with antioxidants. Adding antioxidant-rich foods to your diet can do wonders for your overall health because they work to protect your cells against free radical damage. When your body stays protected in this way, it reduces your risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Additionally, the fiber found in quinoa “can help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cholesterol,” which can make a huge difference in your heart health and even your weight.
Quinoa makes a great ingredient in a number of recipes. You can add it to a salad, use it as the base for a tasty veggie-packed bowl, or even eat it on its own as a side. No matter what you choose to do with it, your body (and your taste buds) will love it.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, a healthy diet is all about balance. That means ensuring you’re nourishing your body with everything it needs to function properly, like ample protein and fiber. No one single food will be the answer to a healthier body–but when in doubt, adding superfoods like leafy greens and quinoa to your meals is never a bad idea!
