June is Women’s Health month! This is the perfect opportunity for women (and men!) of all ages to make your overall health and well-being a priority. In honor of Women’s Health Month, Cheshire Wellness has narrowed down some of the best superfoods that specifically benefit women’s health.
You might not always know which foods are best for you and which ones will optimize the most nutritional value for your body. When you fill your plate with food, you should know what you have chosen and why it adds value to your body and mind.
What are Superfoods?
Superfoods are nutritionally denser than others and better for one’s health. They consist mainly of plants, some dairy, and fish. Superfoods don’t have to be too expensive or difficult to find. Try to add some of these options to your everyday diet.
1.Beets
There are so many ways the beetroot meets the superfood qualities for boosting the health of your mind and body. By adding beetroot to your diet, you can prevent yourself from chronic diseases like cancer.
This root is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals your body needs and loves. These vegetables are sweet and rich in flavor, with their bright color packing a punch in any dish.
Studies have shown that drinking a glass of beet juice can immediately lower your blood pressure, help weight loss, boost your longevity, increase iron levels, and support hair growth and healthier-looking skin. It also pairs well with apple, lemon or ginger.
2.Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-enriched seed that can provide strength and energy to your day.
Quinoa is an essential superfood because it provides all 9 of the essential amino acids. Those essential amino acids build up the proteins you need in your body and are a great source to add to your diet.
Culinary tip: Give your quinoa a quick rise to reduce its naturally occurring saponin, which can cause the grain to taste bitter and cause intestinal distress in some sensitive individuals.
3.Broccoli
This vegetable is the perfect superfood because few vegetables offer and provide all the benefits that broccoli does.
Research has found that Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts fight against cancer. A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition also found a link between higher consumption of these vegetables and less extensive blood vessel diseases in women.
Culinary tip: Broccoli is best digested cooked. Try steaming it just enough to change the color to a darker green but still keep the crunch! Top with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper- yum!
4.Kale
Part of the brassica family, kale is similar to broccoli and provides many benefits to the leafy green family.
Kale has nutrients that fight against cancers and helps the heart. It pretty amazing!
Culinary tip: Like broccoli (and all brassicas), kale is best enjoyed lightly cooked. Cooking breaks down the oxalic acid present in the leaves as a natural defense against pests.
5.Tart Cherries
Tart cherries and black cherries are different, so do not confuse the two at the supermarket or farmers market.
Tart cherries have anti-inflammatory benefits and are a great way to manage pain. Often people dealing with conditions like arthritis use this to help their symptoms.
Bedtime ritual: Tart cherry juice is an old herbalist favorite to help promote restful sleep. And it’s pretty tasty too!
6.Blueberries
Blueberries are not only delicious, but they add great nutritional value to your body. Blueberries are full of anthocyanins which gives these berries their pretty color and add significant health benefits.
Studies show plants that have super-antioxidants have anti-inflammatory powers that lower the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and protect against mental illness.
Sourcing: Blueberries need no pesticide to flourish, yet sadly our industrial farming practices spray them anyway. Always buy organic or visit your local farmers market for the BEST of this fine fruit! Fresh berries store great in your freezer for months!
