7 Superfoods You Should Include in Your Diet

Stress, an unbalanced diet, lack of sleep are all possible factors that can make us feel like we are running out of “fuel.” This affects our rhythms and our performances, both sporting and not.

Suppose lately you have been feeling fatigued or slowed down during training. In that case, it may be time to pay more attention to what you eat and to integrate some particular foods into your diet whose natural properties will help you find the right energy: superfoods.

These are foods with a high vitamin and mineral content. They are also rich in antioxidants, substances that protect our body from oxidative stress. Although some of these foods are in everyday use (salmon, eggs, mango, among others), others are more exotic and less popular, whose properties are exactly what your workout might need now.

Here are 7 superfoods you didn’t know and their super properties!

Açai

It is a small purple berry from South America that grows in the rainforest climate. Açai is known for its antioxidant properties and action on the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. Being an exotic fruit, it is difficult to find it fresh, but it is readily available in the form of juice, frozen or dried fruit, and powder. The best solution is dried, frozen or pulverized fruit to mix with other fresh fruit for a healthy smoothie.

Quinoa

Quinoa - BBC Good Food

It is a pseudocereal, but it looks like micro beans. It provides proteins of high biological value and is also very rich in easily digestible fiber. Fiber and protein are better than legumes. This enhance the good health of the intestinal transit, preventing diseases such as colon cancer. They are a contribution of complex carbohydrates, which are our source of daily energy. It is gluten-free and very rich in amino acids. It is prepared like a bowl of boiled rice and can be mixed with sautéed vegetables, salad, etc.

Goji Berries

The Goji berries are gaining a prestigious position on supermarket shelves. And there is more than one reason! Coming from the regions of Tibet and mainland Mongolia, Goji berries are rich in vitamin C and represent a useful ally as they are rich in antioxidants.

It can be found in the form of dried fruit, powder or juice.

Cocoa

Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which help the antioxidant function.

Furthermore, cocoa has a tonic and metabolic support action and promotes a normal mood. It contains magnesium, which helps our body to maintain normal energy metabolism and to support physiological function.

It is commercially available in the form of powder, cocoa beans or soluble drink solutions and is ideal for pre-workout. The cocoa powder helps to improve our mood and our motivation, such as chocolate. But without additives or guilt!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

It is one of the quintessential and very healthy foods. Apart from reducing bad cholesterol and the rate of heart attacks in women, it has been shown to reduce breast cancer development. Besides, it has antioxidant properties.

Chia seeds

Coming from Mexico, these seeds are rich in nutrients, and their properties are already known among the “Superfood hunters.” They contain Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium, have a crunchy flavor and a nutty aftertaste.

They are ideal for those who do not eat fish or have a low diet in Omega-3. The chia seeds are the perfect ingredient to add to soups, smoothies, salads, and sauteed vegetables.

Maca Powder

Coming from South America, from the Andes region, maca is a plant whose bulb resembles a rough stone the size of a hazelnut, but despite its small size, its shoot contains portentous properties.

It is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Several studies have shown that it helps to counteract physical and mental fatigue.

Organic Maca Powder | Maca Raw Powder Australia | goodMix

Furthermore, maca works as a tonic-adaptogen, a natural substance capable of helping the body to adapt to stress. Thanks to this property, it acts as a support for the metabolism giving a revitalizing sensation. Its root is harvested, dried, and subsequently processed into a powder.

Do you know any other powerful superfoods that would be great to include in a diet? Share them with us in the comments below.

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