5 Foods to Add to Your Diet ASAP

Powerful superfoods have taken health food stores by storm and gained tons of popularity. But why are they so important to include in our diet and how do they affect our body?

It may seem like just a trend, but superfoods have been around a long time and have proven to provide incredible benefits to the body.

When we fuel the body with the foods that actually support its functions, we are able to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. If you want to eat foods that fuel your body and make you feel your best, keep reading and start adding these foods to your diet!

1. Turmeric

Inflammation is part of your body's natural immune response. It's a natural protective response that results from a wound or injury. But when it persists longer than it's needed, it can cause other issues in your body. 

And if you're wondering why so many people have started talking nonstop about anti-inflammatory foods, it's because they really are that important. Many of the most common diseases in the U.S. are linked to some form of inflammation in your body. This includes autoimmune diseases, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and many more inflammatory conditions.

Turmeric helps fight inflammation in our body to support its most important functions.

Incorporating foods with natural anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, will help you manage and prevent disease caused by inflammation.

 

2. Spinach

Half of all Americans are Magnesium deficient. This nutrient is necessary for your body to get and stay healthy. It helps to regulate muscle and nerve function, manage your blood sugar and blood pressure, and also helps your body to make protein.

While many people need to take magnesium supplements to reach their recommended daily amount, you can get the recommended amounts each day by incorporating a variety of foods into your diet. Deep, leafy greens and whole grains are great sources of magnesium. A 1-cup serving of cooked spinach, for example, provides 39% of a recommended daily intake.

By incorporating more spinach into your diet, you'll be able to boost your immune system, better regulate blood pressure, and promote healthy nerve function.

 

3. Salmon

Salmon is an all-star food when it comes to nutrients for your body, mainly for its levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our bodies because we can't create them on our own. This means we have to get omega-3's from our diet. Why is it so important? Omega-3's lower your blood pressure, it also reduces the risk of disease and, you guessed it, reduces inflammation.

Salmon is also high in protein which is important in healing your body, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting your bone health -- especially as you age.

This makes salmon a 'must-add' to your diet if you're not already eating it regularly.

 

4. Garlic

Who doesn't love garlic? It packs a ton of flavor and is chock-full of amazing nutrients for the body.

Garlic has good amounts of fiber and boosts your immune system. But the best thing about garlic is its prebiotics that promotes a healthy gut. These bacteria grow and help your gut function as it should. This prevents disease-promoting bacteria from growing.

While cooked garlic is easy to add to your everyday diet, the best way for your body to absorb all those great properties is to eat garlic raw. Make a simple salad dressing, add it to homemade guacamole, or pico de gallo to maximize what garlic has to offer our bodies.

 

5. Beets

Eating a high-fiber diet helps balance your digestive tract and optimize your gut health, lower cholesterol, and reduces your risk for metabolic disease.

Fiber is such an important player when it comes to a healthy diet. So when it comes to adding more fiber to your diet, eat beets.

Beets are antioxidant-rich and help support your body's detoxification process. Just one cup of beetroot has 3.8 grams of dietary fiber, making it a great component of a healthy diet.

 

The Bottom Line

Incorporating superfoods into your diet helps fuel your body so that you can feel your best. Focus your diet on foods that fuel you with enough protein, reduce inflammation in your body, promote good digestion, and manage your blood pressure. 

At Vitality Integrative Wellness, we believe in the body's ability to heal itself. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you give your body what it needs to more effectively heal so that you can feel your best.