5 Super-foods you already have at home
My journey to health and healing has been a long one. And I am still on it. I am still striving every day to make better choices for my long term emotional, physical, and spiritual self. In the middle of a pandemic, I’ve taken a few steps back on this healing journey, spiraling as I contemplate this new normal we all must come to terms with.
I am grateful that my situation isn’t nearly as dire as others. My storm is nowhere close to the hurricane that others are experiencing.
On my own healing journey I’ve come across many influencers, bloggers, YouTubers and professionals that tout their health and vibrancy is due in part to expensive super-foods like medicinal mushrooms, powdered roots, and dried berries. Granted, I do use medicinal mushrooms and I love dried fruit so I am not dismissing these foods as part of a well balanced plant-based diet.
But I also know that a lot of us don’t have a lot of money to spend on super-foods that will improve our health and overall well being. So I wanted to propose a list of everyday super-foods that are definitely within reach for a lot more people.
This list of five superfoods you can find at your local grocery store. These foods will support your overall health and immune function. In fact, by incorporating a variety of plant foods into your diet you’re already giving your body some of the tools it needs to repair and heal. These are five of thousands of edible plants that can help sustain your health. Eating the rainbow is always a good idea for health and wellness.
Sweet Potatoes
Very good source of potassium (1)
High in antioxidants (especially with the skin on)
High in resistant starches, that is great for feeding good bacteria in the gut
Roasted until the skin is crispy and the inside is creamy for a delightful treat. I also use sweet potatoes to make this delicious sweet potato soup or to make these sweet potato brownies.
Mushrooms
Can help boost your immune system (2)
Contains essential B vitamins
Contains one form of Vitamin D
Meaty, filling, and savory. I add mushrooms to tofu scrambles, curries, soups, and sauces. They make an appearance in my healing broth.
Blueberries (and berries in general)
High in antioxidants (which can help prevent certain cancers and promote overall well-being) (3)
Can help reduce inflammation
Lots of health fiber to feed your gut flora
Lower in sugar than other fruits
Add berries to your oatmeal, blend them into a smoothie, add them to delicious pancakes. Or munch on them straight from the vine if you have the privilege.
Dark Leafy Greens
All greens are high in Vitamin A (4)
Kale is a great source of vitamin C and Vitamin K
Collard Greens are high in Calcium
Greens are a fantastic addition to any healthy diet. You can enjoy them in this delicious fall Kale salad, or citrus salad or add them to soups or stews. Add them to your smoothies if you’re brave for an added nutrient boost.
Broccoli
High in Vitamin K (5)
High in Vitamin C that can help boost your immune system
Great source of potassium and manganese
Broccoli finds its way in practically every stir fry or noodle dish I create. Roasted broccoli is also an amazing experience. As roasting brings out a nutty quality to the broccoli. From Broccoli soup to steamed on top of salads. I’m a broccoli fan.
Celebrating plant foods on my plate is one of the many things I'm grateful for. “Superfoods” in my opinion, are any plant food that finds its way onto your plate. So explore, get excited, and practice gratitude for the rainbow on your plate.
*Disclaimer: I am not a health care provider or registered dietitian. All of this information comes from my own research. If you have any specific concerns please speak with your health care provider.
1 https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/sweet-potatoes/
2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-mushroom-nutrition
3 https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/blueberries/
4 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leafy-green-vegetables