The obsession with superfoods in cafes and beauty products has taken over. Everyone is adding colorful ingredients that are magical for your skin and health.

As reported in The Guardian, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) foundation, says consumers are taking more steps to improve their diets. Nearly nine in 10 Americans (86 percent) are interested in learning more about foods that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition, known as functional foods.

I used to think superfood was matcha, spirulina, maca, chia seeds and something else I need to google how to pronounce. To my surprise; kale, almonds, blueberries, and salmon are also some superfoods.

What are superfoods anyway? And why do you need them in your diet?

 

Superfoods just mean that those foods are nutrient dense. Basically, it means that they have more vitamins and health benefits than other common foods that we consume.

Not only are they brain-boosting but can also fight off diseases, help with weight loss and even fight cancer. And they’re delicious!

Here are 4 super foods you can easily include in your day to get glowing skin and overall health benefits:

 

Berries:

You can add them to your oatmeal or yogurt or just eat them. Blueberries, strawberries, goji berries and any berries have high levels of flavonoids. It helps with lowering risk of a heart attack.

Acai berries are small dark purple berries grown in South America. Containing 19 amino acids and many antioxidants. (Those Acai bowls aren’t just for pretty Instagram pictures)

Goji berries are small red berries native to Asia with Vitamin C and E, along with different flavonoids. Also, frequently used in medicine to treat diabetes and high blood pressure and sustain eye and kidney health.

 

Dark green leafy vegetables:

You’ve heard about salads? They’re good for you. However, something I never understood was why most have lettuce base?

Other greens like Kale and Spinach are tastier and way more nutrient dense. They are an excellent source of nutrients including folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and fiber.

They also help prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. And contain high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent cancer.

You may not like the taste raw, but you can cook the spinach or kale in a saucepan with oil. You might just like it as a side dish.

 

Nut and seeds:

There’s a myth that nuts and seeds make you fat. No, they don’t. Of course, you can’t eat an endless amount of them. Excess of anything will make you gain weight.

They also pack in various plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which protect against oxidative stress.

Rich in fiber, vegetarian protein, and heart healthy fats.

You can easily have them available to snack on or add them as a topping to a side salad.

  

Green tea:

That mid-day slump that makes you reach for coffee? Maybe swap it with green tea. 

Tea is a great source of antioxidants and have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Plus, it gives a boost of energy.

Dubbed as the healthiest drink on the planet (Water as well). Containing EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) that can treat various diseases and why green tea has powerful medicinal properties.

It has also proven to be boost brain function, aid with fat loss and lower risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.