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10 Superfoods to Eat Daily for Optimal Health
By Darla Leal Darla Leal Darla Leal is a Master Fitness Trainer, freelance writer, and the creator of Stay Healthy Fitness, where she embraces a "fit-over-55" lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 10, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals.
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Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more.
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by Mia Syn, MS, RDN Medically reviewed by
Mia Syn, MS, RDN Mia Syn, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master of science in human nutrition. She is also the host of Good Food Friday on ABC News 4. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Ask five nutrition experts to provide a list of their favorite "superfoods," and the results will vary—but they'll also overlap.
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The reason is each food provides something different and of great use to your body. One food on the list might be a rich source of protein or fiber but wind up lacking in certain vitamins and minerals. Another superfood could be loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, but be largely absent of protein.
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Eating a wide variety of "power foods" is the best way to ensure optimal health. Try to eat the following foods every day, and you'll check just about all of the nutritional boxes.
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Blueberries Are a Top Antioxidant Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman In a study of common fruits and vegetables, blueberries contained more antioxidants than over 40 of their competitors. This places the unassuming berry at the top of the list for guarding against cancer, heart disease, dementia, and macular degeneration. Blueberries also defend against urinary tract infections, thanks to the antioxidant epicatechins.
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Epicatechins prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Blueberries are also high in water, providing hydration to the skin and cells of the body. Eating half a cup of blueberries satisfies one fruit serving per day.
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Oats for Fiber Intake Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Oats are high in soluble fiber and linked to lowering blood pressure and overall cholesterol levels. Oats are a good carbohydrate, and they're rich in beta-glucan.
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Beta-glucan is a powerful soluble fiber that helps to slow the digestion of sugar and keep blood sugar levels under control. Oats are also a great source of plant protein helping with muscle growth and repair. Each half-cup serving provides a whopping 10 grams, and many studies have shown eating oatmeal may reduce the risk of heart disease. Power up your day and your body with a bowl of oats—and breakfast aside, it's an excellent pre- or post-workout meal.
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Good Food Choices to Eat After a Workout 3
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Research might actually confirm that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are loaded with antioxidants quercetin and catechin, which protect our cells and help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Note: You can get more fiber and nutrients by eating the skin. The apple and skin are higher in fiber than a lot of other fruits, which can help with weight loss by improving satiety.
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Apples taste fabulous, are filling, and provide energy in addition to the overwhelming antioxidant health benefits. 4
Green Tea Increases Metabolism Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Green tea contains a powerhouse of antioxidants. Its antioxidant values are shown to be higher than those measured in fruits and vegetables.
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Green tea contains high doses of catechin, an antioxidant shown to help prevent cell damage in the body. Catechin is indicated to reduce inflammation in the body, which is said to contribute to disease and illness. This powerful antioxidant is shown to reduce high blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
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Green tea has also been proven to help block the formation of plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease. Other health benefits include increased metabolism for weight loss. Enjoying high tea just became sweeter—just remember to keep it green.
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Ground Flaxseeds Reduce Inflammation Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Flaxseeds are not only a good source of fiber but also loaded with alpha-linolenic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
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Flaxseeds also contain lignans, a type of plant compound known as polyphenols. These precursors contribute to reduced rates of certain hormone-related cancers.
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Studies suggest that other anti-inflammatory properties of flax seeds have been helpful for acne and asthma conditions. Ground flax is an excellent source of fiber and helps to alleviate digestive problems. Flaxseed is nutrient-dense and a rich source of good healthy fat.
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Flax is a remarkable "superfood" full of minerals, incredible fatty acids, and usable protein. 6
Yogurt Improves Gut Bacteria Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Yogurt is known for its probiotic or live beneficial bacteria.
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Yogurt is shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. It also helps maintain stable ph levels in the body and can support the immune system. Some research has suggested that probiotics can help with vaginal yeast infections, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and urinary tract infections.
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In clinical practice guidelines published by the American Gastroenterological Association in 2020, probiotics are recommended for people with ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome only in the context of a clinical trial. Yogurt is also a great source of bone-building calcium and protein. Not all yogurts are created equal.
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Look for the phrase “live and active cultures” on labels to ensure it contains probiotics. It is also recommended to consume plain over sugared varieties. 7
Broccoli Is the Antioxidant King Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Broccoli, a cruciferous veggie, contains one of the most powerful antioxidants in our dietary toolbox. Broccoli protects our body against cancer and ranks at the top of the superfood list.
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Broccoli offers high nutritional value with low caloric cost. It is the most nutrient-dense of these vegetable "superfoods." Research has labeled broccoli the king of cancer prevention. Research has shown sulfur compounds in broccoli signal our genes to boost production of detoxifying enzymes.
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These enzymes potentially attack cancer-causing compounds. In addition, broccoli contains nutrients that help support immune and cardiovascular health, build bones, and fight birth defects. 8
Olive Oil for Heart Health Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Olive oil is considered a healthy dietary fat was shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. The primary fat found in olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).
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MUFAs have been shown to lower total cholesterol and help stabilize blood clotting. Olive oil has been linked to lowered insulin levels, blood sugar control. Research has shown a great benefit to those suffering from type 2 diabetes.
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Olive oil is also bursting with antioxidants called phenols linked to prevention of cholesterol buildup in the artery walls. Look for “virgin,” “extra-virgin,” or “cold-pressed” olive oils for best nutritional values. The recommended dose is one tablespoon daily to reap heart-healthy benefits.
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6 Brands of Gluten-Free Olive Oil 9
Beans Are Brain Food Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Beans are an excellent source of soluble fiber and good carbohydrate to eat daily. Soluble fiber helps the heart by soaking up cholesterol before having a chance to stick to the artery wall. The cholesterol is then eliminated through normal body functions. Studies show eating high soluble fiber may reduce total cholesterol by 10% to 15% and is linked to a reduced risk for heart disease.
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Black beans contain anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds shown to improve brain function. They contain the highest plant protein rating but must be combined with a grain such as brown rice to create a “complete” protein. Health Benefits of Beans and Legumes 10
Cinnamon Is a Healing Spice Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman Studies have linked cinnamon to improved blood sugar in people suffering from diabetes.
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Plus, it's high in manganese, iron, calcium, and fiber all beneficial to the body. Cinnamon is also indicated to have antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties. The health benefits of this super spice continue to be revealed through ongoing studies but it has long been used in traditional medicine.
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1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, Falck-Ytter Y, et al. AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterology.
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2020 Aug;159(2):697-705. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059 Additional Reading Alzheimer's.net. Memory boosting superfoods that fight alzheimer's.
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2013. Di Noia J. Defining powerhouse fruits and vegetables: A nutrient density approach. Prev Chronic Dis. 2014;11:130390.
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Garelnabi M, Mahin H, Wilson T. Quercetin intake with exercise modulates lipoprotein metabolism and reduces atherosclerosis plaque formation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 11, 22 (2014).
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doi:10.1186/1550-2783-11-22 By Darla Leal
Darla Leal is a Master Fitness Trainer, freelance writer, and the creator of Stay Healthy Fitness, where she embraces a "fit-over-55" lifestyle. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!
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What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Related Articles 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan & Recipe Prep Sacha Inchi Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Broccoli Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Pear Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Benefits and Strategies to Increase Your Intake of Phytonutrients Apple Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits 10 Healthy Late-Night Snacks Flaxseed Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Cinnamon: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations Coconut Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Oatmeal Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits High-Fiber Diet: Pros, Cons, and What You Can Eat 17 High-Fiber Fruits to Add to Your Diet Grapefruit Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Strawberry Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits Quinoa Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies.
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