Superfoods List Every Diet Needs

If you haven’t heard about superfoods, you’ll be hearing about them soon. Superfoods are on everyone’s minds and lips these days. How could they not be? They are written about in nutrition mags and websites. News reports and advertisements are filled with the miraculous benefits of eating superfoods. From green tea to special berries, it seems like everyone and everything is a potential superfood – but, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. So, we have compiled our SANESolution superfood list to help make the best choice for your health.

Superfoods list: Do you need one?

Superfoods can slow aging. Speed weight loss. Reduce inflammation. Protect health. Strengthen the immune system. Some of these health claims sound too good to be true, so you doubt they could be true.

You may also be confused about what superfoods are and what makes them so “super.” You want a list of superfoods, and you’d like to know the health benefits of each one.

No problem. We’ve got the answers you’ve been seeking. Let’s start with the most obvious basic of questions: what are superfoods?

What are superfoods?

Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods, meaning they contain more nutrients per calorie than other foods. They provide megadoses of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your health. Superfoods are primarily plant-based but can also include specific fish and dairy foods.

Superfoods are not heavily processed, meaning you won’t find them in most canned or packaged goods. That’s because food processing destroys the fiber and most of the nutrients in foods. So, superfoods are whole foods that include fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

These foods do have the power to improve your life. Studies show the types of foods you eat affect your health and impact the way you feel.

Benefits of eating more superfood

Superfoods offer many health benefits. Depending upon the particular food, superfoods can:

• Increase energy

• Improve mood

• Reduce inflammation

• Boost metabolism

• Stabilize blood sugar levels

• Speed weight loss

• And much more

Superfoods are uniquely nutritious foods that can help you meet your health and weight loss goals — as long as you don’t sabotage their power by eating an otherwise inSANE diet.

Let us explain…

Can superfoods be negative?

Despite their much-touted health benefits, superfoods have a negative side. No, it’s not that they are unhealthy. No doctor or nutrition experts say superfoods are unhealthy or that they will harm you. It’s more like they give people a false sense of security.

Many nutrition experts refuse to use the term “superfoods” for precisely that reason. They see people eat one or two of these nutrient-dense foods while continuing to eat a poor-quality diet.

These individuals believe these nutrient-dense foods — these “superfoods” — cancel the effects of the unhealthy foods they eat. They believe these superfoods protect them from chronic disease, and that’s just not true.

Most doctors and nutrition experts applaud the use of superfoods when used in combination with a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods, contains a variety of necessary nutrients,  and limits refined sugars. In the context of an overall SANE diet, superfoods give your health an extra boost.

12 superfoods list: You need to add to your diet

As long as you eat a SANE diet primarily composed of non-starchy veggies, nutrient-dense proteins, whole-food fats, and low-fructose fruits, these 12 superfoods will help you meet your health and weight loss goals.

1. Acai berry

The acai berry is a reddish-purple fruit that measures one inch in length. Originally from Central and South America, this fruit comes from an acai palm tree. It has gotten a lot of press lately as a miracle fruit, as it has been found to be a rich source of antioxidants.

In fact, the Natural Standards Research Collaboration, an impartial scientific organization, tested acai berry in 2006 and found it had the highest level of antioxidants of any food they had tested to date.  (Antioxidants destroy disease-causing free radicals).

This berry is packed with fiber, healthy fats, protein, and loads of vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins and minerals it contains include vitamins A, E, and C, and minerals potassium, iron, and calcium.

Research indicates that acai berries may protect against heart disease, aid in weight loss, stabilize blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and much more. Studies also show acai berries can reduce inflammation, easing the pain of osteoarthritis.

2. Avocado

Avocados are green fruits with large pits and leathery dark skins. You may also hear them referred to as “alligator pears” or “butter fruit.”

Thought to have originated in South Central Mexico, the avocado has become a much-cherished American fruit. It not only goes great with a variety of meals, but it is also one of the most nutritious superfoods you can eat.

Avocado is unique among fruits. While most fruits contain a high amount of carbohydrates, avocado contains a high amount of healthy monounsaturated fats. Studies show avocado consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease, an effect researchers attribute to its monounsaturated-fat content. Avocado also contains fiber and 20 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K and B6, folate, and potassium.

Studies show avocados can aid weight loss, help regulate blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

3. Chia seeds

All seeds are great (including hemp seeds), but these tiny seeds originated in Mexico, where they were valued for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Chia seeds have only recently made the superfoods list in America, however, as more people began reading about their many health benefits.

Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3s, essential fatty acids the body cannot produce by itself; they must be obtained through the diet. Studies show omega-3s reduce inflammation, protect heart health, improve cognitive function, and more.

Research shows chia seeds may help lower blood pressure, reduce signs of aging, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Cocoa/Cacao

You may not think about it as you’re sipping a cup of hot cocoa, but chocolate can be a healthy food. Cacao beans are seeds of the Theobroma Cacao tree grown in Mexico and South America. The beans are picked, cleaned, roasted, and then processed into the type of chocolate product required.

Cacao beans contain high amounts of polyphenolic flavonoids, types of antioxidants that offer many health benefits. (Antioxidants attack and kill free radicals that would normally cause disease, so increasing your intake of cocoa can help prevent disease.)

Research shows cocoa may decrease blood pressure, improve blood vessel health, lower cholesterol levels, and provide other health benefits. Researchers attribute these health benefits to their high levels of flavonoids.

There is only one problem. Flavonoids have a bitter taste, so most commercial cocoa powders do not contain them. (The flavonoids are removed in the manufacturing process.) To ensure you receive all the health benefits of cocoa, purchase raw cocoa, which is minimally processed.

5. Coconut

Coconut is another food that many people are just starting to recognize as one of the most important superfoods. The fact that it’s loaded with nutrients is an understatement.

You see, a medium-sized coconut provides almost all the daily-required essential vitamins and minerals for an average-sized person. Some of the nutrients it contains include vitamins A, E, and B-complex; minerals iron, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Coconut also has strong antioxidant and health-protective properties.

It has been shown to fight infections, lower cholesterol, regulate hormones, improve cognition, stabilize blood glucose levels, reverse signs of aging, and much more.

6. Flax seeds

Don’t let these tiny seeds fool you into thinking their health effects are similarly small. Flax seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B1 and B6. They are also high in fiber and contain a respectable level of protein.

But their real claim to fame is that they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Specifically, flax seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid mostly found in plants. Studies show ALA consumption reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of stroke.

Studies also indicate flax seeds may reduce cancer risk and lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To obtain these health benefits, make sure you purchase ground flax seeds because they are easier to digest than whole flax seeds.

7. Goji berries

A member of the nightshade family, the goji berry has its roots in ancient China, where it was used as a medicinal plant. It is another one of those superfoods that many people are just now starting to discover.

Goji berries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Some of the nutrients goji berries contain include vitamins C and A, minerals zinc, and iron. These berries also contain all 8 essential amino acids, which your body cannot produce on its own.

Studies show goji berries may strengthen the immune system, regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure.

8. Kale

Kale, a member of the cabbage family, is a versatile and nutritious superfood that can be consumed cooked or raw. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, and C; minerals calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Plus, true to its superfood status, all these nutrients are packed into a very low number of calories. (1 cup of chopped kale contains 33 calories.) Kale also contains a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), known to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.

Increasing your intake of kale may help prevent type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, and heart disease.

9. Liver

If you’re surprised liver made it onto a list of superfoods, you’re probably not alone. Many people get squeamish over the thought of eating liver.

Not only does raw liver look gross, but it is also responsible for toxin removal. Who’d want to eat something like that?!!!

Well…the liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood. It does not store toxins. But it DOES store many essential nutrients, which is probably why the liver is actually the healthiest, most nutritious food you can eat.

A small serving of liver provides well over the recommended daily intake (RDI) of many important nutrients. It is an excellent source of protein, iron, heart-healthy CoQ10, vitamin A, and many essential minerals.

Studies show liver may support metabolism, improve vision, strengthen immunity, and much more. To receive the highest amount of nutrients, choose grass-fed beef/pork liver or free-range chicken liver.

10. Salmon

Salmon is one of those superfoods you must include in your diet — 3 times a week, if possible. This fish contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, support the immune system, protect the heart, and much more.

Salmon is also a rich source of antioxidants and contains many essential minerals, including selenium, iodine, choline, biotin, and potassium. Its nutrient profile also includes vitamins D and B12.

To make sure you receive all the health benefits of salmon, choose wild-caught varieties as much as possible.

11. Seaweed

Seaweed is one of those unsung superfoods that deserves recognition. A member of the algae family, seaweed is a rich source of essential nutrients.

It contains almost every nutrient the body needs, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, iodine, and iron. It is chock full of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Seaweed also contains omega-3s and all the amino acids the body needs.

This superfood may help prevent obesity, fight cancer, prevent diabetes, and protect the heart.

12. Spinach

Spinach is another food you need to add to your superfood list. It has antioxidant properties and is extremely high in nutrients but low in calories.

There are approximately 8 calories in 1 cup of chopped spinach. But that 1 cup contains nearly half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, necessary for vision and eye health; 28% of the RDI for vitamin C, needed to strengthen the immune system;  and 17.9% manganese, essential for nutrient absorption. Spinach also contains iron, copper, potassium, niacin, zinc, and many more.

Studies show the nutrients in spinach may boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

A brief word on Olive Oil:

Olive oil is super healthy. For those who have heart disease or are at a high risk of developing it, olive oil is most definitely a superfood. The benefits of this wonderful fat are among the few things that most people in nutrition agree upon!

The SANE Diet and superfoods

If you incorporate these 12 superfoods with a SANE diet, you will discover the miraculous abilities they have to help transform your weight, your health, your cognitive health, and your life. Here are some superfoods for each of the 4 SANE food groups:

Non-starchy vegetables

• Alfalfa
• Arugula
• Bok choy
• Brussels sprouts
• Chard
• Greens (mustard, collard, etc.)
• Kale
• Kelp
• Mixed greens
• Neem
• Romaine lettuce
• Seaweed
• Watercress

Nutrient-dense proteins

• Anchovies
• Clams
• Liver
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Sea Bass
• Tuna

Whole-food fats

• Avocado
• Chia seeds
• Cocoa/Cacao
• Cocoa/Cacao nibs
• Coconut
• Coconut flour and milk
• Whole eggs
• Flax seeds
• Macadamia nuts
• Olives

Low-fructose fruits

• Acai berries
• Goji berries
• Mangosteen
• Noni fruit
• Purple Aronia
• Lemons

Next step: Get your superfoods with SANE

Ready to finally break free from the yo-yo dieting rollercoaster by balancing your hormones and lowering your body’s setpoint weight?

Want to know the exact foods and serving sizes that are scientifically proven by over 1,300 peer-reviewed research studies to boost metabolism, burn fat and enjoy virtually effortless weight loss like a naturally thin person?

Download the free SANE metabolism boosting food list, cheat sheet, and “Eat More, Burn More” weight loss program by clicking here .