The media is notorious for chanting various diet-related terms to anyone who will listen. Words like ketogenic and vegan plague everywhere you look. What if it were simpler than this? There are many foods out there waiting to be consumed that are more beneficial to you than any particular diet. Some of these are even perfect superfoods for smoothies! It cannot get any better!

What are superfoods?

A quick and simple definition of a superfood is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being”. This sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Diving further into this definition, superfoods contain micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and healthy fats! These are all essential nutrients for your body to be happy and healthy. Luckily, you can find these crucial superfoods at your local grocery store!

What do they look like?

Well, these amazing foods are often fruits, vegetables, grasses, seaweed, seeds, and leaves. If you aren’t used to super healthy food, some of these may sound intimidating to you. Don’t worry! We can break them down further.

Why superfoods are important

If you live in the United States, or even if you don’t, you probably know that Americans are fighting a terrible beast. This beast… is obesity. 90% of the American population isn’t eating enough fruits and vegetables.

This isn’t shocking when we examine the media presented to us every day. Huge portion sizes of unhealthy foods are a glance away always tempting us to choose the option least beneficial to us!

Not only is the problem of obesity a serious issue, but more chronic illnesses are also a major factor in the American health system. We simply aren’t eating well and our bodies are seeing the consequences.

The first step in caring for our bodies is knowing what to put inside it!

How to add superfoods to your diet

Surprising to many, incorporating superfoods into your diet is quite easy! Ultimately, it is learning which foods to nourish your body with that is the hard part.

By doing your research, you are already on the right track to providing the correct nutrients to your body. Some of these superfoods can simply be popped into your mouth as soon as you purchase it! Example? A banana!

Though, others may be more appealing when consumed in other methods. One way to consume superfoods is by smoothie!

Superfoods for smoothies can either be by the food itself or in powdered form. To begin, you may consider using the food itself. Many people find this easier and less intimidating because even more research goes into finding a reliable powdered form.

Other ways you can consume these delicious superfoods include oatmeal, yoghurt, and water!

Related Post: 30+ Healthy Keto Smoothies

The ultimate list of superfoods for smoothies

Acai

Acai berries are native to Central and South America and are known for their high antioxidant content. These berries have anti-ageing properties keeping your skin looking happy, healthy, and young!

Alfalfa

While you may be thinking that alfalfa is typically used for animal feed, alfalfa sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals. Alfalfa has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation!

Avocado

Avocados contain oleic acid which makes this superfood a ‘good’ fat! Something that many of us like about avocados is their ability to ‘lessen’ your hunger. Including this superfood in your smoothie may help you feel fuller for a longer period!

Banana

Bananas, to no surprise, are one of the most popular fruits! They are an easy fruit to grab-and-go plus they are scrumptious making them one of the best superfoods for smoothies. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber helping both our heart and digestion!

Baobab

Baobab is an African fruit that is both antioxidant and polyphenol-rich. This fruit is high in vitamin C which is why it has been used by many for centuries to cure various ailments. This superfood also helps regulate blood sugar and aids in digestion.

Blueberries

Blueberries are popular fruits that are packed full of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and vitamins K, C, and E! Blueberries are the choice of many when it comes to superfoods for smoothies because they have many benefits, are delicious, and easy to find!

Wild blueberries are even more amazing and can be bought frozen or as a powder.

Cacao

Now, initially, this superfood may excite some people. Are you thinking of cocoa? Well, think of that only healthier! Raw cacao contains 4x the amount of antioxidants than regular processed dark chocolate has!

Carob

Carob is rich in antioxidants like gallic acid and flavonoids. Intimidating words? Never fear! All you need to know is that these magical antioxidants are known to aid in killing cancer cells. More benefits of this superfood include high fiber, calcium, and potassium content!

Chia Seeds

Ch-ch-ch-chia! Sound familiar? Those “As Seen On TV” grass chia seed planters won’t ever leave our minds! Not only are they fun planters, but they are also a fantastic source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium. Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18% of your daily calcium intake!

This is important for middle-aged women since calcium becomes even more important as we age. Chia seeds are one of the smartest superfoods for smoothies because you can throw them into any smoothie without really noticing a difference in flavor. Simply adding them into any one of your shakes is a no-brainer!

Chlorella

Chlorella is a micro-algae containing chlorophyll. In fact, it contains a lot of it! The benefit our body obtains from this is protection from radiation. Those receiving radiation treatments can consider this superfood for its protective properties! For many others, the benefits of chlorella can consist of detoxing the body of heavy metals.

Coconut

Coconut is known to be a great source of healthy fats and nutrients!

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are easy to find and can be used in meals in numerous ways! Health benefits of flax seeds include improved digestions, lower cholesterol, reduced sugar cravings, and healthy skin. These seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans which are important antioxidants related to anti-ageing and hormone balance!

Much like chia seeds, flax seeds are one of the superfoods for smoothies that shouldn’t be questioned! They can be added to any smoothie to reap the added benefits without noticing a change to the smoothie itself.

Ginger

Ginger is a great immunity booster containing antioxidants like beta-carotene, capsaicin, and curcumin.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are great immunity boosters full of vitamin C and antioxidants!

Guarana

Guarana berries are native to Brazil and contain a natural caffeine component. These berries’ caffeine content is 4-6x more than coffee beans! To no surprise, this leaves a huge benefit of these berries being reduced fatigue and improved focus for consumers.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, calcium, and iron! They are one of the most nutrient-packed seeds available to consumers. The benefits of these magical little seeds are endless! Some examples of how they improve your health include the prevention of arterial plaque buildup, reduced blood pressure, and reduced cholesterol.

For those athletes among us, hemp seed is also known to be anti-inflammatory. This means, consuming these seeds can help improve recovery time after illness, injury, and exercise! Why not use one of the best superfoods for smoothies post-workout for better recovery?

Lucuma

Lucuma is a sweet-tasting fruit that is rich in carotenoids and polyphenols. Again, scary terms! These terms though are important micronutrients that protect against chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Maca

Maca root is similar to more known vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Though, it has some amazing nutritional properties that also aid in mental health! Studies have shown that maca helps reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, increase libido, and increase fertility in men.

Talk about a good time!

Maqui

Maqui berries are high in antioxidants! Higher than many of the known superfood fruits like blueberries. One category of micronutrient that is important in these berries is anthocyanins. While anthocyanins give these berries their dark color, they also reduce the risk of high blood pressure and can help suppress tumor growth!

Matcha

You may know matcha by being a powdered green tea! Well, this powerful tea contains caffeine aiding in alertness, improved attention, and increased reaction time. All of this energy won’t go to waste either! The natural caffeine found in matcha helps individuals avoid a crash in energy levels after consumed.

Therefore, matcha is one of those superfoods for smoothies that you could consider using in the morning. It will give you all the energy you need to start your day off right and keep you going even through the mid-day slump.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a micro-algae that is considered to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there! This superfood is a complete protein source that also has science-backed anti-cancer effects.

Tumeric

Turmeric is one of the most important superfoods out there! This is especially true for athletes and those suffering from joint pain. Turmeric is a powerful superfood with antioxidants packed with anti-inflammatory properties.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is an edible grass high in vitamins A, C, and E. Aside from vitamins, wheatgrass also contains iron, calcium, and 17 amino acids! Here is the real kicker. Eight of these amino acids cannot be produced by the body alone. Which means it needs to get these elsewhere! What better source than this amazing superfood?

Superfoods are superheroes

In the end, it is crucial to think about the types of food you are putting into your body. With rising numbers of chronic illnesses across the world, the time to start selecting superfoods is now! Superfoods benefit our body in several ways and when combined, can have superhero effects.