5 Easy Superfoods to Add to Your Diet

You may have heard the buzzword "superfood" thrown around a bit lately. No, they aren't newly available food items in the form of a powder or a meal bar or anything like that. In fact, many of them you've heard of before. A superfood is typically rich with vitamins, healthy fats, protein, minerals and countless other health benefits.

Here are some of the best superfoods you can easily add to your diet:

1) Kale

Kale looks a lot like lettuce, but unlike lettuce, it isn't just fiber and water. A serving of kale contains more calcium than a serving of milk‚ without all the calories of dairy. It's filled with fiber and sulfur, which helps to detox the body of harmful toxins, and it contains more iron per calorie than beef. And thanks to its low-calorie content, you can't go wrong by eating it.

2) Almonds

Often called the "healthiest nut" by many nutritionists, almonds help to lower blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol. They're rich in amino acids (i.e. proteins), which lead to increased muscle development. These teardrop-shaped nuts are also packed with vitamin E, which protects against sun damage.

3) Avocados

Not just for guacamole anymore. If you need more "good fats" in your diet, look no further than this creamy fruit (yes, it really is a fruit). A diet that includes a healthy amount of avocados has been shown to better balance good cholesterol against bad. They also contain large amounts of magnesium, which is essential for strong bones and a regulated cardiovascular system.

4) Blueberries

One of the best natural anti-inflammatory agents you can eat, these tiny little berries are loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids, and help lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. They also contain large amounts of potassium and vitamin C. The proof is in their color: the darker the berry, the more antioxidants it has.

5) Dark chocolate

Chocolate on a list of healthy foods? No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Keep in mind that it should be 70% or more of cacao to qualify. Don't include too much, though, as dark chocolate lends itself to a lot of calories. But it's full of antioxidants and flavonoids. It's also been shown to lower blood pressure. Learn anything about superfoods? Share this article with your friends and family. Photo Courtesy of: Sandra