5 Superfoods You Should Eat Daily

We hear about so many important health foods to eat, from quinoa, to green juice, to even more obscure foods like chia seeds and goji berries. It can get overwhelming keeping up on the latest supplement to add to your daily salad, and it almost seems like there aren’t enough meals in the day to fit in all these healthy must-haves.

At the end of the day what really matters is eating clean and unprocessed foods. There are certain foods so powerful that they play a large role in fighting off aging and disease. These “superfoods” are nutritional powerhouses, high in antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals that keep both are mind and body healthy.

If the thought of fitting in a ton of healthy foods feels overwhelming, start with these five staples to help fight off disease, slow aging, and live happier and longer.

1. Berries

Berries contain the highest amount of antioxidants of any fruit, and they can help fight aging in our skin, boost our brain power, and protect against cancer and other age-related diseases.

These sweet fruits are also good for your heart: studies have found that people who consume berries at least three times a week had a lower risk of heart attack, as berries contain anthocyanins, a heart-healthy flavonoid.

2. Chocolate

Most of us probably aren’t going to complain about eating chocolate daily, and luckily for us, this superfood contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, brain-boosting antioxidants, and mood-improving natural chemicals.

Eating 70 percent cocoa or higher can help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, and lower your risk of stroke, just make sure to avoid bars that are high in sugar and dairy and opt for the darker kind whenever possible.

3. Nuts

People who eat nuts daily are at a lower risk of cancer, diabetes, and brain, heart and lung disease.

Nuts like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, and pistachios contain heart-healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and disease fighting vitamins that help not only fight disease, but can help keep your mind sharp.

4. Leafy Greens

There’s a reason people always tell you to eat your kale! Greens like kale, collard greens, chard, and spinach are loaded with vitamins and nutrients that can help fight heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among other disease.

They also can help keep your mind strong: Studies show that a single serving of leafy greens daily can help prevent dementia and slow mental deterioration.

5. Garlic

Garlic does more than add a little extra flavor to your food, though that is definitely an added bonus. Full of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, garlic helps keep your immune system strong, fighting off disease both in the long and short term.

It may also help reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, improve your bone health, and cleanse toxins out of your body.