However, adding superfoods to a healthy diet can provide additional nutritional support.
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Examples of dark, leafy greens include:
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Beets
Beets are a highly nutritious food that contains vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
They are especially rich in folate, which affects heart health and cell growth.
Research suggests thatbeetroot juicecould lowerblood pressureand enhance athletic performance.
Broccoli
Broccoliis a good source offiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, andpotassium.
Some research suggests sweet potatoes have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiaging, and antimicrobial properties.
Berries
Berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Some common berries include:
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Tomatoes
Tomatoesare a good source of vitamin C andlycopene.
Studies have shown that lycopene lowers the risk ofprostate cancer.
Avocados
Avocadosare fruits that contain many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, andhealthy fats.
Themonounsaturated fatsin avocados have been known to reduce inflammation in the body.
Research suggests eating avocados may lessen the risk ofheart disease,diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Pomegranate
Pomegranateseeds contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and many antioxidants.
Studies show this fruit may help lower blood pressure and lessen inflammation in people with the autoimmune disorderrheumatoid arthritis.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C and fiber.
Some research suggests that people who eat these fruits are less likely to develop the eye conditionmacular degeneration.
Some common citrus fruits are:
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Bananas
Bananascontain fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
Fish
Fishcontains many omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to boost heart health.
The fish with the highest amounts of omega-3s are:
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Garlic
Garlicis an excellent source of vitamin C,manganese,vitamin B6,selenium, and fiber.
Green Tea
Green teais rich in an antioxidant called EGCG.
Studies show that EGCG may protect against chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Ginger
Gingercontains magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Some evidence shows consuming these foods may boost heart health and reduce blood sugar levels.
Some examples of beans and lentils include:
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Pumpkin
Pumpkinis rich inbeta-carotene, vitamin C, iron, vitamin E, folate, and potassium.
It also containsluteinandzeaxanthin, which may protect the eyes from disease.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein.
It also containsprobiotics, which promote gut health and protect the body from harmful bacteria.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spicethats rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Nuts and Seeds
Nutsand seeds contain healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Some popular nuts and seeds include:
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Eggs
Eggs are packed withcholine, a nutrient involved in memory, mood, and muscle control.
They also contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which may help protect vision and promote eye health.
Grains
Whole grainsare a good source of fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Studies suggest they may lower cholesterol and protect against heart problems.
Healthy whole grains include:
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Coffee
Coffeecontains high amounts of antioxidants.
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