Powerhouse Veggies and Other Foods to Keep Your Family Healthy

Powerhouse Veggies and Other Foods to Keep Your Family Healthy

If it’s time to stir up your family’s diet and include healthy, power-packed superfoods, here are a few suggestions. Stubborn family? Don’t worry. Incorporating even a few of these foods is a step in the right direction.

The leafy tops on a beetroot are full of vitamin K, which is linked to lowering your chance of getting type 2 diabetes. One cup of these raw greens provides close to twice your daily requirement. Sauté a bunch of beet greens with some olive oil and garlic for a healthy side dish. Or chop them and add to frittatas, soups or pasta dishes.

Baby radish, cabbage, kale, and broccoli can be higher in nutrients like vitamins C and E, than the regular mature plants. Add a handful of these microgreens to sandwiches and salads, or use as a garnish for soups.

Wild salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease and reduce stress. Salmon also contains vitamin B6, niacin and riboflavin, which help convert the food you consume into energy.

Blueberries are ranked number one in antioxidant levels by the United States Department of Agriculture. They contain 15 types of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, folate and manganese. They are believed to help lower cholesterol, improve memory and eyesight, slow signs of aging, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Oranges contain vitamin C, potassium and folate, which help steadily release energy instead of delivering a sugar rush. Their membranes are full of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that may reduce blood cholesterol levels. Vitamin C helps reduce stress hormone levels.

Nuts are heart-healthy because of their high unsaturated fat content. Almonds are good for preventing osteoporosis. Walnuts may help lower the risk of arthritis and psoriasis by reducing C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, in the body. And, studies say pistachios may help boost your antioxidant levels.

Powerhouse foods are the way to go for a healthy, energy-boosting diet. Introduce as many as you can to your family’s diet and rest assured you’re doing everyone a big favor!