10 Superfoods with great properties

When we think of superfoods, the obvious conclusion is that we mean foods that have a particularly high protein content or large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. However, the true superfoods are the foods that do not necessarily come to mind, as their excellent properties are usually not immediately obvious. In detail, they are foods that have many essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants that our body needs just as much, if not more urgently, than macronutrients. In the following, we would like to introduce you to 10 superfoods that you should definitely include in your diet due to their properties.

1 - Citrus fruits

If there is such a thing as ultimate superfood, then it is undoubtedly citrus fruits, because they contain especially vitamin C, which has countless positive influences on the human organism. Especially interesting in this context is the aspect that vitamin C protects your muscle cells from oxidative stress during exercise. Furthermore, vitamin C is indispensable for the absorption of iron, which is a prerequisite for the efficient binding of oxygen into the red blood cells. In addition, the vitamin contained in citrus fruits plays an important role in amino acid metabolism and is involved in the maintenance of the body's collagen structures, which keep bones and muscles in their original place.

2 - broccoli

Admittedly, broccoli is not necessarily everyone's cup of tea. Nevertheless, you should take advantage of the benefits of the vegetable, because broccoli contains not only large amounts of important antioxidants, but also many essential micronutrients such as lutein, selenium, vitamin C, beta-carotene and diindolylmethane. Diindolylmethane serves as an important regulator for the immune system in the organism and thus ensures that your training successes are not endangered by diseases. In addition, broccoli is an excellent source of indole-3-carbinol, which supports your body in the course of cell repair. Broccoli is therefore not only an extremely tasty side dish, but also a true micronutrient bomb.

3 - Beans

Beans are rich in phytochemicals such as saponins and phytic acid, which can protect your cells from cell damage. A recent study also shows that beans have the highest amount of antioxidants among all foods, so you should definitely use them to meet your daily needs. It should also be mentioned that beans are also an excellent source of protein.

4 - Sweet potatoes

You may have already experienced and appreciated the benefits of the sweet potato in the context of a diet, because due to its optimal nutrient weighting, the plant is perfectly suitable as a satiating side dish. As a source of complex carbohydrates, the sweet potato also has its permanent place on the menu of many athletes. In turn, however, few exercisers are aware that sweet potato is an excellent source of antioxidants. In addition, the sweet potato has a rich fund of other micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

5 - Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is particularly rich in catechins and flavonoids, which are especially important for the health of your cardiovascular system. The flavonoids contained in dark chocolate also stabilize blood sugar levels, so that you are less likely to suffer from cravings, especially when dieting, and thus ruin your successes. Another very interesting aspect linked to the consumption of dark chocolate is the increase in the production of happiness hormones. However, in order to take advantage of the obvious benefits, you should know that the chocolate in question must have a cocoa content of at least 70 percent.

6 - Berries

In the field of nutrition, berries are something like the egg-laying lactating sows, as they provide themselves with a myriad of important micronutrients and are also extremely variable in their use. Berries contain, for example, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. In black raspberries, scientists have found so-called anthocyanins, which can improve the cognitive abilities of your brain. In detail, this concerns, for example, the ability to concentrate and remember.

7 - Red peppers

If you thought that oranges are the ultimate in terms of vitamin C content, you are unfortunately mistaken, because red peppers in particular are significantly higher in terms of vitamin C concentration. In addition to vitamin C, a bell bell pepper also contains vitamins A, E and B6, as well as some essential antioxidants.

8 - Spinach

Just like dark chocolate, spinach is also extremely rich in flavonoids, but this does not mean that spinach can be replaced by dark chocolate. Rather, you should take advantage of this micronutrient bomb in any case, because only then you can enjoy an all-round supply of vitamin K, E, B6, B2. Spinach is also an extremely valuable source of zinc, which, among other things, ensures soft skin.

9 - Tomatoes

Scientific studies show that the risk of developing various types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases can be reduced by consuming lycopene. Since this antioxidant is mainly found in tomatoes, you should think about eating more tomatoes.

10 - Artichokes

Although artichokes are not necessarily among the most popular foods, they are excellently suited for use as part of a diet, not least because of their low energy density. In addition, artichokes contain an extremely high concentration of special secondary plant compounds, to which cholesterol-lowering properties in particular are attributed. Artichokes are best used in salads, by the way.