Though every food you eat contains nutrients, some foods prove more beneficial to your health than others. Foods especially rich in highly beneficial ingredients may be referred to as superfoods, highlighting their place in a healthy diet. While the nutritional information for each superfood can differ, several share a number of common nutrients that provide the beneficial effect of the food.
Anthocyanins
One type of nutrient in some superfoods are anthocyanins, a family containing more than 5,000 related compounds. These chemicals act as pigments within superfoods, providing the foods with a reddish, blue or purple hue. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, anthocyanins act as antioxidants, and compounds that may prevent or treat cancer, circulatory disorders and coronary heart disease. Consume superfoods rich in these compounds, such as cherries and acai berries, to increase your intake of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Dietary Fiber
Many superfoods also are a rich source of dietary fiber. These plant fibers prove undigestible within our digestive system and instead remain intact within your stool as it moves through your digestive tract. Consuming foods rich in dietary fiber has a number of health benefits: decreased risk of colon cancer, lowered blood cholesterol and appetite control. Choose superfood fruits and vegetables, such as black raspberries, to help boost your fiber intake.
Vitamins
Many superfoods also contain high levels of vitamins, compounds that contribute to cellular function and good health. Your body relies on a number of vitamins, and consuming a balanced diet that contains superfoods can help you meet your recommended vitamin intakes. For example, one serving of pomegranate contains 40 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Include super fruits in your diet to boost your vitamin intake and prevent harmful vitamin deficiencies.
Minerals
Many super fruits also contain high levels of essential minerals -- compounds your organs require to function properly. Minerals within your body contribute to nervous system function, muscle contraction and heart function, as well as a number of other processes. Blueberries, a type of super fruit, contain high levels of the heart-healthy mineral potassium. Introduce super fruits into your diet to help contribute to your daily mineral intake.
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