Five Superfoods You Should Start Snacking On

We should all consider our health a little more. In a world where we’re continually on the move and quite time poor, it can be difficult to live the healthy and balanced lifestyle we all want to live. 

We often opt for that packet of crisps or chocolate bar, choose fast food over a home cooked meal, perhaps even out of necessity. But we need to be more conscious of what we eat, especially as it not only affects our physical health, but mental health too.

Snacking on superfoods can be a good option to get the ball rolling when it comes to a healthier diet, and there are plenty out there that can make a real difference. So, if you want to improve what you’re eating, here are five superfoods you should start utilising as a snack…

Blueberries

Blueberries are often considered among the most powerful superfoods around and are encouraged to be eaten by many healthcare professionals. They can aid with cravings when going through alcohol detox, they can reduce inflammation, while they can also help maintain a healthy gut, to name a few things.

Packed full of antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, they can protect the body from oxidative stress, while the fibre within them can aid digestion too.

The versatility of blueberries also makes them a perfect snack. You can eat them on their own, sprinkle them over yoghurt, or even add them to smoothies. Over time, regularly eating them can improve cognitive function, heart health as well as overall wellbeing.

Almonds

A perfect snack, almonds give you the satisfying crunch you get with the likes of crisps, while also being much healthier. That’s because they’re rich in monounsaturated fats and other healthy fats that are known to support heart health. 

They’re a great source of vitamin E, which can support skin health, as well as being packed full of protein and fibre, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. A useful snack for those wanting to lose weight.

Finally, with almonds you’re getting more magnesium into your diet, which can improve mood regulation and energy production, giving you that burst you need throughout the day.

Chia Seeds

While they might seem small, boy are they mighty when it comes to chia seeds’ nutritional value. 

Full of omega-3 fatty acids, they’re superb for brain health, while also having anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also a great source of fibre, with even a tablespoon providing you with a large portion of your recommended fibre intake. This fibre can stabilise blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.

They’re great for adding to yoghurts, smoothies or even chia seed pudding, which is certainly a tasty treat.

Dark Chocolate

While many of us like to snack on the sofa with a block of chocolate in the evening, have you ever considered ditching the milk for dark? Actually, dark chocolates that contain 70% or more of cocoa are rich in antioxidant flavonoids. 

These have been proven to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. What’s more, it’s also known to increase blood flow to the brain and boost mood and cognitive performance. Of course, you should eat this in moderation as it is still calorific, but certainly a better option to milk chocolate and other sugary snacks.

Greek Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is a superfood that’s packed with protein, probiotics, and essential nutrients. The protein content in Greek yoghurt is much higher than in regular yoghurt, which makes it an excellent snack for keeping you full and supporting muscle repair and growth. The probiotics found in Greek yoghurt are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and overall immune function.

In addition to protein and probiotics, Greek yoghurt is also a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health. You can enjoy Greek yoghurt on its own, or add some fruit, nuts, or honey for added flavour and nutrients. It’s a versatile snack that can be enjoyed any time of day, whether as part of your breakfast or as a healthy mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Elle