Superfoods We Can Trust

Looking to lead a healthier lifestyle? If you're looking to make some changes, one of the first places you should start is with your diet. What you consume and put into your body greatly affects your well-being, so you need to eat only the best of the best. Here are 20 of the healthiest foods in the world, not only helping to fuel your body, but to keep you happy and healthy too.

1. Avocados

Trendy and healthy, avocados seriously do it all. They're a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed sliced on toast, smashed into guacamole, or whipped into a salad dressing. While they taste delicious, they're also incredibly good for you thanks to all of its healthy fats and rich amounts of vitamins, fiber, and potassium.

2. Berries

For a guilt-free sweet treat, ripe berries never fail to satisfy. From blueberries to strawberries and raspberries, these colorful fruits are all nutritional gems. They're packed with tons of antioxidants and other goodies that help reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and boost brain health.

3. Quinoa

As one of the few plant foods out there that offer all nine essential amino acids, you can't deny that quinoa is an amazing healthy grain (though technically classified as a seed). Not just an excellent source of protein, they're also high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They work as a healthy and more filling alternative to rice and pasta.

4. Almonds

For a healthy snack, almonds provide you with a deep, nutty flavor, crunchy texture, and all the health benefits you could dream of. Packed full of healthy fats, fiber, protein, and much more, regularly consuming almonds has been studied to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Hard to say no to all that!

5. Spinach

It's hard not to associate leafy and green with health when spinach is such a nutrient-packed vegetable. Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, spinach can help boost various aspects of your body including improving vision, bone health, digestive health, and regulating blood pressure.

6. Salmon

A highly nutritious fish, salmon doesn't just taste good, it's known for being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Great for your brain and heart health, that's not where the benefits end. Also rich in protein and B vitamins, incorporating salmon is a healthy decision that will positively impact your overall well-being.

7. Sweet Potatoes

When you don't top it with marshmallows in a casserole dish, sweet potatoes can be a great addition to any healthy diet. Packed full of various vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, and fiber, this low glycemic index vegetable offers your body more energy, better eye health, a healthy gut, and much more.

8. Garlic

It's easy to dismiss garlic as just a flavor booster when you don't typically eat it on its own, but this nutrient-dense vegetable has impressive health benefits you shouldn't ignore. Best known for containing a compound called allicin, this along with other nutrients have been linked to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, enhance immune functioning, and even reduce the risk of certain diseases.

9. Broccoli

Kids might hate it, but this green vegetable is a great source of vitamins K and C, folate, and fiber. Broccoli contains plenty of good nutrients that support the body's detoxification process, alongside even potentially preventing certain types of cancer. Steamed, roasted, or eaten raw, prepare it in your favorite way to enjoy the benefits.

10. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds might be tiny, but when it comes to nutrition, they're mighty foods that bring your body a lot of good. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, the list doesn't stop there. These seeds also provide essential minerals like magnesium and calcium, proving their title as a superfood. When soaked in a liquid like soy milk, they even have a fun, gelatinous texture that works great with oats and yogurt.

11. Brussels Sprouts

It's time to get over your hatred of this vegetable so you can enjoy all the vitamins and minerals it comes with. Brussels sprouts are a low-calorie, high nutrient and high fiber food. They've been said to help with reducing inflammation, managing blood sugar levels, and boosting eye health. Once you know how to best cook them, you'll realize you were wrong to hate them all this time.

12. Eggs

Eggs have received a bad reputation in the past due to their cholesterol levels, but it's hard to ignore their health benefits when there are so many. As long as you enjoy them in moderation, eggs can be a fantastic source of protein, choline, and other nutrients that improve brain functioning, help with weight loss, and boost cardiovascular and bone health.

13. Apples

It turns out the saying was right: apples do keep the doctors away! With so many different varieties to choose from and so many fun ways to eat them, apples just don't miss. When eaten with the skin, it comes with tons of fiber and antioxidants that can help lower risk of diabetes, keep the heart healthy, and aid in weight management.

14. Walnuts

Not a fan of almonds? You can get your dose of healthy nutrients from another super nut, walnuts. Full of healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and more, walnuts have been studied to reduce inflammation in the body, lower bad cholesterol, and potentially improve cognitive functioning. With so many positives, it'd be wise to stock up.

15. Asparagus

As long as you can get over the weird effect asparagus has on the smell of your urine, this low-calorie vegetable should be eaten more regularly. With potential health benefits like supporting immune functioning, lowering blood sugar, and boosting heart health, why wouldn't you want to incorporate it into your diet?

16. Oats

If thinking oats are an "old people" food is preventing you from enjoying it, it's time to stop. Whether you enjoy it as oatmeal or other forms, oats are known as one of the healthiest grains on the planet. Containing a healthy fiber called beta-glucan, this alone does a lot for maintaining good cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Toss in all the other nutrients it contains and it's a no-brainer to add it to your grocery list.

17. Carrots

Cut back on the ranch and these crunchy vegetables will do great things for your body and health. Full of nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamins A and fiber, carrots may reduce your risk of cancers, help with eye health, and much more.

18. Kale

You hear about kale being a superfood on social media all the time, but do you actually know why? Thanks to its rich content of antioxidants, beta-carotene, and vitamins and minerals, kale packs a punch in the health department. So go on and toss them in your smoothies for that good added boost.

19. Oranges

Best known for being an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for your immune system and skin health, oranges are a delicious citrus fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's beloved for its sweet, juicy meat that always gives you the perfect, tasty energy boost.

20. Bell Peppers

Coming in beautiful and bright colors of orange, yellow, green, and red, bell peppers are a hidden gem that deserve more attention. Containing tons of great goodies like vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories, bell peppers should be added to any healthy diet. They taste great as a snack or in stir-fries, too!