8 Superfoods You Might Already Be Eating

What is a superfood? Scientifically speaking, "superfoods" aren't anything - it is actually a term popular culture has designated for foods that are particularly beneficial to our nutritional health. While it is a non-scientific category of health, does that mean you shouldn't be eating 'superfoods'?

Not even close.

If everybody wants to call them superfoods, that's what we'll call them. So here are 8 superfoods you might already be eating, and should probably be eating more of. If you're not, we suggest you get right on that.

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms block the production of a protein known as aromatase, which plays a part in the production of estrogen. Why is that a good thing? Estrogen, while it's an important part of healthy female development, is also a carcinogen. It plays a part in the likelihood of breast cancer, so keeping your estrogen levels in check is definitely a good thing.

Of course, there are benefits for the men as well. They're high in fiber and protein, but low in calories, sodium, and cholesterol. Anything that's high in fiber and protein makes you feel full sooner, so mushrooms help you fill up without packing on pounds. Fiber's good for the heart, and your body is made of protein, so there's not a whole lot here to complain about.

Then there's a dose of vitamin B for a better metabolism, and a good source of protein, which keeps your risks of stroke low. The selenium helps fight of free radicals, and it's also a good source of riboflavin and niacin.

In short, mushrooms are just plain awesome.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Standard potatoes don't offer much but calories and carbs, good if you're hungry but not really the best health choice. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, bring a lot to the table.

They're high in vitamin B6, which wards of homocysteine, a natural chemical that contributes to your risk of disease. Also high in vitamins C and D, they are also one of the few great vegan sources of iron.

Is it a good idea to have healthy arteries, blood, bones, nerves, muscles, and heart? Yes. Magnesium plays a crucial role in all of these, but 4 out of 5 North Americans don't get enough of it. Sweet potatoes have it.

As with many yellow foods, sweet potatoes contain beta carotene. You've probably heard that it's good for your eyes, but did you know it empowers your immune system and wards of cancer? A Harvard study found that beta carotene reduced the risks of lung cancer by 1 in 3. Other studies showed that it reduces the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence.

3. Kiwi

First things first, kiwi tastes great.

Just one large kiwi gives you all the vitamin C you need for a day, as well as a healthy helping of vitamins A and E, fiber, and potassium. In a study of 27 fruits, kiwi had the most nutrients per ounce. It has 20 percent more potassium than an orange, and it trails just behind dark leafy greens as a source of the antioxidant lutein. A Norwegian study found that eating just two kiwis a day for a month reduced triglycerides.

Did we mention that they taste great?

4. Dark Chocolate

Now we're talking.

It has more antioxidant power than many of the other trendy superfoods you keep hearing about, including acai berry, cranberry, blueberry, and pomegranate, all of which are great for you. But as long as you steer clear of milk chocolate and watch your calorie count, dark chocolate is even better than these great fruits, at least from an antioxidant standpoint.

For an even healthier approach, go strait for the cocoa bean or powder. Incorporate it in your baking or sprinkle it on your granola. It might not satisfy your sweet tooth but the health benefits are amazing and you don't need to limit your consumption.

5. Olive Oil

Not that you should be drinking the stuff, but the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are most likely the reason that cancer and heat problems are less common on the Greek island of Crete. They're also high in antioxidants.

6. Yogurt

High in calcium and "good bacteria" for better digestion make this a great snack choice. It's also rumored to have been responsible for the long lifespan in Soviet Georgia during the 1970s.

7. Fish

Fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce the risks of heart disease and also fight off the symptoms of clinical depression . It also offers much more protein per calorie than most other forms of meat.

8. Nuts

Those who regularly eat nuts add an average of two and a half years to their lifespan. They're high in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, and they're a great source of unsaturated fats.

Conclusion

Who knew you were already eating things you enjoyed that were also good for you? Scale these foods up and the bad ones down, and your body will thank you. What other healthy foods might most people already be eating?