The term ‘superfood’ is reserved for foods that are very nutrient dense, and full of vitamins and minerals. There are certain superfoods that are available in the winter and go perfectly with all those seasonal recipes. There are also superfoods that contain important nutrients to help with illnesses during the season, and are highly recommended to use during the winter. Here are some of the best ones.
Leafy Greens
The first superfood you should start eating to help with your winter illnesses and overall health in general is your leafy greens. These include any of your dark, leafy lettuces, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and mustard greens. Spinach is also high on the list of superfoods that you can find in the winter, as well as kale, so those leafy greens are wonderful options. Leafy greens not only have vitamin C to help with your immune system, but they contain lots of antioxidants.
Blueberries
Another superfood that gives you a lot of antioxidants is blueberries. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a fruit or vegetable in the winter with more antioxidants than blueberries. These really help with illness by protecting your immune system and strengthening it, which is going to keep you protected from winter illnesses like the cold and flu, and various other viruses.
Lemons
For more vitamin C, which you know is amazing for raising your immunities naturally, try some citrus fruit like lemons. Lemons are great in the winter because it provides a little bit of tarty sweetness to different dishes. You can squeeze a little lemon on your fish or chicken and have it with superfoods like sweet potatoes or butternut squash, or make a delicious pomegranate and berry smoothie with a little lemon added.
Beets and Chia Seeds
If you are concerned with your digestive system and gut health in the winter, then both chia seeds and beets are foods you should try to add to the rotation. Chia seeds are great for your digestion, and are really easy to add to smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, soups, and so many other dishes. With beets, they help with your gut health and eliminate gut bacteria, which also helps with your digestive system. To use both at once, make a big salad with spinach or kale, beets, chia seeds, and a homemade dressing.
Turmeric
Lastly, you can add turmeric, which is a type of spice that is wonderful for combating illness in the winter. This helps by reducing inflammation in your body, which has so many uses. You can reduce aches and pains in your joints, help with your skin, and even help with your cardiovascular health.
