As women, we tend to juggle so much during the week, saving the world bit by bit, one day at a time. Being the superhumans that we are, it’s important for women to ensure we are fueling our bodies and minds with healthy, nutrient-rich foods. Because incorporating new foods into our daily lifestyles can be a challenge in itself, here are 6 simple foods to easily blend into your week’s meals. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these foods can be eaten by themselves, as side dishes accompanying a main course, or used as a spice to add extra flavor to your favorite dish.
Beets
Beets’ high accessibility in the average grocery store and wonderful health benefits make this vegetable the perfect addition to any meal, smoothie, or daily juicing regimen. High in fiber and low in calories, Beets will make you feel full longer and are a powerful tool in weight loss and management. The high levels of betanin in beets are also known to slow the growth rate of breast cancer cells.
Turmeric
Though it may not be a household name or at the top of everyone’s spice rack priority list, Turmeric has been hailed as a cure-all in health for centuries. Its benefits for women’s health specifically seem limitless, as it can combat cancer, depression, inflammation, Alzheimer’s, brain and heart disease, and more.
Kale
One of the biggest superfood superstars currently on the health food scene, kale definitely lives up to the hype. Packed with more nutrients than most leafy greens, kale boasts carotenoids, flavonoids, calcium, vitamin K, beta carotene, vitamin C, and much more. Researchers have also found that kale may have preventative properties in cases of cancer, high blood pressure, and asthma. Kale can also prove useful for women who need or want to healthily control their estrogen hormone production.
Blueberries
Bursting with antioxidants and low in calories, blueberries are one of the healthiest guilt-free snacks you can consume. Nutritionists say that blueberries may have anti-aging benefits, as well as protect the body from muscle damage during exercise.
Quinoa
You know you’ve got a winning side dish when it tastes amazing and is actually good for you too. No stranger to the superfood line-up, Quinoa is one of the best additions to any meal as its chocked full of fiber, protein, vitamin E, potassium, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, and more. It seems this ancient supergrain was known as the “gold of the Incas” with good reason.
Maca Root
Maca Root may be one of the more unknown foods on this list, but may be one of the most powerful. Discovered and first used in ancient Peru, this plant is beneficial in a plethora of ways, including energy production, stress reduction, increased stamina, and overall immune system strength. Because of its high density of key vitamins and nutrients, studies have shown that Maca can ease menstrual symptoms and menopause. Additionally, the plant is said to be effective in decreasing skin sensitivity and clearing skin blemishes. It can be consumed in powder or capsule form. The powder can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or sprinkled on top of salads or soups.
