You know eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is great for your health, you hear it everywhere, but do you know exactly why? Not only are these foods full of vitamins and minerals, but there are so many hidden properties in these yummy superfoods that keep your body strong and feeling great! Just like you want to put quality gas and oil in your car to help it run better and last longer, you want to eat nutrient-rich foods to help your body do the exact same!  Cheap gas and off-brand oil don’t do much for your ride and it doesn’t do much for you either! In 2021, let’s fuel up with right foods! Here are a few to include into your diet:

1. Pomegranates – These little red seeds are full of antioxidants and contain antibacterial properties that can reduce the effect of dental plaque and help prevent other diseases in your mouth, fight off infection and illness. A recent study found that drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day, may improve memory and learning. Try adding pomegranates in a salad for a satisfying crunch and pop of sweetness or snacking on them with nuts. If you choose juice, be sure it 100% juice with no added sugar. Pomegranate arils are in season through the end of January, so eat up!
2. Oats – High in beta-glucan soluble fiber, this grain is a win for your heart and belt notch. Soluble fiber helps carry cholesterol out of your body. If too much cholesterol is in your blood, it could potentially clog your arteries leading to an increased risk for heart disease. This type of fiber can also help you manage your blood sugar levels. Fiber gives you a sense of fullness, which could potentially lead to eating less and thus, weight loss. Try oats with fruit and eggs for breakfast, make energy ball bites with oats, peanut butter, whey protein and honey, or blend oats into recipes to replace all-purpose flour!
3. Beets – Beets have a high folate content, which can help reduce your risk for skin, lung and colon cancer! Beets contain betaines, which can help you maintain a healthy liver. Have you ever heard of beets and sweets? Cut up sweet potatoes and beets, to make a delicious combination!Beets paired with walnuts, arugula and goat cheese are also a flavorful salad option.
4. Blueberries – These little guys are some of the best superfoods you can eat! They contain phytonutrients that can help prevent cataracts, arthritis, heart disease, cancer and so much more. Blueberries contain powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells and skin against damaging free radicals that may harm the collagen that keeps your skin looking youthful. Try adding blueberries as a topping on whole grain pancakes and waffles, Greek yogurt or oats!
5. Cauliflower – Studies have shown that cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli have chemo-preventive agents that are great for the early phases of cancer, because they can halt tumor cells from reproducing. Antioxidants found in cauliflower can help limit oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Inflammation can lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and more, so it is essential to eat anti-inflammatory foods as often as you can! Try cauliflower and hummus for a healthy afternoon snack, shred it to make pizza “bread” or rice it and use as a stir-fry base!