We all know that superfoods are great way to fill your body with the nutrients it needs, and if we were to venture a guess at the state that consumes the most of these antioxidant packed foods, part of us assumed California would be at the top of the list green superfood reviews.
To determine which American state was chowing down on the most superfoods, Swedish-based health and fitness app Lifesum analyzed their US user data, and the results of this unique study were pretty surprising. According to the data, Oregon was actually the healthiest state, with each resident consuming an average of 5.16 superfoods a day! These are the top five superfood loving states:
- Oregon
- Washington
- California
- New York/Illinois
- Michigan
When analyzing the top superfoods, the same five kept popping up. It’s no surprise that the superfoods Americans consumed the most were versatile, easy to incorporate into daily diets and, most importantly, packed with goodness! Frida Harju, Lifesum’s in-house nutritionist, takes us through the health benefits of each of these superfoods…
Almond Milk
Topping the list of most consumed superfoods is almond milk, and with its many benefits, it’s not surprising that more and more Americans are turning to this milk alternative. This low-calorie drink is a great source of omega fatty acids and rich in calcium to maintain bone health. It is also rich in vitamins A, E and D keeping your eyes healthy, and the high level of antioxidants and vitamin E will keep skin looking its best. Almond milk can be made at home by soaking almonds overnight (or for up to two days) then blending them with water before straining. However it is easy enough to pick up at your local supermarket or health store.
Avocado
People are often wary of avocado, as it’s fattening, but this deliciously creamy superfood has a myriad of health benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. The monounsaturated fats found within avocados are actually good for you. Not only that, the nutrients, such as folate, lutein and vitamin E, can help protect the body from cancer heart disease and also degenerative diseases.
Blueberries
Blueberries have been labelled a superfood due to their high levels of polyphenols, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory compounds that positively impact the nervous system and brain function, helping to combat memory loss and enhance your mood. Polyphenols also have the potential to prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Sweet Potato
Not only are sweet potatoes tasty and filling, these energy boosting carbs are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants. Besides their slightly sweeter taste and softer texture, what really differs them from the humble white potato is that they contain double the amount of vitamin C. They also contain the essential nutrients thiamin, manganese, and potassium. The B vitamin thiamin helps our nervous system to function properly, as does potassium. Manganese is used for bone health and also to protect cells from damage caused by stress, something that is essential for our increasingly hectic lifestyles.
Kale
We couldn’t escape from kale in 2015, with many hailing it as the superfood of all superfoods, but they were certainly right about how beneficial it is for the body. Not only does this cooked leafy green contain more iron than beef, a cup contains nearly 10 times your recommended daily intake of vitamin K. It is also packed with calcium, vitamin A, fiber and folate, which is key for brain development. Looks like kale is here to stay!