Your Personal Best: Superfoods

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Anneliese Taggart

In the early 1990s, the word “superfood” was coined by people in the health industry. This concept referred to foods that were nutrient-dense, meaning they had the highest level of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that build the immune system against diseases at the cellular level. These “superfoods” are found in fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, and good fats.

In the fruit category, berries have the highest amount of antioxidants. Dark leafy greens are very nutrient-dense, containing the highest amount of nutrients in the vegetable category. For lean sources of protein, legumes and cold-water fish such as salmon have Omega-3 fatty acids that benefit heart health. Lastly, in the fat category, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide substantial health benefits.

The key is to find ways to integrate these foods into a daily diet to build the immune system and provide protection during the cold and flu season.