7 Superfoods for Good Health That You Should Load up on Now ...

I toss berries into my grocery basket throughout the summer. They're one of the best superfoods for good health. If my family doesn’t finish them, I freeze them for some good eating during the winter. Berries, from blueberries to strawberries to raspberries, contain vitamins A and C for healthy immunity, skin and gums. They also contain fiber, which promotes regular digestion and fills your belly for very few calories. What more could you ask for if you’re trying to lose some excess pounds? The antioxidants in berries help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Toss berries into cereal, oatmeal or pancakes for a yummy twist on your favorite breakfast foods.

It’s cheap, it’s easy to prepare and it pairs well with another superfood – berries. Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber, which helps control your cholesterol. One caveat – instant varieties are often very high in sugar and calories, so opt for plain oatmeal and dress it up with fruit and a drizzle of honey instead.

Adding salmon to your meal plan boosts your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Bake a fillet seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper or brush salmon with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic and grill it wrapped in foil. If your pocketbook can’t justify fresh salmon fillets, something I understand well, opt for canned salmon instead. Mix it in with tuna for a sandwich or use it as a substitute for ground beef next time you’re craving a burger.

If you haven’t heard the good news, I’ll let you in on it. Eggs aren’t as bad as experts once thought. In fact, they contain nutrients that protect your eyes and can shield your body from damaging UV rays. Have hard-boiled eggs for breakfast or add them to your salad at lunch. Whip up a vegetable-filled omelet for dinner. There’s no rule that says you can’t eat eggs at every meal!

Beans are high in fiber, low in fat and give you a boost when it comes to your fiber intake. Fiber helps fills your belly and keep hunger at bay, making beans an excellent choice if you want to control your calorie intake. All types of beans work, including pintos, kidney beans and fava beans. Use them to beef up a bowl of vegetable soup, add beans to tacos and burritos or mash them with salt and pepper and use as a dip for crudités or crackers.

All varieties count and you won’t have a hard time finding them at your local grocery store. Nuts are an excellent source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help protect the health of your heart. Add nuts to salad, oatmeal, baked goods or trail mix. Or, just grab a handful for a snack on the go.

Not all yogurts are created equal, so use caution when choosing from the many types available. In general, flavored versions are high in sugar and artificial ingredients. Grab a container of plain Greek yogurt, though, and you’re good to go. It’s high in protein and it contains live and active cultures, which help regulate your digestion and might even treat digestive disturbances. It also has calcium for healthy bones. If you can’t stomach plain versions, mix it with chopped fruit, a bit of honey and a dash of granola.

Now that you’re equipped to choose superfoods, congratulate yourself on a good step for keeping yourself healthy. Which one will you try first?