9 Superfoods Making Waves in the Fitness Community Right Now
by Abby Austin
Much as we’d like to deny this fact, we hear the word “superfood” being thrown around a lot these days. From exotic products such as Goji berries to good old staples like eggs, this marketing buzzword refers to foods which have the sole purpose of improving our health in any way possible. Unfortunately, a sea of processed foods hides a danger food personality (rather than a superfood one) behind their delicious exterior. Most of them are advertised as superfoods which are here to change our lives for the better.
Thankfully, the fitness community sets a great example by posing the following nine under-the-radar superfoods as the ideal go-to options on the way to a healthier you. So, let’s take our meals and workout smoothies to the next level with nine superfoods that are making waves in the fitness community right now.
- Spinach
It turns out Popeye knew what he was doing! Hidden in a pile of this leafy vegetable, we find all sorts of nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins to keep our body alive and kicking. Between the abundance of vitamins A, C, and K, a generous dosage of calcium and galactolipids (good riddance, inflammation!), one study suggests that choking down spinach on a regular basis contributes to larger muscles. Un-be-leaf-able, right?
- Quinoa
Much like spinach, quinoa is one of the nine superfoods that make serious waves in the fitness community due to its high content in protein. And it’s this nutritional makeup that makes quinoa all the more special. According to one study, this special grain contains nine essential amino acids that our body can’t produce on its own. So, it’s no wonder that quinoa is one of the most sought-after products for bodybuilders and athletes these days.
- Broccoli
Let’s brocc (ha!) it in the gym as this superfood hits the scene. Despite being a tough bunch for some to love, broccoli still manages to dazzle us with all its nutrient-dense glory. But, how can the nutritional makeup of broccoli contribute to the fitness community? One recent study suggests that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli contain compounds which help us get rid of excessive estrogen in our body. If you don;t know this by now, estrogen is one of the reasons behind bloating, dull skin and much more. At the same time, broccoli is jam-packed with fiber which makes us feel full for longer. So, if your goal is to lose weight, you’ve met your master.
- Walnuts
Although walnuts have been demonized for years for promoting weight gain, one recent study is here to set the record straight. As walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids, people think that regular walnut consumption is bound to have an effect on their waistline. However, according to this study, nuts, and walnuts in particular not only are unlikely to cause weight gain, but they may also contribute to weight loss. So, there is a good reason the fitness community turned to walnuts as a healthier alternative to chips
- Beets
If you happen to spend enough time at the gym, then you’ve probably heard a thing or two about one of the latest and most colorful trends when it comes to boosting performance. We’re talking about beetroots. From squeezed into a purple-tinged juice to supplements, one study proves that beets enhance exercise tolerance and performance as they are rich sources of nitrate. After entering our body, nitrate converts into nitrite and, then, into nitric oxide (NO) which plays a major role in several workout-related functions of the body. The verdict is that it’s hard to beet (ha!) these benefits!
- Hemp
Usually found in powder form as a potent post-workout snack or smoothie ingredient, hemp is one of the newest trends to make the scene. Apart from being packed with protein (10 grams of protein in just two tablespoons!), hemp seeds also contain terpenoids and cannabinoids alike which serve as excellent muscle relaxants after a sweaty gym sesh.
- Apples
Sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, it’s not long that this classic superfood got the attention it deserved. Besides being low in calories and helping you ace your healthy nutrition goals, apples are making waves in the fitness community these days mainly due to their high content in fiber. That means that you get to snack on something with a low calorie count and still feel full for quite some time. However, there is a catch. Nowadays, apples are one of the first fruit to get infected from pesticides. So, choosing organic is probably the safest way to go.
- Green Tomatoes
Don’t cringe just yet! Yes, there is such thing as green tomatoes. And, yes, they are considered a superfood for strong muscles these days. In fact, a team of scientists from the Iowa University found out that tomatidine, a compound formed inside our body after green tomato ingestion, helps us build muscle while decreasing the fat ratio. On top of that, the study concludes that tomatidine can also protect us against age-related muscle atrophy. Green tomatoes are slowly making their way into our plates but let’s see what the future holds for them.
- Watermelon
Despite its sweet taste, watermelon packs just 48 calories per cup. However, that’s merely one of the reasons why watermelon juice is making waves in the fitness community right now. According to one study, watermelon juice is the ideal way to reduce muscle soreness in athletes. Let alone it tastes amazing!
Whether you are a true gym warrior or a fitness rookie, these nine superfoods will knock on your door sooner or later. Luckily, we are no strangers to them as they are products we’ve encountered at some point in our lives. All it takes is a stroll down the produce aisle.
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