Superfoods… that has a nice ring to it, right? It sounds heroic. When I think of superfoods, I picture a squad of exotic fruits, in all shapes and colors, wearing superhero masks and capes, ready to save your health. Now, we both know that superfoods don’t actually wear costumes… but they do have an agenda when it comes to your health. In fact, superfoods contain so many powerful nutrients, they can have a significant and transformative impact on your health if you incorporate them into your diet.
If you’ve been feeling sluggish, fatigued, and the number on the scale seems to be creeping in a less-than-ideal direction, your body might not be getting the nutrients it needs to function optimally. So, how do you fix it? Superfoods to the rescue! These are the top 13 best superfoods for weight loss and energy that give your body the boost it needs to take on the day and reach your goals!
What Are Superfoods?
“Superfoods” is a term that refers to certain foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits with a minimal amount of calories. Unlike most foods, however, the nutrients found in superfoods contain significant health benefits that can help your body burn fat, boost energy levels, ease digestive issues, and may even reduce your risk of certain diseases.
Superfoods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight free-radical damage which causes oxidative stress on your body. This type of stress can result in a variety of side effects like potential damage to the central nervous system, may increase your risk of certain diseases, may cause inflammation, and can even accelerate the aging process. [1] Polyphenols are known to reduce blood clots which can increase circulation, lower blood sugar levels, and lower your risk of heart disease. They may also promote brain function and improve digestion—which can help with weight loss. [2]
Including a rich source of superfoods into your diet can significantly improve your health and may even fight weight-related issues.
Top 13 Best Superfoods For Weight Loss
There are plenty of “superfoods” out there. But, not all superfoods are created equally when it comes to their effects on reducing weight loss and boosting energy. These weight loss superfoods contain fat-fighting and energy-boosting properties that can help you lose weight and feel amazing.
1. Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a type of plant you may recognize at your local sandwich or salad shop. You know those little sprouts they offer you instead of lettuce? That’s alfalfa! These little sprouts are packed with important vitamins and minerals—so many, in fact, adding it to our list of best superfoods for weight loss was a no-brainer!
Alfalfa is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, copper, manganese, thiamin, magnesium, iron, and riboflavin. [3] But that’s not all—alfalfa contains a high content of bioactive plant compounds that include saponins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, coumarins, and alkaloids. [4] Saponins affect the immune system in ways that help protect the human body against cancers, and also lower cholesterol levels. [5] Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect the body against free-radical damage and may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and stroke. Similarly, it may play a role in protecting the brain. [6] However, when it comes to weight loss, this is where alfalfa really shines. It’s packed with detoxification properties, protein, and fiber that can help boost your metabolism and help with weight loss. [7]
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, also referred to as ACV, has a well-known reputation in the weight-loss community. It contains an active compound called acetic acid which is not only responsible for its sour, vinegar-like taste, but also contains a variety of benefits linked to weight loss. Acetic acid is a short-chain fatty acid. These types of amino acids play an important role in the health of your colon, which is involved in the metabolism of important nutrients like carbohydrates and fat. [8, 9]
There are numerous animal studies that suggest that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may promote weight loss in several ways. For example, one study found that treating obese rats with acetic acid protected them from weight gain and reduced belly fat storage. [10] A study on mice that were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with acetic acid found a significant increase in fat-burning and reduced belly fat. [11] Another study found that acetic acid may stimulate the hypothalamus, the area of your brain that controls appetite, which can lead to reduced food intake. [12]
3. Artichoke
Artichokes made this list of weight loss superfoods for a few reasons. First, it contains a ton of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber! [13] And secondly, several studies found that artichokes may improve digestive health due to its ability to promote gut-friendly bacteria. This can regulate bowel movements, alleviate constipation and diarrhea, and help with weight loss. [14, 15]. So, next time you walk by this strange-looking vegetable at the supermarket, don’t think twice! Give it a chance because artichokes are not only nutritious and can help trim your waistline, but they are also delicious!
4. Chlorella
You’ve probably heard of chlorella before, or at least seen photos of it somewhere on the internet. Chlorella is a type of algae that has a bright, rich green color that’s hard to miss. But it’s beautiful color isn’t the only thing to take notice of. In fact, chlorella is one of the ultimate superfoods for weight loss! Believe it or not, chlorella is actually 50-60% protein! What’s even more impressive is that it’s a complete protein, which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids. [16] It contains antioxidants, fiber, omega-3s, and a variety of vitamins and minerals that make it incredibly nutritious. [17, 18] Chlorella is also known to have detoxification properties that can remove heavy metals and other harmful substances from the body that can cause fatigue and weight gain. [19]
5. Glucomannan root
Glucomannan root is a type of dietary fiber that is most notably known for being one of the most viscous dietary fibers out there. This basically means that it has the ability to absorb an extremely high quantity of liquid. When digested, glucomannan root takes up a lot of space in the stomach, which promotes a feeling of fullness or satiety. This ultimately helps to reduce your appetite and food intake. It also reduces the absorption of protein and fat in your stomach. [20, 21]
6. Green tea
Green tea has a reputation for being one of the best teas for weight loss. It’s extremely nutrient-dense and contains powerful agents like catechins, beta-carotene, folic acid, saponins, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus that all aid in weight loss. Green tea is also known to boost metabolism, energy levels, and immune function while lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
7. Lemon juice
Have you ever heard that squeezing lemon juice into your water will increase weight loss? Well, there is some truth to this well-known adage. Some studies suggest that mixing lemon juice with water may boost metabolism, satiety, and hydration—all of which are associated with weight loss. [22, 23]
8. Matcha
War has been around for as long as people have existed. But in recent years, a new type of war has broken out amongst millennials… and it has everything to do with matcha. The debate: Are you team matcha, or team coffee?
You see, matcha is a type of tea that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its powerful healing properties. It contains potent antioxidants (including powerful EGCG [epigallocatechin gallate]), catechins, polyphenols, a variety of vitamins and minerals like chromium, zinc, magnesium, and chlorophyll that can all help with weight loss. [24] It also contains incredible detoxification benefits that can help clear your body of heavy metal toxins that can prevent your body from functioning optimally.
But, what does this have to do with coffee, you ask? Well, matcha contains lower levels of caffeine than coffee, which gives you the weight loss benefits of caffeine without the jitters. [25] So, in true millennial fashion, the matcha latte was created—which gives us a mixture of the traditional weight loss superfood with a new-age way to get your caffeine fix.
9. Moringa
Moringa made this list of top superfoods for weight loss because it contains high levels of certain vitamins and minerals that are effective in reducing and controlling weight. For example, it contains high levels of vitamin B which can help improve digestion and help the body convert food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat. [26] It also contains high levels of phytates which is an antinutrient that binds with minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, making them less absorbable in your body. [27]
10. Spinach
Spinach is another weight loss superfood that helps improve your digestive system. It’s loaded with fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals that are key components for healthy digestion and metabolism regulation.
11. Spirulina
Spirulina is another type of nutrient-dense algae similar to that of chlorella. In fact, spirulina has been named the most nutrient-dense food on earth! Around 65% of spirulina is a complete protein and just 1 tablespoon of it contains roughly 10x the amount of beta-carotene than carrots. It’s also abundant in minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, and magnesium, and boasts almost every other type of nutrients the human body requires in trace amounts. [28]
12. Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as curcumin, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in South Asia for many years. It’s packed with antioxidants and can reduce inflammation, boost brainpower and cognitive function, lower your risk of heart disease, ease joint pain, and is helpful for treating age-related memory issues. [29] It’s also been linked to potentially aiding in weight loss, too. A 2009 study on overweight rodents found that turmeric can actually suppress fat tissue growth! [30]
13. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a nutrient powerhouse that’s packed with fat-fighting nutrients. It’s made up of chlorophyll, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and a whopping 98 of the 102 earth elements found in soil. It helps aid in digestion, reduces food cravings, contains detoxification properties, and stimulates the thyroid gland, which can help with weight loss. [31]
What Is The Best Superfood Powder?
If you’re serious about losing weight naturally and sustainably, incorporating all of these weight loss superfoods into your diet is ideal. But, in most cases, it’s entirely impractical considering how difficult it would be to find all of these superfoods conveniently at a grocery store. Not to mention how much it would cost if you bought all these supplements individually. I’m talking upwards of $250 for all 13! Neither option is sustainable over the long-term. But, what if there was a way to get all of the best superfoods for weight loss in one convenient supplement that was not only convenient and easy but actually affordable? Well, thankfully, there’s Skinny Greens Green Juice Powder.
Skinny Greens contains all 13 of the best superfoods for weight loss as well as an additional 21 superfood ingredients in one convenient powder for a fraction of the price. All you have to do is mix one scoop of the green apple flavored powder with water and enjoy the benefits.
The Bottom Line On Weight Loss Superfoods
If you’re serious about losing weight naturally and sustainably, including weight loss superfoods into your diet will help you reach your goals faster and more effectively. Although superfoods alone are not an end-all-be-all solution to weight loss, they do contain powerful and effective properties and health benefits that can make reaching your weight loss goals easier. If you’re using superfoods for weight loss, it’s important to remember that not all superfood powders are created equally. Taking an all-in-one green superfood powder, like Skinny Greens, will give you the biggest bang for your buck and maximize your results.
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