10 Superfoods for Women
Of course, eating healthy is important for everyone. But when it comes to women, there are certain foods that are more beneficial. This is because there are some issues that are more prone to affect women. Things such as brittle bones, and breast cancer, for example. Then, there’s also pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and menopause to consider.
In other words, every woman’s body has different needs. For that reason, we’re going to go through a list of the top 10 superfoods for women so that they can benefit from all the nutrients that’ll keep their bodies protected and working well, even throughout the ageing process.
What Are the Top Superfoods for Women?
We’re excited for you to follow us on our informative journey through the top superfoods for women that have been expert-recommended. And by doing this, we aim to bring awareness to certain foods for those who are unsure of which contain the most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants because sometimes, it’s just not that easy to know what’s the most nutritious. We hope to do this in such a way that you don’t feel overwhelmed with trying new foods, nor breaking to the bank to start or continue on a healthy track. These superfoods are not only delicious, but also enjoyable to add to various dishes for a variety of flavour.
10 Superfoods for Women
1. Edamame
Edamame is a preparation of immature soybeans in the pod. These pods are boiled or steamed and have a buttery, slightly sweet and nutty taste.
Why is edamame a superfood for women? Edamame is full of fibre, good fats, and oestrogen-like compounds called isoflavones. Isoflavones is great during menopause as it can help ease the symptoms of hot flashes. Soy isoflavones will mimic the effects of natural oestrogen.
2. Kale
Kale belongs to a group of cabbage and is either green or purple. And even though it’s a superfood for women, it’s also very healthy and nutritious for all, containing powerful medicinal properties. In fact, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet!
Why is kale a superfood for women? Kale contains an impressive amount of vitamin K, which works alongside vitamin D and calcium to keep bones strong and healthy. It also works by lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), helps keep cancer at bay and is heart-healthy. Just one half-cup of kale juice per day can make a huge impact on the health of women.
3. Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant, and its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable. It’s a popular ingredient that’s low in calories and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Why is asparagus a superfood for women? Asparagus is yet another superfood that’s loaded with vitamin K. In other words, it’s great for your bones. In fact, half a cup a day means you’re getting a third of what you need for the day. Another reason to love asparagus? It’s loaded with folate which can help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family whose large flowering heads, stalk, and small associated leaves are eaten as a vegetable. It’s crunchy, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Why is broccoli a superfood for women? Broccoli, along with cauliflower and brussel sprouts, have been found to really pack a punch against cancer. In fact, a study showed that a chemical found in broccoli called sulforaphane actually made cancer cells such as leukaemia and melanoma self-destruct. Another study found that this compound may actually slow down the spread of breast cancer.
5. Beets
Beets, commonly known as beetroot, come from the beet plant and have a sweet flavour with a hint of floral. They’re a super versatile type of vegetable, so you can incorporate them into your diet in a number of different ways.
Why are beets a superfood for women? It’s been found that if you drink a glass of beet juice, you could immediately lower your blood pressure. Not just that, but they’re loaded in potassium, which can ease the effects of a salt-rich diet. Another reason to love beets is that they’re high in folate, which helps manufacture new cells, reduce inflammation, and prevent DNA damage (a precursor to cancer).
6. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that contains a high amount of vitamin C and vitamin A, which boosts the body’s immune system. It has a sweet-ish taste, similar to that of oranges, yet slightly bitter. Some may describe the taste of grapefruit as a mixture between an orange and pomelo.
Why is grapefruit a superfood for women? Grapefruit has a generous amount of flavonoids, which is heart-healthy, yes, but also could prevent certain kinds of strokes in women. Eating this fruit will also be beneficial due to its high antioxidant content, and could aid in weight loss as it’s low in calories.
7. Berries
A berry is a small, pulp-like fruit that is usually round, juicy, and brightly coloured. Depending on which berry you’re eating, it could have a sweet, sour, or tart-like taste. Examples of berries include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and elderberries.
Why are berries a superfood for women? Berries are full of flavonoids and antioxidants, which as we mentioned, can protect healthy cells from damage. Berries are also known to keep your brain stronger as you age, and have a great amount of vitamin C which can build collagen (the protein that keeps your skin firm).
8. Papaya
A papapa is a tropical fruit, like bananas or pineapple, that has a sweet taste and a soft texture. It is orange in colour and contains edible seeds that have a pepper-like flavour. Interestingly, in 2020 it was said that India produced 43 percent of the world’s supply of papayas.
Why are papayas a superfood for women? Papayas contain beta carotene, which is good for your vision and eye health, and lycopene, which lowers your chance of getting cervical and breast cancer. And because of its rich content of antioxidants, papaya can keep your cholesterol and your blood pressure in check. In other words, this fruit is heart-healthy.
9. Sardines
Sardines are small forage fish that are part of the herring family. They have a distinct fishy smell and taste and are dense, meaty, and oily. This type of fish is purely saltwater and grows up to a maximum of 25 centimetres.
Why are sardines a superfood for women? Eating sardines is an excellent way to load up on fish oil, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium requirements. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps keep the immune system healthy, and fights the deterioration of cells. Sardines are also great for women who’ve just given birth as the omega-3 fat content can improve the quality of their breast milk.
10. Black Beans
Black beans are small and shiny, and the most common bean in Latin American cuisines. It’s a legume (as are peas, lentils, peanuts, and more), and is often a staple for many families in various parts of the world.
Why are black beans a superfood for women? Black beans are full of essential minerals, folate (the natural form of vitamin B9), magnesium, and iron. Folate is crucial during the early months of pregnancy, while magnesium is great for heart health and improved energy. Additionally, iron plays an important role during the second and third trimester of pregnancy as it increases a woman’s blood volume to support their baby.
And now that you know about these 10 superfoods for women, aren’t you quite impressed? These foods are not only delicious, but also amazingly beneficial for women of all ages, and for those who are pregnant. Enjoy these tasty ingredients in a variety of different ways and reap all the stunning benefits that come from each.
Helena is a sex-positive South African writer who loves swimming in the ocean under the full moon and cheesy 90’s pop. She’s currently living her best life in Porto, Portugal after scouring different continents to find her happy place.
Thanks a lot for sharing such a great piece of article! I found it a good helpful write-up with a good sound and explanation. Here I have seen some valuable ideas that are definitely helpful for every health-conscious woman should follow. Please keep sharing more updates!