17 Vegan Superfoods to Boost Your Health and Well-Being

Posted by Calvin on December 17, 2024

As if we needed more proof that we can get all the nutrients we need without harming animals for their flesh, eggs, and milk—there are so many superfoods that are vegan! These nutrient-rich foods are great for your health, and eating them can help take down the industries that keep animals in intensive confinement, tear them away from their families, and kill them. Try adding these vegan superfoods to your diet:

1. Berries

Berries are naturally sweet, delicious, and nutritious. They’re high in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.

2. Avocados

Avocados are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, so as long as your guac doesn’t contain dairy, consider it a super-snack.

3. Chia Seeds

These teeny-tiny seeds are a great source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants as well as several vitamins and minerals.

4. Pumpkin

Tfw you realize that there are health benefits to pumpkin spice season. 😁 Pumpkin contains antioxidants—which protect your eyes from age-related issues—and potassium, which can help prevent heart disease.

5. Nuts

If you go nuts for nuts, you’re getting a solid dose of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. As long as you aren’t allergic to nuts, try adding cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, and other nuts to your diet.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are def sweet (the name doesn’t lie), but when boiled, they actually have a low glycemic index. That means they won’t raise your blood sugar as much as foods like white bread or instant mashed potatoes.

7. Whole Grains

We wholly support whole grains. 🌾 They’re full of fiber, and they can help lower cholesterol levels.

8. Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy greens are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Eating kale, spinach, and other leafy greens can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes—so it’s never a bad time for a salad.

9. Garlic

Add garlic to your diet to get manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and fiber—but you just might wanna pop a mint into your mouth afterward. 😅

10. Ginger

Humans have used ginger for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It can help manage nausea and reduce pain. You can buy it fresh, as an oil or a juice, or in dried or powder form to mix into soups, stir-fries, and teas.

11. Cinnamon

Your fave cozy spice is also a superfood. Cinnamon can help reduce inflammation, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.

12. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a good source of vitamin E, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fatty acids, all of which help reduce the risk of heart disease.

13. Green Tea

Here’s the tea on green tea: It’s light, tasty, and full of antioxidants that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. 🍵

14. Legumes

Legumes—such as beans (including soybeans), peanuts, peas, alfalfa, and lentils—are protein-packed and versatile. There are endless meal combos you can create using legumes in all sorts of cuisines.

15. Broccoli

What’s not to like about broccoli? You can add it to pretty much any dish you want for a burst of earthy flavor, and it has a lot of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.

16. Tomatoes

That’s right—if you’re eating pizza, pasta, or a sandwich with tomatoes or tomato sauce, you’re enjoying a superfood packed with vitamin C and lycopene.

17. Dark Chocolate

We saved this one for last, ’cause can you really end things on a better note? 😍 Dark chocolate is delicious and high in flavonoids that can help prevent certain types of cancer and boost your immune system.

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Sleep is one of the most important parts of your health. Give these vegan foods and supplements a go to get a good night’s sleep.