Nutrition
When it comes to superfoods, these are the cream of the crop.
Adding superfoods to your daily diet can “power-pack your meals and snacks” with vital nutrients, according to health experts. As its name suggests, superfoods have mighty benefits, since they generally have higher nutritional value than other foods.
Now, we have the superlatives of these superfoods.
Today’s Dietitian consulted 564 registered dietitians for its annual “What’s Trending in Nutrition” survey to determine the top 10 superfoods.
Fermented foods — such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha tea and pickled vegetables — made it to the top of the list followed by blueberries, seeds like chia and hemp, avocados and nuts, namely almonds and walnuts.
According to Today’s Dietician, experts believe these will be the most in-demand superfoods this year since they all promote gut health, which is a top priority for many nowadays.
“The 2024 superfoods and top purchase drivers demonstrate that gut health, while long discussed, is officially making its way into the mainstream among consumers, with no sign of slowing down,” Mara Honicker, publisher of Today’s Dietitian, said in a statement.
The top 10 was rounded out by staples of the Mediterranean diet — voted by U.S. News & World Report as the best diet of the year — including green tea, pulses — like dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas — mushrooms, ancient grains and salmon.
Top 10 Superfoods for 2024
- Fermented Foods
- Blueberries
- Seeds
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Green Tea
- Pulses
- Mushrooms
- Ancient Grains
- Salmon
In addition to the trendy Mediterranean diet, dieticians said that plant-based eating is still all the rage, named the second most popular diet trend after intermittent fasting.
Last year, watercress was named “the healthiest food in the world” due to its bounty of nutrients that can stave off disease and protect athletes from workout-induced injuries. It’s also been declared the most nutrient-dense veggie on earth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And while it didn’t make the Today’s Dietitian 2024 list, a study last year found that broccoli had the power to protect and promote gut health as well as inhibit disease.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
