Dads are real-life superheroes. When we’re kids, they seem impossibly big and strong and are a safe-haven from the evils of the world. Of course, now that we’re older, we want to do everything in our own power to keep our super dads healthy. So while we’re planning our Father’s Day menus, we’re planning on incorporating superfoods in our recipes that can have incredible health impacts!
Keep reading for some of the health benefits of some of the superfoods included in the recipes below. You’ll be happy to know that you’re packing a nutrient-rich punch when you’re cooking for dad, and it’s good information to keep in mind for your own diet, too.
Blueberries: These little berries are packed full of antioxidants, which means they can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and a multitude of other inflammatory conditions. Another bonus? They can improve digestion!
Salmon: Everyone knows that salmon is full of healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation. Though, while salmon can help to maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, only two to three servings of salmon or other fish should be eaten per week.
Dark Leafy Green Veggies: Dark leafy green vegetables, including kale and collards, are rich in folate, iron, fiber, and more important nutrients, and have the power to reduce your risk of a plethora of chronic illnesses, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and can even protect against certain cancers.
Nuts: Want to reduce your risk of heart disease and support your weight loss goals? Then consider using more nuts, including almonds and pecans, in your dishes! They’re fiber-rich, high in protein, and have plenty of heart-healthy fats.
Ginger: Wow! What can’t ginger do? High in antioxidants, it can help reduce pain, manage nausea, and even lower one’s risk of dementia, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.
Avocado: This fruit—that’s right, avocado is a fruit!—are high in fiber, which helps keep us full longer, and monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid, which helps reduce inflammation. And like many other superfoods, eating avocados could help reduce a risk of diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
Sweet Potatoes: Everyone knows that sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to white and red potatoes, but not everyone knows why! They’re full of potassium, fiber, vitamins A and C, and carotenoids—the latter of which can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. PLUS, they can help improve the blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Now that you know how these delicious superfoods can help keep your super dad strong and healthy, we hope you’re ready to get cooking. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
