 SuperFoods are nutrient-dense foods that may help prevent disease, promote overall health, can give you energy and are part of a balanced diet! Some examples of SuperFoods are apples, beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, and spinach. SuperFoods are ideal for students because they:
- May promote brain health - blueberries were shown to slow the effects of aging on the brain in animal studies and people who ate one cup of blueberries daily in one study had improvements in motot skills.
- Are packed with nutrients that growing bodies need - B vitamins, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, and calcium are all important for the developing body and brain.
- Help prevent illness - Probiotics in yogurt promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and help keep the immune system strong. Vitamin C in oranges, blueberries, kiwi, fresh broccoli and tomatoes helps keep the immune system healthy and may shorten the duration of the common cold.
- Help keep bodies functioning properly - fiber in beans, oats, berries, spinach, pumpkin, apples, and oranges helps keep the gastrointestinal tract working properly and can help control blood sugar levels. Active cultures in yogurt promote digestion.
Denver Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Department is incorporating more SuperFoods into the menu this school year. Each month we will be featuring a different SuperFood on the menu. To read about this month's SuperFood check out our menus.
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