Apple Cider Vinegar
Wheat germ
If you're not sure whether you're getting your six to eight recommended daily servings of whole grains (as the American Heart Association suggests), add wheat germ to your oatmeal or yogurt for an extra boost. High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, whole grains like wheat germ are essential for digestive health, says Granato. If you're not a wheat germ fan, quinoa is an equally powerful grain you can easily incorporate in your salads, burgers (just toss it, raw, into the patty mix), and oatmeal.
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Lima beans
Yes, it's time to give lima beans another chance! It's been, what, 30 years since that traumatic experience when your mom forced you to eat them. Maybe it's time to revisit the little bean? Lima beans, along with pinto beans, kidney beans, and lentils are terrific for digestion, notes Granato. Add them to soups, such as minestrone, or puree them with garlic, rosemary, and olives as a hummus substitute.
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Maca root
Maca powder is one of the newer super foods on our radar, and we wish we'd known about it sooner. It has a bevy of nutritional benefits, including nearly all the essential amino acids, and has been used for thousands of years to boost energy, balance hormones, and improve mental focus. Try it as a flour substitute or as a partial flour replacement when baking macaroons, cookies, or brownies.
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Cinnamon
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, research suggests cinnamon can help lower blood sugar for those with Type 2 diabetes as well as possibly fight bacterial and fungal infections. Make it your new sugar substitute in coffee, add it to Greek yogurt, or use it as a popcorn topper (with a little sea salt thrown in).
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Avocado
Not that we needed the encouragement to begin with, but here's even more reason why paying the extra dollar to add avocado to, well, just about anything is totally worth it. According to Granato, the super food is packed with vitamins B, C, D, and E, as well as protein and healthy fats. Plus, it's instrumental in improving hair, skin, nails, and weight management, she says. In lieu of butter and jam, spread it on your breakfast (or lunch or dinner) toast with olive oil, lemon, and diced tomatoes.
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Pine nuts
It likely isn't news to you that nuts are a nutritious addition to your diet, especially as a healthy snack. But did you know that pine nuts reign when it comes to protein at 18 grams per cup? Try adding them to your pizza along with spinach and ricotta.
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