4 Functional Foods for Better Health

Food is more than just fuel. Beyond the basics of providing essential carbohydrates, protein, and fat, many foods–like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds–have other benefits. These benefits can include reducing inflammation, lowering the risk of disease, and helping balance your gut microbiome. Sometimes referred to as functional foods or superfoods, the high levels of bioactive compounds found in them may help you feel better, keep you healthier, and even help you live longer. 

While you probably often hear about superfoods like acai, blueberries, and kale—the go-to ingredients that are known for being packed with nutrients—there are plenty of others that fly under the radar and are just as powerful.

Kelp 

Kelp is a type of large brown algae that is especially nutrient-dense, making it a standout superfood compared to more common seaweed varieties. One of the richest natural sources of iodine, an essential mineral for a healthy thyroid, kelp absorbs many of its nutrients from the ocean. Iodine can help boost energy and brain function, as well as support a healthy nervous system response. Kelp may also aid digestion, treat constipation, support healthy blood vessels, and reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Find kelp noodles in:

• "Liberated" Pesto Kelp Noodle Salad

• Terrific Almond Pad Thai Kelp Noodles with Smoked Tofu

Mushrooms

Aside from being a good source of fiber and B vitamins, mushrooms have bioactive compounds that have been shown to strengthen the body’s defense system. Mushrooms stimulate antibodies in the saliva, which act as a first line of defense against pathogens. Special fibers in mushrooms, called Beta-glucans, increase the activity of immune cells. They also act as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which is linked to better immune health.

Find functional mushrooms in:

• Vegan Stuffed Portabella Mushroom

• Salmon Oreganato with Asparagus Rice Pilaf and Roasted Mushrooms

Mung beans

A popular ingredient in Indian and East Asian kitchens, mung beans are packed with protein, fiber, and many bioactive nutrients that offer several potential health benefits. Mung beans are antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. These magic beans may also reduce blood pressure and protect against cancer. 

Their many benefits are due to their high vitamin and mineral content. Mung beans are rich in folate and other B Vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and zinc.

Find mung beans in

• Plant Based Mediterranean Quiche

• Green Curry Panang with Vegetables and Mung Bean Noodles

Nutritional Yeast

An inactive strain of yeast that’s sold as flakes or powder, nutritional yeast, sometimes known as nooch, is more than just a delicious topping for your popcorn. It’s high in several B vitamins, including B12, and contains all the essential amino acids. Nutritional yeast can increase energy, support a healthy nervous system, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin and hair.

Find nutritional yeast in:

• Chicken Cacciatore with Brown Rice Penne

• Greek Salad with Greek Dressing

We’ve been excited to work with some of these lesser-known superfoods in our meals, and the ones we’ve featured in this post are just a few of our favorites. There’s many incredible ingredients out there that help us build delicious and nourishing dishes, and we love finding ways to bring those to your plate.