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Misbah Wasi

Functional Nutrition Specialist, Scientific & Regulatory Advisor for Health Supplements

Misbah Wasi is a seasoned professional in the field of Nutrition Science and Food Regulation for over 15 years. Currently, she is lendin her expertise in the area of Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals and is an active member of the Standards Review Group (SRG) - Nutraceuticals FSSAI Ms. Wasi is a post-graduate in Food and Nutrition. Certified Lead Food Safety Management Systems Auditor (FSMS, FSSC 22000) and a certified FoSTaC traine for Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals. She is also a Subject Matter Expert for ‘Food Regulations in India’ for IFLR (International Food Laws and Regulations) course at Michigan State University.

Top 5 Superfoods Every Woman Should Incorporate into Her Diet

In today’s world, where balancing work, family, and personal well-being is a daily challenge, many women find themselves feeling fatigued, stressed, and often lacking the essential nutrients needed to maintain optimal health. This is where superfoods come into picture. 


Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins and minerals that provide targeted health benefits, helping to boost energy, improve skin health, support hormonal balance, and strengthen bones. For women navigating busy schedules, these powerful foods offer an easy way to supplement essential nutrients and promote long-term wellness.


Superfoods deliver high levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them especially beneficial for maintaining and enhancing health1. For women balancing busy lives, superfoods can address specific challenges such as low energy, skin health, hormone balance, and bone strength. These nutrient-dense foods provide targeted benefits that help manage stress, improve digestion, and even boost immunity, making them a valuable addition to any diet.


A balanced diet is essential for energy, immunity, and overall well-being, especially for women balancing busy schedules and daily demands. Whether you have an active lifestyle or simply want to support long-term women's health, here are five superfoods to eat that can make a real difference in your wellness journey.

  1. Leafy Greens: A Nutrient Powerhouse for Women


Leafy greens like spinach, kale, amaranth and mustard leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a must for any healthy diet. Rich in iron, calcium, folate, and vitamin K, leafy greens support women's health by promoting strong bones8, healthy skin7, and balanced hormones9.


These nutrients are especially important for women of reproductive age. Iron supports energy levels and immune function, while folate is essential for healthy cell growth. Calcium and Vitamin K promote bone health, which is crucial as women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.


Incorporating these foods for women is easy and versatile. Add leafy greens to smoothies, salads, or soups, or use them as a base for stir-fries and omelettes. This simple addition to a healthy diet can boost energy and keep you feeling strong throughout the day.

  1. Berries: Antioxidant-Rich Superfoods for a Busy Life


Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins3. These superfoods to eat are low in calories but high in essential nutrients, making them ideal for women looking to stay healthy on a busy schedule.


Berries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which supports skin health and immune function. High fiber content in berries aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and can keep you feeling full longer - a plus for women with an active lifestyle. Unlike many fruits, they have a low glycemic index, which makes berries a great option for managing blood sugar levels3.


Berries make a convenient and healthy food choice for busy women. Add them to yoghurt, oatmeal, or snack on them throughout the day. For a quick nutrient boost, blend frozen berries into smoothies for a refreshing treat packed with nutrients that benefit women's health.

  1. Fatty Fish like Salmon, Tuna and Mackerel: Essential Omega-3s for Women’s Nutrition


Fatty fish is one of the best foods for women due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is essential for heart and brain health. They provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, supporting both mental clarity and physical strength4.


Omega-3 healthy fats play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and supporting brain function. They are also known to support healthy skin and reduce symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). As a lean protein source, fatty fishes like salmon aids in muscle maintenance and repair, supporting an active lifestyle. They are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function - key components of women's health7.


Enjoy fatty fishes as grilled, baked, curries, or in salads. Try pairing it with leafy greens for a meal rich in superfoods for women.

  1. Greek Yoghurt: A Gut-Healthy, Protein-Rich Superfood for Women


Greek yoghurt is a nutrient-dense addition to any healthy diet and particularly beneficial for women’s health. With higher protein content than regular yoghurt, it supports muscle health, bone strength, and gut health, all essential for busy women who need sustained energy5.


The high protein content of yoghurt keeps you full longer, aiding in weight management and providing energy for a busy life. Greek yoghurt is packed with probiotics, which promote gut health by balancing good bacteria in the digestive system, enhancing both digestion and immunity. Essential for bone health, the high calcium content of yoghurt helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis10.


Greek yoghurt is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, with fruit, or as a base for smoothies. For a nutritious start to the day, pair Greek yoghurt with berries and a sprinkle of nuts, creating a perfect combination of superfoods to eat that support women health.

  1. Quinoa: A Protein-Packed Grain for Energy and Satiety


Quinoa, a complete protein, is a fantastic choice for busy women looking to add more plant-based protein into their diet. This whole grain provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a unique and powerful healthy food for women’s nutritional needs.


Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that offer a complete protein, supporting muscle health and energy6. The fiber in quinoa aids digestion, keeps you feeling full, and promotes stable blood sugar levels - ideal for those juggling an active lifestyle. Quinoa also contains magnesium, iron, and B-vitamins, all of which are essential for energy production and stress management6.


Quinoa’s mild flavour makes it easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes. Use it as a base for salads, porridge, add it to soups, or serve it as a side dish. Paired with leafy greens and a lean protein like egg or salmon, quinoa becomes a key component of a nutrient-packed meal ideal for women's nutrition.

 
Why These Superfoods Matter for Women’s Health

Incorporating these superfoods for women into a daily routine can provide the energy, nutrients, and resilience needed to support both physical and mental health. For busy women managing work, family, and personal wellness, these nutrient-dense foods offer a simple way to stay on top of health goals without needing elaborate meal prep.


Each of these superfoods to eat brings unique health benefits:

  • Leafy Greens support bone health8 and energy.
  • Berries provide antioxidants for skin and immune health.14
  • Salmon offers omega-3s for heart and brain health.13
  • Greek Yogurt promotes gut health and provides protein.12
  • Quinoa serves as a versatile grain that supports satiety and energy.11

These foods are versatile, making it easy for busy women to incorporate them into any meal, supporting long-term women's health and vitality.


Maintaining a healthy diet is not difficult. By incorporating these five superfoods for women into daily meals, women can support their overall health, keep up with a busy life, and ensure they are fuelling their bodies with essential nutrients. From promoting bone health to supporting digestion and energy, these foods for women offer a wealth of benefits that enhance wellness and longevity.


Whether you are managing a demanding schedule or simply want to improve your women nutrition game, these superfoods can make a significant impact. With a focus on nutrient-rich, easy-to-prepare foods, building a balanced and fulfilling diet becomes achievable, helping every woman feel her best.


References

  1. Fernández-Ríos, A., Laso, J., Hoehn, D., Amo-Setién, F. J., Abajas-Bustillo, R., Ortego, C., Fullana-I-Palmer, P., Bala, A., Batlle-Bayer, L., Balcells, M., Puig, R., Aldaco, R., & Margallo, M. (2022). A critical review of superfoods from a holistic nutritional and environmental approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 379, 134491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134491

  2. Morris, M. C., Wang, Y., Barnes, L. L., Bennett, D. A., Dawson-Hughes, B., & Booth, S. L. (2017). Nutrients and bioactives in green leafy vegetables and cognitive decline. Neurology, 90(3). https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000004815

  3. Vahapoglu, B., Erskine, E., Subasi, B. G., & Capanoglu, E. (2021). Recent studies on berry Bioactives and their Health-Promoting Roles. Molecules, 27(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010108

  4. Chen, J., Jayachandran, M., Bai, W., & Xu, B. (2021). A critical review on the health benefits of fish consumption and its bioactive constituents. Food Chemistry, 369, 130874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130874

  5. Douglas, S. M., Ortinau, L. C., Hoertel, H. A., & Leidy, H. J. (2012). Low, moderate, or high protein yogurt snacks on appetite control and subsequent eating in healthy women. Appetite, 60, 117–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2012.09.012

  6. Navruz-Varli, S., & Sanlier, N. (2016). Nutritional and health benefits of quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). Journal of Cereal Science, 69, 371–376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2016.05.004

  7. Fam, V. W., Charoenwoodhipong, P., Sivamani, R. K., Holt, R. R., Keen, C. L., & Hackman, R. M. (2021). Plant-Based Foods for Skin Health: A Narrative review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 122(3), 614–629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2021.10.024

  8. Sim, M., Lewis, J. R., Prince, R. L., Levinger, I., Brennan-Speranza, T. C., Palmer, C., Bondonno, C. P., Bondonno, N. P., Devine, A., Ward, N. C., Byrnes, E., Schultz, C. J., Woodman, R., Croft, K., Hodgson, J. M., & Blekkenhorst, L. C. (2020). The effects of vitamin K-rich green leafy vegetables on bone metabolism: A 4-week randomised controlled trial in middle-aged and older individuals. Bone Reports, 12, 100274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100274

  9. Barnard N. Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones and Health. Hachette UK; 2020 Oct 29.

  10. Laird, E., Molloy, A. M., McNulty, H., Ward, M., McCarroll, K., Hoey, L., Hughes, C. F., Cunningham, C., Strain, J. J., & Casey, M. C. (2017). Greater yogurt consumption is associated with increased bone mineral density and physical function in older adults. Osteoporosis International, 28(8), 2409–2419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-017-4049-5

  11. Younis M, Sattar DE, Suleman R. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa): Potential of the “Golden Grain” for Food and Nutritional Security in South Asia. InNeglected Plant Foods Of South Asia: Exploring and valorizing nature to feed hunger 2023 Sep 19 (pp. 351-367). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

  12. Pannerchelvan S, Rios-Solis L, Wasoh H, Sobri MZ, Wong FW, Mohamed MS, Mohamad R, Halim M. Functional yogurt: a comprehensive review of its nutritional composition and health benefits. Food & Function. 2024.

  13. Singh AP, Saxena R, Saxena S. The Impact of Seafood Consumption on Brain Health and Cognition. OPTIMIZING BRAIN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES.:98.

  14. Zafra‐Stone S, Yasmin T, Bagchi M, Chatterjee A, Vinson JA, Bagchi D. Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention. Molecular nutrition & food research. 2007 Jun;51(6):675-83.

 

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