You’d be surprised how many people are missing essential vitamins in their diet. According to Molly Walsh, Director of Product Innovation at Sunfood Superfoods, a lack of food education has caused many Americans to experience some form of illness due to deficiencies in their everyday meals. 

“Many individuals lack essential vitamins and minerals, which can pave the way for diet-related chronic diseases,” Walsh explains, before noting she advocates for National Nutrition Month, a time of the year that reminds us to reflect on our dietary habits and the impact it can have on our overall well-being.

The Importance Of Dietary Education

Walsh, who holds a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition and Sports Nutrition, believes that nutrition is paramount to enhancing the quality of life for everyone. While she notes all essential nutrients are vital for overall well-being, most people find themselves deficient in vitamins D and C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.

“These powerhouses affect everything from immunity and heart health to athletic performance, gene regulation, and brain health,” she explains, underscoring the significance of having a well-balanced diet.  

Diversifying Your Diet

When it comes to dietary strategies, Walsh encourages a plant-centric approach, citing the nutrient density of plant-based foods. “Superfoods like kale, matcha, beets, mushrooms, maca, and coconut water offer a potent blend of nutrients to boost energy levels and enhance daily performance,” she explains.

To diversify our diets, she highly suggests getting creative with nutrient-packed superfoods. “Small changes yield substantial benefits! Simple additions like goji berries in oatmeal or turmeric and mushrooms in cold-pressed juice can elevate nutrient intake,” Walsh tells us. 

Cutting Back On Trans Fats

Although healthy foods will always be essential in the pursuit of better health that doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon your favorite guilty pleasures. However, Walsh reminds us that moderation of highly processed foods that contain trans fats and excess sugar is crucial.

Hydration Is Nonnegotiable 

Hydration is also key to achieving your wellness goals. Walsh explains, “Optimal hydration facilitates nutrient utilization, temperature regulation, digestive health, joint lubrication, immunity, and cognition.” 

She continues, “If you are looking to take your hydration to the next level, add coconut water to your daily routine. It’s rich in essential hydration nutrients like potassium, sodium, and calcium.”

Walsh’s Wellness Recommendations

For those looking to achieve specific health goals, Walsh happily shared her go-to recommendations.  

How To Improve Your Joint Health 

If you are looking to improve your joint health, Walsh suggests turning to the healing benefits of turmeric, a root vegetable native to Asia. She explains, “Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that supports overall joint health and longevity.”

Uncertain about how to incorporate turmeric into your daily routine? She suggests adding Sunfood Superfoods’ Turmeric & Mushrooms to your diet.

How To Achieve Better Gut Health 

To achieve better gut health, Walsh recommends opting for foods that contain premium probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber. (Think: a yummy yogurt bowl filled with bananas and blueberries!)

For those who are on the move, she suggests trying a supplement blend like Supergreens, Supergreens & Protein, and Green Blend.

How To Refine Skin Texture

To ensure your skin stays radiant and glowing, Walsh encourages the consumption of Camu Camu, a fruit that grows in the rainforests of Peru and Brazil and features rich collagen-supporting vitamin C content. 

How To Enhance Sexual Health 

If you’re looking to get your groove back, Walsh suggests adding Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, into your diet. According to the expert, Maca is an aphrodisiac that boosts libido and supports sexual health. “Products containing [Maca] like our Maca SuperLatte are perfect for enhancing sexual health,” she tells us.

How To Boost Hair Thickness & Length 

For those who want long and lustrous hair, Walsh highly advises adding Biotin to your diet. She loves the benefits of Sunfood Superfoods’ Hydration Renew. “It contains organic coconut water and was crafted with whole-body support in mind,” she adds.

How To Boost Energy 

In need of some extra energy? Seek beets! According to Walsh, beets contain a variety of compounds that support vascular health and oxygenation of the body. Having optimal oxygenation levels is one of the best ways to not only boost energy but also keep your energy levels high throughout the day. 

Not a fan of the taste of beets? Sunfood Superfoods’ delicious Beets & Mushrooms is a blend of premium beet powder that features tasty flavors of dark red fruits like pomegranate. It’s packed with energy-enhancing nutrients.

So, whether you’re looking to boost your energy, enhance your sexual health, or improve your joint health, embracing a healthy diet makes reaching your wellness goals easier to achieve.