Super Foods for Super Foot Health

When is prime season for blueberries? Right now! July is National Blueberry Month, and all of us at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center are happy to promote this dark, round beauty. Not only are blueberries big business for New Jersey, they’re huge on health benefits for humans.

 Blueberries have been called a “super fruit” because

·        they’re high in antioxidants, which are thought to fight heart disease and cancer

·        they’re low in calories - 30 per serving

·        they’ve got a high water content, which helps to keep you hydrated

·        each ½ cup serving gives you 3.6 grams of dietary fiber - about 14% of our daily goal

·        one serving gives you 24% of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin C

More super foods for super healthy feet

Eating foods that are nutrient-dense, like blueberries, is wonderful for your feet. That’s because what’s good for your whole body is also good for the many bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet and ankles.
Here are some other foods that pack a punch:

·        Vegetables - You can eat a lot of them without taking in a lot of calories. Try different varieties of leafy kale. Visit one of Monmouth County’s many farmer’s markets and pick up some just-picked arugula or Asian greens for your salad.

·        Fruits - in addition to blueberries, fresh whole peaches and grapes are other examples of low-calorie, high-nutrient fruits. Think outside the box and try bringing some mango or pineapple slices to your breakfast table. Stay away from fruit juices and dried fruits - they’re higher in sugar than fresh or frozen. 

·        Whole grains - shun the white carbohydrate and opt instead for brown rice, quinoa, and anything that says “whole wheat” (“wheat” is not the same - it’s better if it includes “whole”).

·        Healthy fats - small servings of avocado and full-fat Greek yogurt keep you feeling full longer while also packing in vitamins and calcium.

So celebrate the blueberry this month and all of the other super foods that make up a healthy and balanced diet. When you keep your body supplied with a variety of nutrients, your entire body will thank you, including your feet. Of course, diet isn’t the only thing to affect your foot health. When you have pain in your feet or ankles, don’t hesitate to contact Samantha Boyd, DPM, Hal Ornstein, DPM, Joseph Saka, DPM, or Katy Statler, DPM at our office in Howell, NJ. Call us at (732) 905-1110 or make an appointment online.