We’ve all heard about superfoods and their countless nutritional benefits. There is no scientific definition of a superfood, true, but it’s general knowledge that they are foods that have high levels of vitamins, minerals and are a source of antioxidants. There are plenty of healthy foods out there (fruits, veggies, fish, herbs) but not all of them are superfoods. But what exactly are superfoods and what makes them so different from other healthy options?
First of all, they do more than help the body get its vitamins and mineral needs. These foods can prevent chronic disease, help you achieve better health, improve the way you feel and they’re better than any anti-aging cream out there. If we want to break it down into specific criteria that would make healthy foods into superfoods, it would look something like this:
A superfood must not only be a great source of nutrients, but should also have a lot of them. They have to be nutrient dense, which means they are high in nutrients are low on calories. They can help balance your diet and get the necessary vitamins and minerals for a healthy lifestyle.
Immune system Improvements. No one enjoys feeling weak or ill, and being under the weather can have a significative impact on every aspect of your day to day life. Superfoods give the body immense health benefits, such as lowering the risk of developing certain types of cancer, boosts the metabolism, reduces the likeliness of tooth staining and discoloration and helps relieve the symptoms of many diseases.
Some foods deemed “Super” are a little too exotic for us to find at our local grocery store. For example you probably won’t fit into your everyday diet acai berries or seaweed. But you don’t need to order special foods online or go searching in pricey stores to find superfoods. Most of them are found in every store in your neighborhood. Now that we know what superfoods are, what are 5 of the most beneficial ones and why?
1.Cacao/Cocoa Powder
Cacao powder contains flavonoids, which are plant metabolites that are also found in chocolate. They are said to improve blood flow to the brain and heart and help lower blood pressure.
If you’re thinking about weight loss, we’ve got good news. Adding organic cocoa power to your diet will actually enhance your body’s capacity to metabolize fat and transform it into useful energy. That means you can enjoy a rich chocolate flavor without the guilt of the extra calories. If you are vegan or a plant-based diet enthusiast, raw cacao is something you should really consider adding to your meals. Cacao comes as a powerful iron source. It is one of the most important sources of iron for those living a plant-based lifestyle. This even compares to spinach and animal-based sources, so we think it’s safe to say it would be a super-healthy addition to your meal plan. One last thing, raw Cacao has 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries. So the next time you’re craving for a piece of chocolate, why not go for some cocoa instead?
2. Chia Seeds
They’re known for an awesome taste, crunchiness and a somewhat nutty flavor. If you are not a big fan of fish, they are a great way to fit some plant-based omega-3s in your daily meals. Chia seeds are becoming one of the most popular superfoods for many good reasons. They are easy to digest, really nutrient dense, and they really boost your energy. Recent research has even linked chia seeds to reversing type 2 diabetes. That’s right – not only preventing it, but also, reversing it. Another amazing thing about chia is that it is a complete protein – which means that it contains all essential amino acids, which is, actually, incredibly rare for a plant-based source of protein.
3. Kefir
If you are a fan of yogurt then you will definitely fall in love with kefir.
Kefir is a drink that is originally from Russia. It tastes similar to yogurt, and it’s made from fermented milk and it’s just slightly sour. Its popularity has increased over the years, and for a good reason. Because of growing interest in probiotics, which are known to boost the immune system and support good digestive health, kefir has proven itself really useful in that matter. Because of the fermentation process that happens in its production, kefir tends to be a safer substitute for individuals that are lactose intolerant. And if you are impressed with cow or sheep milk, you’ll be happy to learn that there are other plant-based versions of kefir. It can actually be made with any type of milk: soy, almond or coconut. Therefore, the probiotic benefits can be enjoyed safely by vegans or lactose intolerant people, which we cannot say about many types of milky foods out there. You can find it at your local supermarket for sure.
4. Berries
Summer is here, and that means berries start to appear everywhere in our grocery shops and markets. They can make for a fresh or frozen tasty dessert, we can enjoy them as jams or even drink them as wine. But berries are not only delicious, they are low in calories, high in fiber content, and are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and vitamin B6. Like cacao, they contain flavonoids and phytochemicals, which help with cancer prevention. Blueberries and Cranberries can also help in the prevention of bladder infections. The antioxidants that we find in berries will aid our body in fighting the stress of our day to day lives. And that’s not all. Multiple powerful antioxidants are found in berries and they help reduce inflammation, and will prevent and manage arthritis. And last but not least, you can always eat them as a delicious snack or mix and match with your breakfast oatmeal.
5. Avocados
Known as one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods, avocados are high in fiber and they are among the best sources of potassium, folate, magnesium and vitamin E. without a question, the avocado is one of the most beneficial SuperFoods out there.Packed with the B vitamin complex and with vitamin E and K, the avocado helps metabolize the body and is awesome for maintaining a healthy skin. They contain a fair amount of fiber, are naturally low in salt and are full of powerful antioxidants– many of which are said to have extensive other health benefits. There is also great news for those of you who are on a mission to lose weight. You can expect to feel full and therefore, by keeping hunger at bay you eat less when making avocados part of your diet.
Now the one thing you have to remember is that all fresh produce has a place in our diets, and, let’s be honest, these is no actual top 5 or top 10 lists of the best superfoods. It’s all subjective and depends on each individual’s taste. All of the superfoods above are a great way to boost your metabolism and health, in general. So, have a look next time you are grocery shopping and throw a few in your cart.
