Although there are no clear criteria as to what exactly defines a superfood, it is generally accepted that it includes all those foods that are rich in valuable ingredients such as essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids.
It also contains extremely high levels of phytonutrients, which have a huge positive impact on our health. Phytonutrients are actually antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals, which play a key role in the onset of heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. This is why the superfood is most commonly used to prevent a wide variety of diseases.
In addition to all these benefits, it should be noted that organic superfood does not contain any toxins, hormones, additives, pesticides, chemicals, food colors, etc. In this way, it is something between food and medicine, as it can help with various types of illnesses and diseases, but unlike synthetic drugs, it has no side effects.
Combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet, superfood can really help you improve your health and your quality of life as it is an excellent anti-aging food. Start your day by combining this food with other healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and nuts, and you will feel better than ever.
The high vitamin and mineral content found in superfoods can help your body ward off diseases and keep you healthier. When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, these foods can promote heart health, weight loss, improve energy levels and even reduce the effects of aging.
Antioxidants found in many superfoods may help prevent cancer, while healthy fats can reduce your risk of heart disease. Fiber, which is also found in many superfoods, can help prevent diabetes and digestive problems while phytochemicals have numerous health benefits including reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Superfoods are also known to protect your organs from toxins, help lower cholesterol, regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.
In order to maximize the benefits of consuming a superfood, it is also essential that you take into account its recommended daily intake and intake it long enough to achieve the desired effect.
Popular superfoods
Below are some of the most popular superfoods. When adding superfoods to your diet, be aware that unprocessed, natural varieties offer the most benefits.
Blueberries often top many lists of superfoods because they are rich in vitamins, soluble fiber and phytochemicals. But the same nutrients found in blueberries are also found in many other kinds of berries, including strawberries and cranberries.
Kale lives up to the hype it has attracted as a superfood, but so do most dark, leafy greens: Swiss chard, collards, mustards (including radish greens), spinach (and others in the amaranth family) and cabbages. Include broccoli on that list as well.
Nuts and seeds contain high levels of minerals and healthy fats. Although these are common additions on superfood lists, the downside is that they are high in calories.
Sweet Potatoes and squash also usually make the superfood list, for reasons similar to those listed for leafy greens. Both kinds of food are generally excellent sources of fiber, vitamin A and much more.
Beans and whole grains are also included on superfood lists. Beans are a source of low-fat protein. These nuggets of nutirtion contain insoluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol; soluble fiber, which provides a longer feeling of fullness; and loads of vitamins and trace minerals.
Salmon, sardines, mackerel and certain other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Any superfood list is sure to contain an "exotic fruit of the year." This might be acai berry, noni fruit, dragon fruit, rambutan or pomegranate. These fruits might be healthful, but scientific studies don't show that they are more healthful than other, less exotic.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most prevalent antioxidants in green tea is the catechin epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG.
Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage with multiple health benefits related to its probiotic content. Though generally made from cow’s milk, kefir is also available in non-dairy forms.
Garlic is a plant food that is closely related to onions, leeks and shallots. It’s a good source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium and fiber.
Olive oil is a natural oil extracted from the fruit of olive trees and one of the mainstays of the Mediterranean diet. It’s biggest claims to health are its high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyphenolic compounds.
Ginger contains antioxidants, such as gingerol, that may be responsible for many of the reported health benefits associated with this food. Ginger may be effective for managing nausea and reducing pain from acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is the focus of most research surrounding turmeric.
Seaweed packs multiple nutrients, including vitamin K, folate, iodine and fiber.
These ocean vegetables are a source of unique bioactive compounds — not typically present in land-vegetables — which may have antioxidant effects.
