No single food can provide you all of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you require. It is crucial to eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods to obtain our bodies’ health benefits. There is nothing wrong with consuming a food item that provides you a fair percentage of a specific vitamin or mineral that you require.
What is a Superfood?
The word “superfood” mostly describes foods that are supposed to make you look and feel lively and help you become stronger against all odds, but what are “superfoods,” and what makes them so great? Superfoods are considered nutrient powerhouses that contain vast amounts of antioxidants, phytochemicals (chemicals responsible for colors and smells in plants), vitamins, and minerals. There’s no exact definition of what a superfood is. Many superfoods are plant-based, but the cut also includes some fish and dairy. Superfood is a reasonably new term referring to foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits for minimal calories and are a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some popular superfoods, to name a few are, salmon, kale, berries, kefir, almonds etc. Since superfoods do not have a strict description, any nutrient-dense food comes under this category.
Benefits of Superfoods
The mineral and vitamin content found in superfoods will help your body protect against diseases and keep you healthier. These foods can aid heart health, weight loss, increase energy levels, and even decrease aging effects when integrated into a well-balanced diet.
Antioxidants present in many superfoods may help prevent cancer, while healthy fats can reduce your heart disease risk. Fiber can help prevent diabetes and digestive disorders, which is also present in many superfoods, including lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It is also well known that superfoods protect your organs against toxins, lower cholesterol, control metabolism, and decrease inflammation.
Popular superfoods
Below are 5 top superfoods that are good for you and worthy of the esteemed superfood title.
Berries
Berries such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants which act as a nutritious powerhouse that can avoid certain diseases. The potent antioxidant capacity of berries is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.
Cinnamon
Not only is cinnamon delicious, but it has antioxidants that help cut down inflammation and helps improve insulin sensitivity. Here’s the catch: The cheap cinnamon you find most often in the supermarket isn’t the best. Ceylon is a type of cinnamon which you might want to try out. It does wonders to your cooking.
Salmon
Salmon is a very nutritious fish filled with healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. But, limit your consumption of salmon to avoid potential adverse effects from contaminants common in fish and seafood.
Avocados
Avocados are high-fiber fruits that are nutrient-rich and can play a role in reducing inflammation and chronic diseases. They have a creamy texture and can be consumed by preparing dips or spreads.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes, which have antioxidant effects, are highly nutritious foods filled with carotenoids. Carotenoids act as the body’s antioxidants powerhouse. It has the potential to fight cancer, improve vision, and develop growth in children.
Eating a well-balanced diet will do the magic.
Achieving maximum and balanced health through food and nutrition is about more than focusing on one or two of the latest food trends. It is recommended to use superfoods as part of daily nutritional consumption, but only when eating a safe, balanced overall diet. Instead of relying on individual foods, consume a “super diet.” Be mindful of what you eat by being more aware of yourself and your daily habits. Download JoyScore to lead a happy, fulfilling, and healthy life.
