What is a superfood?

April 16, 2014

A superfood is a nutrients dense food considered to have numerous benefits to our health and overall well being. They contain large doses of vitamins, minerals, polyphenals and antioxidants. Eating Superfoods may help prolong life and prevent chronic diseases. People who include Superfoods as a part of their healthy diet are healthier than those who don’t

Benefits of Superfoods:

Strengthens Your Immune System

Superfoods contain nutrients, minerals and phytochemicals that help boost the immune system. They contain good cholesterol that helps keep body fat at bay

Improves Your Nutrition

All Superfoods are rich in nutrients and healthful fats that your body needs. In this age where people have no time to prepare healthy meals, eating Superfoods will provide the body with the nutrients it might be missing

Fight Free Radicals

They are rich in antioxidants which destroy free radicals in the body. When left to accumulate free radicals destroy body cells. This protection against free radicals improve health, prevent some types of cancer and helps you age gracefully

Keeps the Heart Healthy

The good fats, fiber, and phytochemicals keep blood vessels healthy and prevent inflammation. This helps keep heart diseases at bay

Boosts Metabolism and Helps in Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Superfoods are rich in protein, fiber, good cholesterol and many other nutrients that boosts

the body’s metabolism. In addition some superfoods such as berries are high in fiber and water and keep you fuller for longer, this helps reduce the amounts of calories you need to eat consequently helping you keep healthy weight levels

They are Oragnic

Organic foods contain no additives or chemicals that lower the quality of life. Superfoods aren’t chemically altered or processed, are easy to digest and are rich in essential nutrients.

Examples of Superfoods

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower. Research shows that these vegetables have the ability to hinder the growth of certain cancer cells and also help free radicals. To lower the risk of cancer include cruciferous vegetables in your daily diet

Leafy greens

Leafy greens contain more nutrients than any other food in the world. They contain nutrients, vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber that help improve the immune system and help prevent heart disease. Leafy greens include spinach, kale, mustard, dandelion greens among others

Avocado

Despite what many people believe avocados aren’t fattening. They actually contain good cholesterol that can help you in losing weight. Avocados contain folate, saturated fats, lutein, vitamin E, glutathione and oleic acid. These nutrients are great in helping protect the body against cancer, cancer, eye and brain diseases.

Blueberries

Blueberries are not only tasty but are packed with soluble fiber, flavinoids, and phytochemicals that help prevent diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, ulcers, heart disease among others. They also help prevent inflammation in the body and are known to help reduce bad cholesterol.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of Omega- 3 fatty acids, proteins, selenium, Vitamin B2, B3, B6 and B12. These nutrients help protect the body against heart diseases, cancer, depression and other serious diseases. You should have two servings of salmon a week to enjoy the benefits. You don’t need to overdo it

Other top Superfoods include beans, chocolate, walnuts, kiwis, quinoa, tea, low fat yoghurt, oranges, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. As the saying goes “you are what you eat”. Include these foods in your daily diet and keep diseases at bay and the pounds off. Superfoods are whole foods meaning they aren’t chemically altered. Proper nourishment is important to health, Superfoods provide essential nutrients and minerals that lack in the modern processed and fast foods.

Article from: http://www.easygoodhealth.com/healthy-foods/what-is-a-superfood