Did you know that companies are launching over 200% more products with superfood labels?
In today’s market, superfoods are hard to avoid because the demand for cleaner food is so high. What exactly is a superfood, though? Are they as magical as they sound?
If you want to learn more about natural superfoods and their true benefits, keep reading for all of the information you need.
What Are Natural Superfoods?
In simple terms, natural superfoods are healthy because they are unprocessed products that come straight from the earth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and spices can all be classified as superfoods.
Although all unprocessed foods have health benefits, there is a hierarchy. Superfoods are the foods that offer the most nutrients, which is why this phrase has become such a buzzword. It’s important to note that most products in the market that contain superfoods aren’t actually healthy because of all the other ingredients that are mixed with the superfoods.
What Is the Ultimate Superfood List?
To adopt the healthiest diet, it’s important to consume as many superfoods in their purest form as possible. This means you should avoid the snack aisle and head over to the produce section instead.
If you want to learn more about some of the best superfoods you should add to your grocery list, this blog post can teach you. Keep reading for additional superfoods you should watch out for and why their benefits are so impressive.
The Power of Berries
What is a super fruit? Berries take the title for the healthiest fruit because of their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in our bodies that promote the growth of cancer cells. Free radicals are created during the natural digestion process each time we eat. When you add antioxidants into your meal, you can counteract any negative free radicals before damage is done.
Berries are also high in vitamins C, A, and K. These vitamins are essential for your immune system, bones, eyes, skin, and brain. Since berries pack a lot of fiber, you can stay fuller for longer and support your gut health.
The Power of Whole Grains
Whole grains are unprocessed carbohydrates that pack a lot of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. Brown rice, oats, barley, whole wheat, and rye are just a few of the many whole grains that can help you lose weight and give you lots of energy. If you’re afraid of carbs, the only ones you should limit are refined white grains such as white rice, white bread, white flour, and white pasta.
When grains are refined, the bran and germ are removed. These components are where most of the nutrients are stored, which is why it’s easy to gain weight eating white carbs. Although white carbs aren’t unhealthy, they act more like empty calories that don’t keep you full or provide health benefits.
Did you know that over 94% of Americans are deficient in one or more vitamins and minerals? By incorporating whole grains into your diet, you’ll be getting more B-complex vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium.
The Power of Spices
Herbs and spices are clever tools that can make eating healthy taste great. Since many Americans eat too much sodium and struggle with high blood pressure, swapping salt for other seasonings can come with many benefits. Not only will reducing your sodium intake benefit your blood pressure, but spices can add lots of flavor and reduce inflammation.
Ginger is a powerful spice that can reduce blood pressure, inflammation, nausea, and even your risk of cancer. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar and it contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Other powerful spices include ginger, turmeric, cayenne, oregano, rosemary, and black pepper.
Some superfoods have even been turned into powders that can be used as a seasoning. Superfood powder benefits could outweigh unprocessed superfoods simply because of their convenience and longer shelf life. Some superfood powders you should experiment with are acai, spirulina, matcha, and hemp.
The Power of Leafy Greens
Popeye had the right idea by eating lots of spinach. Leafy greens are some of the most impressive nutrient powerhouses. Spinach, kale, collard greens, arugula, chard, and broccoli are just a few examples of excellent vegetables.
Leafy greens are packed with fiber, calcium, iron, folate, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Some greens like broccoli also pack a nice dose of protein. If you have a hard time eating plain veggies as a side dish, try incorporating them into a main dish like stir fry with brown rice and low-sodium soy sauce.
Another green vegetable that’s less common in western cuisine is seaweed. Seaweed is also considered a superfood because of its unique nutrients that aren’t as available in vegetables grown on land. Eating seaweed can give you a healthy dose of iodine, copper, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
The Power of Nuts and Seeds
Fats have earned a bad reputation over the years. It makes sense to fear fat if you want to avoid putting on body fat, but these fears are unfair. Although processed fats like saturated and trans fats are unhealthy, unprocessed fats can do the body a lot of good.
Mono- and polyunsaturated fats are unrefined fats that naturally occur in nuts and seeds. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, chia seeds, and flaxseed are some of the healthiest fats you can eat. To reap the most benefits, it’s important to consume small servings so you don’t eat too many calories.
The reason why these healthy fats can actually help you lose weight is that they’re satisfying and they tell your brain to stop eating. Omega-3 fats have also been shown to improve brain health and reduce cholesterol.
Want More Health and Wellness Tips?
Now that you know more about natural superfoods, you can enrich your diet to enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle.
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