By this date in 2014, I think it is safe to assume that we have all heard the term “super food”. But have any of us sat down to figure out what that really means? What comes to mind when I think about superfoods, is that it is a type of food that when we consume it, we will be given some sort of extra energy and nutrients compared to other foods that we consume. The dictionary definition for super foods is as follows, “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.”
Here is a list of some of the most common super foods and their benefits that are available in today’s marketplaces:
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants which help the body to combat free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA. These popular berries are also rich in Vitamins K and C! All non-poisonous berries are considered super foods, its just that blueberries are the most common and widely available of the berries in the United States.
The next super food on our list is Salmon. Wild caught salmon has fewer calories and less fat than the farmed salmon. Salmon is considered a super food because of its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s have the ability to lower your chance for heart disease, help with arthritis, and possibly help with memory loss/dementia.
Açai is a small purple berry that was discovered for it’s anti-aging and high levels of antioxidant qualities. When eaten it helps reduce the bad cholesterol in our blood and increases the good cholesterol. The tribes of the Amazon knew of these properties and found out that it helped build the immune system, fight infection, and protect the heart. Because of these qualities, the açai berry is considered one of the most powerful super foods available today!
Chia Seeds are native to Mexico and are packed full of Omega-3’s, calcium and fiber. If your not a fish person, these are a great alternative in order get those wonderful and healthful Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet! Not quite sure about how they’ll taste? Well they are a little bit nutty with a good crunch and no after taste! Give them a try by sprinkling them on oatmeal or in smoothies!
Bee pollen is collected by bees from flowering plants and formed into granules. Bee pollen is the most complete food found in nature and has five to seven times more protein than beef. Bee pollen is a natural antidote for fighting allergies particularly hayfever and sinusitus. Research shows that pollen counteracts the signs of aging and increases both mental and physical capability. But how do you eat this stuff?! I sprinkle it on top of a fruit smoothie (it adds a little bit of sweetness too!) or you can dissolve it in tea and even sprinkle over your morning cereal!
Coconut oil contains a lot of medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolized differently and can have therapeutic effects on several brain disorders. Coconut oil can increase your energy expenditure by as much as 5%, potentially leading to significant weight loss over the long term! Now who doesn’t want that?! But the greatest thing (I think anyways) about coconut oil is the properties it has for killing off bacteria, viruses and fungi. The lauric acid that is present in the oil has been proven to combat harmful pathogens and to promote infection prevention!
For more information about the healing benefits of coconut oil visit this site: http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/
Kale is a leafy green vegetable. BUT what makes it a superfood over lettuce, is the fact that it carries more iron, vitamin k, a, and vitamin c than most other leafy veggies! Kale has anti-inflammatory tendencies, tons of antioxidants, and is high in fiber!
There are many foods out there that can be considered a superfood. These are just a few that you can start adding into your diet and start reaping the amazing benefits!