Superfoods are foods that are thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one’s health. They can be mostly plant-based, but some fish and dairy can also belong to this category. However, there are no set criteria for determining a superfood. So, what makes one address a food item as a superfood?
Superfoods contain a variety of nutrients, such as antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and various phytochemicals in them. Each of these elements can contribute to the health a d wellbeing of yourself in their own manner. So, irrespective of a food being addressed as a super food or not, consuming these nutrient-dense foods is definitely a good practice. But, as with any other food item, the key to a healthy diet is eating the right amount of a variety of nutritious foods. So, as we have reached this far, let me also introduce you to some of the most famous popular superfoods.
Popular kinds of superfoods around us
Kale
Lets start with the hero of any superfood chart, Kale. Kale lives up to the superfood hype, but so do most dark leafy greens: Swiss chard, kale, mustard greens, spinach, cauliflower and cabbage. This dark vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber, calcium and other minerals.
Blueberries
Next, let’s look at one of the famous but kind of exotic and expensive superfood, blueberries. Blueberries often top many superfood lists because they are rich in vitamins, soluble fiber, and phytochemicals. But the same nutrients found in blueberries are also found in many other berries, including strawberries and raspberries. Do you know what, a high intake of phytochemicals known as flavonoids, found in blueberries and other types of berries, may reduce the risk of certain diseases in children and young women. It can also reduce your risk of suffering from heart disease.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes and squash are often included on superfood lists for similar reasons as leafy greens. In general, both types of foods are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin A, and more. They are also naturally sweet and do not require the butter, cream or salt that is usually added to potatoes.
Beans
Beans are a source of lean protein. These nuggets of nutrition contain insoluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol; soluble fiber, which provides a longer feeling of fullness; and loads of vitamins and trace minerals, such as manganese.
Whole grains
Whole grains are specifically named so because, unlike refined grains, they are not stripped of their nutrient-containing bran and germinating part during processing. So, whole grains are much more beneficial and healthy than refined grains. They have benefits similar to those found in beans, though they don’t contain as much protein.
Quinoa
Quinoa is not a grain, but it cooks up like one, and is also a remarkable source of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Nuts and seeds
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. Shelled nuts and seeds are great for this because they take a while to open, which can slow you down.
Fish
Salmon, sardines, mackerel and some other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke . However, the benefits of eating fish may far outweigh the risks to your health from the mercury in these fish. If you’re concerned that your fish dinner may contain contaminants, avoid fish at the top of the food chain. Some fish, such as shark, swordfish, mackerel and tilefish, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish such as sardines and anchovies.
Fruits
Any superfood menu should include the “kiwi of the year”. It could be açaí, noni, dragon fruit, rambutan or pomegranate. This fruit may be healthy, but scientific studies have not shown it to be any healthier than other less exotic and therefore cheaper fruits, such as blueberries. Some of these fruits can be especially dense in certain types of nutrients. Pomegranate, for example, contains ellagitannin (ellagic acid), which may have anti-cancer properties. But red berries, which are probably as delicious as pomegranate seeds, also contain ellagic acid.
So, basically superfoods can be a great entry point into a healthy diet, and knowing the nutritional value of the foods you eat can be helpful, but there are plenty of superfoods you may not be aware of like AFA, because it is rare and very difficult to source. But do you still want to enjoy the goodness of AFA? Then, welcome to Nutriplus DailyHealth.
Nutriplus DailyHealth
Have you ever heard about Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, otherwise known as AFA? It is a form of blue-green algae exclusively found in the Klamath Lake in the pristine of Oregon, USA. This extremely rare superfood blooms only twice a year, making it extremely difficult to source. But just like or more than that eggs, this single product can ensure your overall wellness. As a nutrition tablet, Nutriplus DailyHealth is doing an exceedingly awesome job. By allowing us to access this extremely rich superfood rich in natural bioavailable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace elements, plant pigments and phytonutrients through a single tablet, Nutriplus DailyHealth is allowing us to have a dose of wellness every day.
So, go ahead and include superfoods into your diet and enjoy a happy and healthy future!
