If you are on a path to lead a healthier lifestyle, then you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone and out of your way in finding options that will be beneficial to your physical and mental health. There’s a lot of information out there on nutrition some of which can be misleading. Nutrition plays a key role in your overall well being and finding just the right diet can make a difference between spending countless hours and resources in hospitals or leading a fulfilling and healthier life.
With all the misinformation that’s out there, you must visit your doctor regularly as they’ll advise you on the best options in regards to your diet and what you need for a healthier life. Additionally, not everything out there will be good for your health. You might have underlying medical conditions that will not agree with just anything that you push down your throat. By now, you might have come across the term superfoods and are probably on the fence on what they are and how effective they can be to your health.
WHAT ARE SUPERFOODS?
Over the past few years, the term superfood has generated a lot of buzz especially in the health and wellness industry both offline and online. It’s said that information is power but it’s important that you exercise caution whenever you come across information that could affect your health.
Superfoods, and as the term suggests, are nutrient-rich foods that are high in all the essential micronutrients. In simpler terms, superfoods are not your ordinary foods though they might appear to be so. They help to fuel your immunity by providing you with the most crucial ingredients in fighting against diseases and a host of other nutrient deficiency ailments. So, what superfoods actually work?
1. MORINGA
Moringa is economically cultivated in south Asia but will also do well in the tropics. Also known as the drumstick tree, moringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant packed with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Grounded moringa leaves can be consumed by mixing a tablespoon of the powder with your tea or as an additive in your food.
A tablespoon of the grounded moringa leaves will supply you with your daily dose of vitamins, nutrients, and the health benefits of Moringa are more than you could have bargained for. Even so, there’s also controversy surrounding the moringa roots and stems. Some have suggested that these plant parts can cause harmful side effects, especially in women. The leaves, whether fresh or grounded, are safe for consumption.
2. BLUEBERRIES
Not all superfoods will come in a huge package. Some are as small as they can get but you’ll be surprised by what they carry inside. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals that are effective in fighting against diseases and in boosting the immune system. Blueberries are also packed with vitamin C and are also rich in phytonutrients. Eating blueberries can help reduce the risk of contracting heart diseases and cancer.
3. CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are among the smallest seeds on earth but are heavyweight contenders in the superfoods category. Chia seeds pack a lot of nutritional benefits as they contain a lot of fiber, proteins, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. They can be added to almost anything; beverages, food, water, name it.
4. WHEATGRASS
Wheatgrass is gluten-free and rich in vitamins A, C, E, calcium, and iron. Here’s a fun fact for you; wheatgrass contains a whopping of 17 essential amino acids. Here’s the fun part; your body does not produce 8 of them. This means that you’ll be doing your body a lot of good by consuming wheatgrass. Nonetheless, always ensure that you’re taking wheat in moderation and as directed by your nutritionist.
5. MATCHA
This concentrated powder from the green tea family will provide you with a refreshing boost of the most vital nutrients and vitamins your body needs. Matcha is linked, among other things, to help in improving alertness, providing your mental faculties with revitalizing nutrients. A lot has already been said about matcha, and some controversies might suggest it helps with weight loss. It’s important that if you are looking to lose weight, that you follow through by eating a healthy diet, and while at it, exercise.
As earlier mentioned, not everything you see out there will be good for your health. These superfoods, though beneficial to your health, can affect your health when not taken in moderation. Also, it cannot be reiterated enough on the importance of consulting with your doctor or nutritionist before trying out a new ingredient.
