Superfoods have grown in popularity thanks to recent health trends and growing knowledge about food. But what makes a food so “super”, anyway? Superfoods are known as foods that are extremely high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many people choose to consume superfoods in their natural state as fruits and veggies, while others find that an herbal tonic, a smoothie, and supplements are also great ways to take in adequate amounts of superfoods. These options can even serve as an alternative to eating certain foods that are off-limits to you. Superfoods provide many health benefits to the body and support overall wellness, especially when consumed on a consistent basis. Here are some ways you can benefit from eating superfoods.
Provides Antioxidants
The importance of including vitamins and minerals in your diet is a given, but this often overshadows the importance of including antioxidants as well. Antioxidants serve the purpose of neutralizing free radicals, which are uncharged molecules in the body that are byproducts of cellular activity. The balance between antioxidants and free radicals is necessary for optimal bodily function and prevents oxidative stress – the body’s reaction to the imbalance. And with this balance, antioxidants in superfoods are able to help prevent certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, and many other diseases. Superfoods that are known for being high in antioxidants include berries, kale, beans, and spinach. Try adding these superfoods to your next salad, smoothie, or juice.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Diet is crucial to optimal health for everyone, but this is especially the case for people with diabetes. For diabetics, the appropriate diet is key to maintaining suitable blood sugar levels. This is where superfoods come in. Science has shown us that superfoods have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they will not have a heavy impact on your blood-sugar levels. And with superfoods (emphasis on the ‘super’), these foods are simultaneously rich in nutrients to satisfy the body’s needs. Leafy greens, tomatoes, beans, and even Greek yogurt are superfoods known to be great at regulating blood sugar while providing nutrition.
Supports Nervous System
Responsible for sending/receiving messages and signals in the body, the health and operation of the nervous system should be a top priority for overall wellness. Before reaching for over-the-counter medications to strengthen your system, turn to superfoods to provide what it needs most. Superfoods high in Omega-3 have been proven to stimulate the nervous system while supporting neuronal brain function and stability of the spinal cord. Some popular superfoods known to encourage a healthy nervous system are salmon, nuts, turmeric, and broccoli. Keep your nervous system sharp with these and more.
Boosts Immune System
The immune system needs protection beyond winter and flu season. Every day, your body comes in contact with various allergens, pollutants, and diseases then must work hard to fight these off. To ensure you stay sick-free and as healthy as possible, give your immune system a boost with the help of superfoods. Known to have high contents of vitamins and minerals, the overall makeup of superfoods protects your system from being overcome by outside factors. And if you do end up catching a bug, eating superfoods (rather than junk foods) can give your immune system the helping hand it needs to regain health. Superfoods such as citrus fruits, beets, and sweet potatoes can deliver the assistance your system requires. When it comes to superfoods, an apple a day really might just keep the doctor away.
Assists Weight Loss
It’s widely known that eating sugary, fatty foods can lead to weight gain, and eating natural, healthy foods can lead to weight loss. But why is this the case? When our bodies receive foods high in nutrients (i.e. superfoods), the body is replenished, satisfied, and hunger ceases. However when we consume foods that are low in nutrients (i.e. fast foods), our bodies are not satisfied, needs are not met, and cravings continue in an attempt to receive more nutrition. Because of its high nutritional value, eating superfoods allows you to regulate your appetite, reduce hunger and cravings, decrease calorie intake, and build muscle mass overall. Superfoods such as eggs, spinach, watermelon, and even dark chocolate can help you meet your weight loss goals. Keep this in mind the next time you make breakfast.
Summing up on Superfoods
Superfoods can help take your health and wellness to the next level. Take the time to diversify your meals with some tasty fruits and veggies that are meant to do your body good. There is so much variety found in natural, healthy foods and you deserve to experience the many benefits they provide. Looking and feeling your best starts with what you put in your body, and eating superfoods proves to be an excellent way to achieve this level of wellness. So, enhance your life in a super way with superfoods!