There’s lately lots of talk about superfoods but often get lost of which are good for what. Superfoods do more than just help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs or aid in shedding a few extra pounds. These foods help you achieve better health, prevent chronic disease, and improve the way you feel day in and day out.
Superfoods take what fruits and veggies do to you to the next step, by optimizing your body’s ability to function by supplying a megadose of nutrients. They provide your body with the vitamins and minerals you need to thrive, survive and feel great.
Let’s start with what each food is good for what to figure out what to eat and make sure your immune system is strengthened.
There’s no set criteria as to what defines a superfood. They are jam-packed with nutrients and can help provide your body with the vitamins and minerals you need to function daily and remain strong.
This “mushroom of immortality” is a fungus not to be underestimated for fruiting bodies. Reishi is the most versatile of the cancer-fighting mushrooms, as it also nourishes and protects the heart and liver. Recent studies also demonstrate its cytotoxic activity against tumour cells in animals.
Reishi has withstood the test of time in Asian medicine as a balancer and revitalizer of the body. Medicinal and delicious, this mushroom is a perfect addition to salads and stir-fries.
Camu Camu Berry
This South American Amazonian plant is touted for the highest content of natural vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is thought to reduce inflammation, protect the heart from stroke, and boost immunity to cold and flu.
A recent Japanese study of 20 male smokers treated with camu camu juice resulted in significantly lower markers for inflammation and oxidative stress. More research is required to determine camu camu’s exact effects on the body, and how it could positively impact nonsmokers.
Overall immune system support and fights stress. Sacha Inchi is high in tryptophan (a hormone and neurotransmitter) that helps the brain to release stress and feel better. Also, by being so high in Omega-3, it reduces brain inflammation (no headaches).
Sacha inchi is the seed of a plant that grows in the highlands of Peru. Despite being a fairly recent discovery in the health community of the US, sacha inchi has been cultivated and used as a food source for 3,000 years in the Amazon rainforest. It’s much more than just a pleasant snack food, these seeds are rich in:
- omega 3, 6, and 9
- alpha tocopherol vitamin E
- carotenoids (vitamin A)
In the 1930s, Russian scientists studying plant medicine coined the term adaptogen to refer to a plant that promoted non specific benefits to an organism while inducing no negative side effects. An adaptogen is a substance which raises the non-specific resistance in an organism.
This versatile adaptogens enable the body to enhance its power of resistance and adapt to external conditions. They work with the body’s natural rhythms to help rebuild weak immune systems, re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies, and increase energy and endurance. Maca root from Peru is the poster child for adaptogens with hundreds of years of traditional use and many clinical studies to back up its diverse benefits.
This pungent herb has been a mainstay in Asian medicine for centuries as a digestive aid to treat upset stomach, migraines, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Lab experiments by Dr. Rebecca Lui and her colleagues showed that gingerols (ginger’s active ingredient) killed ovarian cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), suggesting significant potential in treating this type of cancer.
Spice up mealtimes by adding this common ingredient in Indian curries to boost immunity and reduce pain and inflammation. Hailed for its wide-ranging health benefits, the active ingredient curcumin fights free radicals that damage cell membranes and DNA and even induce cell death. New research is emerging showing the efficacy of curcumin alone or combined with vitamin D in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Spirulina is known by many as the “King of Superfoods.” This dark blue-green algae is a tremendous source of plant protein for muscle recovery and energy. It provides a healthy balance of growth hormone essential for aging and youthful energy. Many of its contents are colourful pigments including:
- beta carotene
- phycocyanin and SOD (superoxide dismutase) which are blue, green and orange in colour.
These pigments are strong anti-inflammatory compounds and also provide nutrients for optimal health.
Acerola cherries have one of the highest contents of vitamin C, topped only by camu camu. Give a quick boost to your immune system by including some acerola cherries into your weekly diet. See how much better you’ll feel!
Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s primary line of defense against foreign agents and pathogens. This vitamin is a crucial component of collagen, which means that your body can heal itself faster by repairing cells, blood vessels, organs, and tissues from illness or injury.
Maca is an adaptogenic superfood that increases energy, balances hormones, boosts motivation, stamina, and improves overall health and well being. It contains relatively high amounts of absorbable plant-based nutrients including:
- vitamins B1, B2, B, C, D, and E.
This superfood is a member of the the cruciferous family and is in close relations to cauliflower, cabbage, garden cress, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables.
Top Benefits of Maca Root
Anxiety & Stress
Recent studies have shown the maca’s positive effects on mood lead to a positive reduction in self perceived anxiety and stress. It boosts energy without inducing anxiety.
Increased Stamina & Athletic Endurance
More recent studies have shown that maca induces stamina in distance runners and helps to build muscle.
Powerful antioxidants and nutrients help normal growth and renewal of skin cells, and also helps smooth out skin texture.
Women’s Hormones, Fertility & Sexual Health
Maca has positive results on boosting women’s moods and decreasing the levels of anxiety and depression. The improvement in mood led to increased sexual libido.
Males Testosterone Level & Fertility
Maca has a positive influence on male hormonal health. Maca improves sperm production, mobility, and volume, all important factors of increasing fertility.
Energy, Memory & Mood
Regular use of maca powder improves mood, boosts energy, focus, and motivation. Increase in focus, energy, and mood enables people to concentrate better and therefore to improve memory.
Maca root powder is an excellent source of protein, fiber and several vitamins C, B6, and minerals, including vitamin C, copper and iron. It also contains over 20 amino acids and plenty of health-promoting phytonutrients.
The Gist of it
Superfoods are a great source Include a few servings of the ingredients on the superfoods list into your day paired with a balanced diet and regular physical activity and you’re bound to feel better than ever.
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