What Are Superfoods: All You Need To Know

Here's the thing; you are what you eat. So there isn't a better way to fuel your body with healthy food than to add superfoods to your diet. In fact, with the current global lifespan , we all want to live longer, healthier lifestyles. 

In this guide, you'll learn what superfoods are, their benefits in healthy eating, and examples of superfoods you should consume. We'll also let you know how to include them in your diet. Let's get started.

What Are Superfoods?

Superfoods are natural foods that contain fewer calories and are packed with nutritional elements. Fish is a great example of a superfood because it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut oil is another superfood that is loaded with healthy MCT fat and linoleic acid.

Superfoods boost your health by enhancing immune function and lowering your risk of contracting diseases. Although the nutritional qualities of each superfood vary, they are often linked to:

• Sharper mind
• Reduced inflammation
• Healthy-looking skin
• Reduced cholesterol
• Heart wellness
• A robust immune system
• Prevention of cancer

What Makes A Food A Superfood?

Superfoods are super healthy, but not every nutritious food is a superfood. Superfoods offer outstanding health benefits beyond your expectation, considering only their nutritional value.

Generally, superfoods contain plenty of:

Minerals:

To function optimally, your body will need vital minerals such as iron, potassium and calcium.

Antioxidants:

These organic substances guard your cells against deterioration while reducing your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.

Vitamins:

You need vitamins for your body to function at its best, and they are best consumed as whole foods rather than pills. Notable vitamins include Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K.

Healthy fats:

Good fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats decrease cholesterol and guard against stroke and diseases.

Flavonoids:

Flavonoids are found in plants. Hence their nickname Vitamin P. They also contain anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic ingredients.

Fiber:

Fiber reduces cholesterol, manages Type 2 Diabetes glucose levels and prevents heart disease.

Why Do You Need Superfoods ?

Superfoods are a must-have in your diet for the following reasons:

1. Reduce Breast And Lung Cancer

According to studies , strawberries, garlic, and kale reduce the risk of contracting cancers. Green tea has also been shown to limit the growth of cancerous tumors while destroying dangerous tumor cells. Green tea also limits the development of skin, mouth, lungs, esophagus, liver and prostate cancer.

Moreover, beta-carotene and retinol in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, kale and salmon reduce lung and breast cancer in women.

2. Improve Memory

Studies prove that superfoods increase memory retention and limit the risk of having dementia. Blueberries, for example, make your mind sharp while reducing the progression of dementia.

3. Reduce Inflammation

Superfoods with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols reduce the body's inflammation and are helpful for obesity.

Royal jelly and turmeric are excellent examples of superfoods that treat inflammatory diseases.

4. Increase Lifespan

If you want to live longer, take more nuts , lowering the chances of dying from coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Eating the right superfoods can aid in heart health.

5. Reduce Aging Signs

Antioxidants plus vitamins A, C, D and E significantly reduce your chances of aging and developing wrinkles. They also protect the skin from harmful UV sun rays. Thus, you don't have to worry about sunburns and nonmelanoma skin cancer when you regularly consume them. Instead, you'll enjoy healthy, youthful skin.

Examples Of Superfoods

Here are excellent examples of superfoods you should try:

1. Beetroot

Beetroot is an incredible superfood if you don't mind that it can cause your urine to turn crimson. Iron and vitamin C are among their valuable nutrients. But what makes it outstanding is its high nitrate content which increases the body's level of nitric acid. This promotes circulation by relaxing the blood arteries.

Bodybuilders love this because the muscles get additional oxygen and nutrients and promote muscle development. Hence they can train harder as a result of this. Moreover, all the vital body organs, including the brain, benefit from this.

2. Ginger

Ginger contains Vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. This spice relieves nausea when you are sick, manages your blood sugar levels, and relieves you of stomach upsets. You can add it to your diet by sprinkling ginger over your soups, vegetables, hot tea, and stir-fries. You can also add it to your pancakes, cookies and smoothies.

3. Pomegranates

Pomegranate juice has three times the level of antioxidants that is present in green tea and red wine. Thanks to that quality, it lowers the risk of heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and arthritis. Moreover, it reduces chronic inflammation.

4. Goji Berries

Goji berry is an Asian fruit renowned for its medicinal properties and rich nutrients. Goji berries control blood sugar, support excellent eyesight, promote a healthier immune function, and delay aging. Moreover, their natural components protect the body against the ganglion cells that cause glaucoma. As if that's not enough, Goji berries also promote healthy liver function, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep.

5. Green Tea

Also known as the life-giving tea, green tea is the world's healthiest beverage. It contains many antioxidants that boost vitality and support the body's detoxification process. According to research, green tea improves cognitive function and destroys mouth bacteria, enhancing fresh breath.

Green tea is also famous for burning calories and reducing the body's fat reserves.

How To Ensure You Get Superfoods In Your Diet

If you want to have more nutrients in your diet, you can:

1. Examine the colors of your food. Your diet should consist of colorful vegetables and fruits such as beets and berries: the more color, the more antioxidant levels.
2. Include chopped greens in fried dishes and soups.
3. Substitute salmon or tofu instead of beef or poultry. Put more berries on your salads, baked products, and oatmeals.
4. Include a fruit or a vegetable whenever you eat your meals and snacks.
5. Drink green or matcha tea every day.
6. Spice up your foods with ginger, turmeric, oregano, cumin, clove, and cinnamon to increase their antioxidant value.
7. Snack on dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, particularly Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds.

Include Superfoods In Your Diet Today!

There you go! With all the benefits of superfoods, you should take them daily. You'll not only boost your immune system but also elongate your life. Now, who doesn't want that? Take your superfoods today, and your body will thank you tomorrow.

Do you want to have more superfoods in your diet? Try Cardiff Essential Superfoods Pre & Probiotic Blend , which features all the essential superfoods.