What You Need To Know About Superfoods

Each of us has heard of superfoods as something useful. Involuntarily, one gets the impression that this is something special, overseas and expensive. However, in fact, a huge number of available products can be called superfoods . For example, beets, spinach, blueberries. There is no clear scientific definition of what a superfood is , it is more of a marketing ploy. This is the name given to products with the maximum content of vitamins, minerals and other substances useful for our body. Superfoods are rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

• Coconut oil is one of the best sources of saturated fatty acids. In addition, it is rich in calcium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, C and E, which preserve beauty and youth. Coconut oil becomes liquid and transparent when heated to 26 degrees and above. Superfood increases the level of good cholesterol and lowers the level of bad cholesterol, reduces the likelihood of developing vascular and heart diseases.

• Wheatgrass - juice from green sprouts of wheat, strengthens immunity, removes toxins and heavy metals from the body. This is a real elixir of youth: the product slows down the aging process, makes the skin and hair healthy and beautiful. 30 ml of wheatgrass in the morning on an empty stomach provide a surge of strength and vigor no less than regular coffee.

• One medium sweet potato contains 4 g of fiber, 2 g of protein, and plenty of vitamin C. It's also high in vitamin A (beta-carotene), which strengthens the immune system and helps the body repair skin and other body tissues. Consumption of sweet potatoes helps the brain and nerve cells to work more efficiently. Use this product instead of traditional potatoes to make mashed potatoes or bake.

• Carotenoids present in broccoli help the body fight against toxic substances. Broccoli is the only green vegetable high in sulforaphane, and sulforaphane removes carcinogenic chemicals from the body. We draw conclusions.

• Avocados can be used to make avo-mayonnaise, healthy candies and even ice cream. The favorite superfood of gluttons is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic acid, which fights inflammation and lowers bad cholesterol. Regular consumption of avocados reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which means diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, by 2 times.

• Spirulina is considered to be a panacea, but this is not the case at all. Even seaweed rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins has its contraindications. For example, consumption of the product is undesirable for autoimmune diseases. Precisely because of its powerful immunostimulating effect, when the immune system is already fighting itself. However, spirulina lowers blood pressure. This is caused by an increase in the production of nitric oxide. It helps blood vessels to relax and dilate.

• Any fermented food is good for digestion. Ordinary sauerkraut will come in handy here. The product has a high fiber content, lactic acid bacteria facilitate food digestion, and the vitamin C content is 20 times higher than in fresh cabbage. However, with overgrowth of bacteria and fungi in the intestines, this superfood can cause harm by feeding not only beneficial bacteria, but also pathogenic ones.

• Ginger speeds up digestion by moving food from the stomach to the upper intestine. It is often recommended to pregnant women suffering from toxicosis. Ginger tea or water relieves nausea. In addition, ginger enhances our cognitive abilities and has anti-cancer properties.

• Flax seeds are a real Slavic superfood . It contains vitamins A and E, which are necessary for youthful skin, as well as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are necessary for proper fat balance, lowering cholesterol and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Flax seeds, as well as chia seeds, absorb liquid, swell and have a positive effect on the digestive tract. Also, the product is a source of fiber, activates the work of the intestines. Flax seeds should be consumed with caution in case of exacerbation of colitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and stones in the gall bladder and urinary bladder, as it has a strong diuretic effect.

• Hemp seeds are another low-calorie product , 30 g of which contains 10 g of protein, 15 g of fatty acids, including a balanced complex of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, and only 2 g of carbohydrates, most of which is fiber. Edible hemp seeds do not contain phytic acid, which prevents the assimilation of useful minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc.

• In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that the consumption of turmeric cleanses the chakras and improves energy metabolism. Turmeric has a high concentration of the antioxidant curcumin, which makes it a product with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most delicious turmeric drinks is Golden milk, in which turmeric, cardamom and ground ginger root are brewed with coconut milk.

• One serving of almond milk contains 50% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E, which is good for skin health. The product is also useful for preventing vision loss, strengthening bones, regulating blood sugar, maintaining heart health and blood pressure levels. Almond milk can be added to porridge at the end of cooking, in tea or coffee, it is a great base for any smoothie, and it can also be used as a base for pudding or ice cream, as a substitute for regular milk in baking.

• Garlic helps prevent colds because it contains allicin, a very important compound that has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Especially useful is black garlic, which is fermented for a long time at a certain temperature. This is a traditional Korean dish. You can eat such a superfood even before work or a date, it does not have a sharp smell.

• Maca is a radish-like root vegetable. It is made into an easy-to-use powder. Rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids, the product has an amazing property - it has different effects on male and female bodies, balances the hormonal background and acts as an aphrodisiac. Maca helps women survive menopause, and men - a decrease in potency. Also, this superfood is actively used by athletes instead of synthetic steroids, because maca contains a lot of protein and promotes the growth of muscle mass.

• MCT oil is made from coconut oil - a favorite product of keto dieters. This superfood is also called fat for slimness. MCT oil has no coconut smell at all, always remains in a liquid state and includes medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by the body and immediately go directly to the liver, where they are metabolized into ketones, which are the main source of energy in the keto diet. If you mix the oil with coffee, you get fuel for the brain, which instantly gives you a boost of energy and a sense of clarity. And the feeling of satiety remains for a long time.

• An analogue of such coffee can be made with Japanese matcha tea. Proponents of powdered green tea leaves are sure that one cup of matcha is as good for the body as 10 cups of regular sencha. Matcha is a source of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. In combination with MCT oil , the product accelerates metabolism and increases physical endurance.

• Guarana (a powder from a South American liana) is a great alternative to coffee. It helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance and is less irritating to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. And the effect of cheerfulness lasts up to 8 hours. Usually 1 tsp is enough. guarana to stay alert and focused throughout the day. Guaranine promotes rapid hydrolysis of lipids (fats) and generally accelerates metabolic processes. This superfood also reduces appetite. This property is associated with a high concentration of caffeine and tannins, which slightly suppress the feeling of hunger.

• Most superfoods are plants. However, among them are also products of animal origin. For example, a high content of micro- and macroelements is also noted in fish roe, wild salmon, animal liver or cod liver.

• Goji berries contain 18 amino acids, making them an excellent source of protein. This hearty (309 kcal per 100 g product ) snack reduces the feeling of hunger, increases immunity and improves the condition of the nervous system.