In the last decade or so we can’t help but hearing the term “superfood” everywhere. The term itself can be traced back to the beginning of 20th century, but it’s increasingly gaining popularity in the recent years. But what qualifies make some food superfood? According to a definition, food becomes super if it’s rich in nutrients and beneficial for your health. Various superfood can help you promote your health by protecting your heart, your liver, boosting your metabolism, boosting your immunity or making your bones stronger.
However, you should not always believe all the magical properties of superfoods advertized by the food industry and run to spend tons of money so that you could live forever. You should check all the facts and truth about superfoods before spending hundreds of dollars to make yourself super healthy. Yet, it cannot be denied that foods packed with nutrients are indeed good for your health and well-being, and can improve your health in consumed on a daily basis. Plus, there are plenty of inexpensive superfoods to choose from.
1. Dragon fruit helps with lowering bad cholesterol.
Dragon fruit is cactus-like fruit of green and pink color containing only 60 calories, but it’s rich in vitamins C, B1, B2, B3 and minerals such as iron, calcium and phosphorous. It is really beneficial for your health: it helps lower the bad cholesterol, and it’s a great source of monosaturated fats. Furthermore, it’s good for your digestive track, as has high fiber content. Among its other benefits, it is important to note that dragon fruit helps fight diabetes, signs of aging, suppresses arthritis and helps with acnes. There are many ways you can incorporate dragon fruit in your diet, and for a healthy start of the day, we recommend dragon fruit shake.
2. Best Anti-aging Drink: Green tea
Originating in China, green tea has been widely known for its benefits for thousands of years . Due to the way it’s processed, it retains a high amount of antioxidants, compared to the black tea. Green tea speeds up your metabolism, keeps your heart healthy, fights diabetes and cancer, reduced cholesterol and fights depression.
3. Ultimate Detoxing Drink: Lemon water
This is certainly refreshing drink, but it’s so much more to it. As lemons are rich in vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium there is no doubt it’s healthy. Diluting it in water helps protect your teeth, and when drinking it daily, it boosts your immune system, encourages healthy digestion, detoxifies your body, and it also helps you lose weight. When making lemon water it’s always good to let it sit 2-4 hours before you drink it.
4. “Beet” Yourself up with good nutrients!
Another vegetable full of antioxidants that was first grown 4,000 years ago and it’s still popular because it’s so healthy. It is high in fibers, minerals such as iron and potassium, and vitamins such as C and B-complex vitamins. Consuming beet makes you and your brain stronger, regulates your blood pressure, helps you fight cancer and fights inflammation in your body. You can find plenty of beet recipes – you can put it in salad, roast it, make a soup or even a cake with beet.
5. Ginger
Ginger, which is grown as a root, has long been known for helping with several health conditions [1] . You can consume it in a form of a drink or include it in your cooking, and ginger water can be your everyday choice [2] if you are experiencing certain health problems. Ginger is great for your digestive tracks as it helps fight almost everything from stomach discomfort to colon cancer. It also fights respiratory problems, flu and cold, helps maintain normal blood circulation and boosts your immunity.
6. Eat Spinach Just Like Popeye the Sailor man.
Dating back to 12th century, popularized by Popeye, spinach is rightfully called superfood. It is rich in calcium which helps make your bones stronger, it is also rich in iron thus it’s good for people suffering from anemia. It has anti-cancer properties, plus it’s good for your eyes and helps you with weight loss. There are many ways you can incorporate it into your diet, and we recommend trying these smoothie recipes.
7. Chia seed has 6 Times More Calcium Than Milk!
Chia is another superfood that can be traced back to ancient times. These white or black seeds are full of omega-3 fats, fibers, proteins, calcium and phosphorous. Chia seeds prevent various health conditions – cardiovascular diseases and cancer. They help control blood sugar levels and make your bones stronger. Chia seed puddings are rather easy to make and really delicious, so you will gladly make them a part of your diet.
8. Quinoa is Probably the Healthiest Grain in The World!
This is a gluten-free grain that has twice as much proteins as rice and 9 amino acids. It is also rich in fiber, magnesium and it’s a great source of riboflavin. It reduced your cholesterol and helps you lose weight as well. Quinoa also makes your memory more sharp, and regulates your blood sugar levels. There are many creative ways in which you can prepare quinoa.
9. The Golden Powder for Better Power: Turmeric
Turmeric, or “Indian saffron”, is a root that is usually dried and turned into powder that is beneficial for your brain and cardiovascular health. It has no sugar and it’s very low in calories, but rich in iron and proteins. It has a positive effect on your digestion and it regulates lipid levels. Moreover, it is successful in treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
10. If You don’t like Quinoa, You can Always Go For Freekeh.
Freekeh is another grain that has been popular in Mediterranean and Middle East for a long time. One of its main health benefits is that it helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes because of its low glycemic index. It is full of protein, fiber, zinc, iron and calcium. It is good for your muscles, digestive tract and your eyes.
11. Avocado is Everyone’s Favourite!
Native to South Central Mexico, this pear resembling fruit is full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium. If you consume it on a daily basis, you are less likely under risk of heart disease or cancer. It will also protect your skin and eyes during the aging process and help you maintain weight.
12. Eat Flax seed Together With Quinoa To Boost The Protein and Crunchiness!
Flax seeds help you maintain healthy skin and hair and they are the riches plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also rich in fiber, protein, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and selenium. These seeds are high in antioxidants and gluten-free as well. Flax seeds are beneficial for digestive health, for fighting cancer and for lowering cholesterol.
13. Salmon is The Healthy Fat You Want To Go For!
Besides being delicious, salmon has numerous health benefits, such as improving your memory and brain power, promoting healthier bones, skin, hair and nails. It also helps in preventing glaucoma, maintains a healthy digestive system and is good for your heart. If you are super busy, we recommend these quick salmon recipes for healthy lunch.
14. Sardines, Smaller than Salmon but Still Powerful!
Sardines are rich in protein and essential vitamin and minerals [3] . They reduce inflammation, protect bone health, fight anxiety and depression, prevent blood clots and regulate blood sugar. They also have anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties.
15. Cinnamon Makes Desserts Taste Better and Healthier!
Cinnamon has been used in cooking, medicine and as an ingredient in fragrances for a long time, and only recently have we become aware of its numerous benefits . It is a great source of fiber, iron and calcium, and it has anti-inflammatory effects. Cinnamon also improves heart health, protects against diabetes and fights bacteria.
Featured photo credit: https://pixabay.com/ via pixabay.com
Reference
[1] | ^ | Lifehack: 11 Benefits of Ginger That You Didn’t Know About |
[2] | ^ | Lifehack: 7 Signs Ginger Water Should Be Your Everyday Choice |
[3] | ^ | Lifehack: 20 Surprising Health Benefits Of Sardines |