Superfoods are a group of foods easily found in nature. These foods are not high in calories, but have a great amount of nutrients such as proteins, omega-3, and various vitamins. There are several types of super foods including Green Superfoods, Fruit and Nut Superfoods, Seaweed Superfoods, Bee Superfoods, and Herb Superfoods.
Green superfoods are great for weight loss because they contain a high amount of fat burning compounds and healthy bacteria that help clear the digestive track to prevent sickness and weight gain. The chlorophyll in this group of superfoods is excellent in the production of hemoglobin, which promotes oxygen rich blood and is great for cells. Some foods in this category are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, parsley, lettuce, and broccoli sprouts. These greens help prevent heart disease and cancer, however most people only eat these less than occasionally according to the health specialists at Foodmatters.com.
One type of superfood that is good for immune system is fruit and nut superfoods. Fruit and nut superfoods help a person’s body to build up the immune system in order fight everyday toxins emitted from cigarette smoke, radiation, and pollution.
One delicious way to help build the immune system is Raw Cacao, not the cocoa powder usually mixed with hot water or milk though. That type of cocoa powder has been contaminated with sugars and other enhancements. It has also been exposed to about 302 degrees of heat, and raw cacao has only been exposed to about 260 degrees. This allows important minerals and vitamins to still remain intact in raw cacao. Raw cacao contains a very high amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants are used to metabolize fats and proteins used to fuel the body. Raw cacao is also a great source of iron.
Acai Berries are also a great source of antioxidants. These berries taste great when blended into fruit drinks and smoothies.
Another nutritionally dense food is kale, which is found in the Seaweed category. When prepared correctly, kale is high in calcium, antioxidants, and can promote weight loss.
Nori is another seaweed superfood used in the preparation of sushi rolls and is also very high in nutrients. Seaweed can also be used to stimulate an inactive thyroid gland to enhance the metabolism and stimulate weight loss. A dish prepared with seaweed can also help break down chemical bonds between fat cells and help a person lose a few extra pounds in the process.
Superfoods have been available since the beginning of time, but Bee superfoods are notable because, according to Egyptologists and archeologists who study ancient Egyptian life, Egyptians who indulged in raw honey at least once a day lived much longer then people who didn’t. This may be because raw honey contains concentrated nutrients and enzymes that are essential to a long and healthy living. Raw, unprocessed honey also has many anti-bacterial properties that help to strengthen the body’s natural defenses against sickness and disease.
Herbs are another type of superfood. Some popular herbs in this category include aloe vera and ginseng. Aloe vera is a bit different from most superfoods because, due its healing properties for the skin, it is mostly used in lotions. Aloe vera is essentially used to moisturize skin and speed up the healing process of burns and scars. The natural sulphur in aloe vera makes aloe vera the perfect skin smoothing agent. Ginseng is another type of herbal superfood. This herb is usually taken in pill form as well. Ginseng is a natural mood enhancer, it also helps to release stress, and reenergize the body.
Lots of major brands claim that their foods are really healthy. But as the consumer you have to know what to look for. One tip that is guaranteed to lead you into a healthier lifestyle is to always look for foods with only one ingredient such example berries and meets. These foods are good because no preservatives have been added, which means that the product is in its freshest state. Foods with a long list of ingredients usually have much better natural alternatives that may cost a bit more but are better for people in the long run.
Another thing to look for is the label if the product contains more 7 percent of calories from saturated fat, put it back! If the product gets more than 10 percent of its calories from sugar, put it back! True superfoods are certified organic foods (it usually says certified organic/ USDA organic on the label).
The superfood trend may seem strange at first, but once people start feeling better and looking better, it will all be worth it!
