What are superfoods? Are they foods that are flying about in clever costumes fighting disease and fatigue? Although that could be entertaining, superfoods function a little differently than fictional superheroes, but they are very powerful in their own right.
What Are Superfoods' Super-Powers?
Superfoods are foods that are packed with nutrients our bodies need to function optimally, enabling us to fight off illness, stabilize energy levels, and promote overall health. While no individual food contains all nutrients necessary for optimal health, superfoods contain a high concentration of vital health-giving nutrients.
Protein
Protein is the macronutrient your body uses to build and repair bone, muscle, skin, organ tissue, and blood. It is also essential for the creation and regulation of hormones, enzymes, and other important body chemicals. Protein is also an energy-sustaining powerhouse. If you long for the energy to exercise more, check out this article, "Superfoods to Supercharge Your Workout."
Superfoods that are high in protein:
- Eggs
- Quinoa
- Hemp and chia seeds
- Micro-algae (spirulina and chlorella)
- Lentils and beans
- Nuts
Fiber
Fiber is essential for digestive health, stellar immune function, and the excretion of undigested food and carcinogens (nasty little things that can be cancer-causing). By feeding the healthy gut bacteria that break down food into macro- and micro-nutrients, fiber is a super-boost to your immune, lowers dangerous cholesterol, and reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Superfood list high in fiber
- Lentils and beans
- Chia seeds
- Berries
- Avocados
- Sweet potatoes
- Flaxseed
Healthy Fats
Mono-unsaturated fats (MUFAs) and Omega-3 fatty acids are the healthy fats our bodies need to absorb essential, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These healthy fats are known to regulate energy and support healthy heart, brain, lungs, nervous system, joints, eyes, and skin, while reducing the risk of developing of Type 2 Diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
Superfood list high in healthy fats
- Avocados
- Salmon
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Coconut
- Chia seed
Phytochemicals
We tend to associate chemicals as villains, but phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that serve as powerful antioxidants for our bodies. Think of them as scavengers of the damaging molecules that lead to cancer. In addition, phytochemicals fight off viruses and bacteria while promoting the healthy functioning of the heart and nervous system.
Superfood list high in phytochemicals
- Matcha and green tea
- Berries
- Dark chocolate
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage)
- Pomegranates
- Red grapes
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that attribute to the color of fruits and vegetables, but it is also an important immune regulator and a powerful avenger of chronic inflammation. If left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to autoimmune disorders, multi-organ disease, cancer, and asthma.
Superfood list high in polyphenols
- Matcha and green tea
- Berries and cherries
- Cacao powder and dark chocolate
- Tumeric
- Red grapes
- Nuts and seeds (Flaxseed, chestnut, hazelnut, pecan)
Superfood Sum-Up
There may not be a magic elixir that will give us super-human abilities, but now you know some super energy foods that can promote amazing health. So, if anyone asks you, "What are superfoods?" You have the knowledge to confidently answer their question and list some of the healthiest food in the world.
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