Superfoods:
We are constantly bombarded with new research and crazes of things that are good or bad for us
Sometimes, this info it can be very confusing and controversial.
So, what is the truth?
Well, as we know, food has changed from it’s natural form so much over the past few decades, with us polluting natural foods with chemicals and pesticides, that we as man have prevented ourselves from getting the real goodness from them.
Superfoods are packed full of large amounts of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals
These foods are an essential part of your daily nutrition, to encourage good health, and have been recognized as possibly helping reduce the risk of chronic disease and help prolong life.
Studies have shown that people who eat more superfoods, are thinner and healthier than those who don’t, and just adding a few of these superfoods into your daily meals, will make a huge difference to your overall health, decreasing the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as well as improving hair and skin health, and increasing energy.
There are many superfoods, that are common and some that are not so much, but we can make our own choice on these foods, and where to add them in.
Some like Acai berries, chia seeds, goji berries are less likely to be bought in a normal weekly shop, but have great health benefits, and I actually love adding chia seeds to my protein shakes, as this is an easy way to introduce them. Quinoa can used with salad and cooking in coconut oil and adding this in some of your meals will give great health benefits also.
Check out my blog on Coconut and it’s amazing properties HERE
I have listed below some of the more common super foods, that we are more likely to add to our weekly shop, so check them out and start planning how you will add them into your nutrition.
Broccoli:
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains phytonutrients that may supress the growth of tumours and help reduce the risk of cancer. It also reduces inflammation, due to the significant amount of Omega 3 it holds. Broccoli is known to be one of the best green veggies to add to your diet, containing massive health benefits, due to the dozens of nutrient it contains. Just one cup full of broccoli gives the daily dose of vitamin C, contributing highly to immunity, as well as containing flavonoids, which help recycle the vitamin C efficiency. It also contains a huge amount of folic acid. Broccoli is full of soluble fibre, which will draw cholesterol out of the body, and also aids digestion.
Kale:
Kale is one of the healthiest and most nutrient dense plant foods on the planet. Again, a cruciferous vegetable, it is loaded with many beneficial compounds, many of which, have powerful medicinal compounds. Kale contains phytonutrients that are said to reduce the risk of many cancers. The phytonutrients in Kale are said to trigger the liver to produce enzymes that neutralize potentially cancer-causing substances.
Blueberries:
Blueberries have been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease, as well as helping maintain bones strength, due to the many vitamins and minerals they contain. Mental health, healthy range blood pressure, as well as the management of diabetes, are all said to be helped by the amazing benefits of blueberries. The antioxidants in these amazing little berries may also protect against age related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The phytonutrients in blueberries help neutralize free radicals, the agents that cause aging and cell damage.
Salmon:
Salmon contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which our bodies do not produce on their own. Omega 3 fatty acids are said to reduce the risk of cancers, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and increase the ratio between good and bad cholesterol. Check out my blog on the importance of Omega 3 HERE. Salmon is also rich in selenium, which helps prevent cell damage, and several of the vital B vitamins needed for optimum health.
Avocados:
Avocados are a fruit, but different to most fruits in that they are high in good fats. They do not contain cholesterol or sodium, but contain more potassium than a banana. Loaded with antioxidants, avocados can help with eye health, relieve symptoms of arthritis, help prevent cancer, help lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss. So adding these yummy, exotic looking fruits to a salad or breakfast meal will definitely give you improved health long term.
These are just a few superfoods, that I feel are easily added to a regular eating plan. Nothing too exotic, and nothing with an unpleasant taste. So plan these foods for your next shopping list and food diary. You will be surprised how much difference adding these healthy, nutritious foods into your weekly plan will impact your overall health and wellbeing.
Remember guys these are just small tips, but when you put it all together, will truly make a big impact. There are many more healthy recipes, which include every one of these superfoods in my recipe book, which is available HERE and has a lot more healthy advice for you guys to follow.
If you feel you need extra support with your food, and an online group where you are made accountable for all your choices would be of a benefit to you, then check out my online community HERE
Keep fit, happy and healthy. Invest in yourself, remember health is wealth
Emma xx