When we were little, just hearing the phrase “Eat your greens!” would make our anxiety peak. 8 people out of 10 can relate to this, and it’s no wonder that most people don’t get their daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
Luckily, we live in the era of speed and there are alternatives to almost everything. Supplements have now successfully replaced a healthy diet, and product labels even claim that superfoods can fix certain health problems.
Are superfoods good for you?
Though there are many ingredients that can be considered as superfoods, it has been scientifically proven that only a few can claim this title and we’ve piled up 10 of the best that have proven efficiency.
Green Tea
Green tea is well known to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Originally from China, green tea is a beverage that has a great amount of medicinal uses, and research also indicates that it can be good for cancer prevention. One of the most important antioxidants in green tea is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), the one responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect.
Nuts and seeds
Rich in vegetarian protein, healthy fats and fiber, nuts and seeds are an excellent choice for your daily superfood intake. Studies show that eating nuts and seeds can protect your heart against several diseases, they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they help digestion and can fight against stress. From almonds, pistachios, cashews, pecan nuts to sunflower seeds, chia seeds and flaxseeds, there is a huge variety of nuts and seeds you can include in your daily diet and most of them are very tasty, too.
Leafy greens
An extraordinary source of zinc, calcium, iron, vitamin C and fiber, leafy greens are very easy to include in your daily diet by adding them to salads, smoothies or soups. Well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects, leafy greens also help your body by fighting against heart disease and even diabetes. Some of the best leafy greens are: kale, spinach, celery and parsley.
Garlic
A super nutrient-rich food that has been used for centuries, garlic can be used for boosting your immune system, reducing your risk of heart disease or reducing cholesterol. It’s true that some people refuse to consume it due to its taste, but its proven medicinal benefits are not to be ignored.
Ginger
Using ginger in a fresh drink or as an oil or even as juice can help you manage nausea and can reduce pain or inflamation. Its amazing properties make ginger a legit superfood. Originally from China and used both as a flavor and as a medicinal help, ginger can also reduce heart disease risk and can also help with certain cancer conditions. One of the most important superfoods and also one of the cheapest ones.
Turmeric or Curcumin
Originally from India, turmeric or curcumin has been used for both its medicinal benefits and for its flavor for centuries. It has very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be easily integrated in your diet. Studies have shown that it can be very effective in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, and even for certain types of cancer.
Avocado
Full of healthy fats, avocado is one of the easiest-to-consume superfood. With highly nutritious properties, avocado can be easily integrated in salads, smoothies and can even be eaten as such. Packed with monounsaturated fats, avocado consumption has been linked with reducing inflammation, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even certain types of cancer.
Seaweed
A group of very nourishing sea vegetables, seaweed is packed with very precious nutrients such as fiber, folate and vitamin K. What makes seaweed a unique superfood is that they are a source of pretty unique compounds with strong antioxidant effects that are not usually present in other land vegetables. Asian cuisine is a good representative of using seaweed in their recipes, and some of these recipes are extremely delicious.
Berries
A huge source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, berries are super effective in treating various digestive and immunity problems. Their strong antioxidant effect is proven to help fight against certain heart disease and inflammatory conditions. Even if it’s blueberries, strawberries, cranberries or raspberries, berries are super easy to integrate in your daily diet and can be consumed in smoothies, salads or even as breakfast.
Pulses (legumes)
Known better as beans, lentils, peanuts, alfaalfa or peas, legumes are packed with nutrients and have a huge role in preventing diabetes, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. They are a great source of minerals, fiber, protein, B vitamins and minerals. What’s great about them is also the fact that they can be a great addition to your diet, because they will keep you full for a long time.
Why are superfoods important? Well… we hope you’ve drawn the conclusion yourself up to this point.
Nowadays, science has evolved so much that all of these ingredients can be found in health supplements. So let’s say you don’t like the taste of curcumin, or ginger – for example. There are numerous supplements you can include in your daily lifestyle that can have a huge impact on your overall well-being and you don’t have to worry about having to carefully prepare your meals by including all these superfoods. Our personal favorite is Green Elixir from ALLKME, a green powder packed with 30 super potent greens and superfoods. An all-in-one formula that is super easy to include in your daily diet. It will literally take you 10 seconds to make yourself a serving.
You can have numerous benefits from the regular consumption of superfoods, and they should be a key element in your daily diet. Don’t forget that nature always has the best answers, and following the latest trends won’t get you the healthy diet you deserve. Instead, a healthy diet is always supported by having a daily intake of superfoods. Your overall health will significantly improve if you make this small shift.