Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Superfood List


Here are the superfood list you've all been wondering about. Discover all of its health benefits and start applying it in your own diet. The superfood category has its own subcategories depending on the food's classification. 




The Green Leafy Superfoods

This includes all the green leafy vegetables. If you have your own vegetable garden, then it is an advantage for you since you can have all your vegetables without the added preservatives of cultivated vegetables in the market.  Leafy vegetables contain almost all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. These are packed with cancer-fighting and disease-resistant nutrients that would make our body stronger and healthier. It is in fact recommended for an average adult to consume at least three (3) cups of leafy vegetables daily. Spinach, broccoli, cabbage, celery, lettuce and parsley are just few examples of the green leafy super foods that we should include in our daily diet 

The main benefit we could get from these leafy superfoods is its vitamins; it is a rich source of Vitamins B, C, E, and K, all of which are essential in our body. It also possess potent minerals such as iron, fiber, and calcium which defeats the purpose of maintaining supplements because you already have enough source of those. Including leafy vegetables in your diet could prevent the risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and atherosclerosis because of its Vitamin K contents; it also protects us from skin cancer and makes our skin glowing with health because it is rich in Vitamin E. 


Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae which is made famous for its health supplement. Some of you might not be familiar with this superfood, but it is considered as a healthy superfood nonetheless. It is in fact a very promising superfood which contains outstanding antioxidants, protein, minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids.  It gives immune support for our body making our system resistant from diseases; it also protects us from allergic reactions due to food or pollens. Some of the nutrients it offers are beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, gamma linolenic acid, and selenium. It is highly recommended for people to buy spirulina supplements from greatly trusted brands because natural blue-green algae might contain toxins and absorbs heavy metals from the water where it is grown. 



Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Orange fruits and vegetables are very rich in beta-carotene, a substance which is responsible for its carroty color, a source of Vitamin A, and a potent phytonutrient.  These are also loaded with lutein which functions for eye health and vitamin C for our immune system. These substances protects our cells from the damaging and even fatal effects of free radicals in our system, in other words these are powerful antioxidants. Beta-carotene and lutein are two of the most beneficial nutrients needed for our eyes. This might also participate in healthy female reproduction. Some of these fruits and vegetables are: carrots, pumpkins, peaches, oranges, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and papayas.




Coconut

The coconut was given the title “the fruit of life” or “the tree of life” because of its many uses and benefits starting from its roots up to its fruits. Coconuts are in fact the highest source of electrolytes you can find in nature; this made the coconut very effective for maintaining healthy cell functions. It is also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its virgin coconut oil is in fact very famous and widely used as a supplement especially amongst Asians. It has been a traditional medicine for thousands of years and can cure a lot of illness such as syphilis, skin infections, swelling, toothache, tumors, tuberculosis, indigestion, wounds, muscle weakness, scurvy, nausea, malnutrition, jaundice, dysmenorrhea, and many, many more. Coconuts are a rich source of energy, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins B & C. It is truly another nature’s miracle.








Berries

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, acai berries, and blackberries are proven to be part of the superfood list. Its main benefit is its antioxidant capacity which protects us from the fatal effects of free radicals from smoke, and other unhealthy foods.  This also fights off carcinogens from invading our cells and blocks the growth of cancer cells in our body. Berries also contain potent vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, fiber, and phytonutrients.






No comments:

Post a Comment