Friday, August 15, 2014

Superfoods

Superfoods

Superfoods are mega nutritious foods that offer a substantive amount of essential health benefits. These foods go beyond the basic nutritional needs, such as vitamins or proteins to protect us from the risk of many chronic diseases. Superfoods are usually low in calories and have high amounts of flavonoids and micro and macro nutrients. They are REAL unprocessed foods and have tons of antioxidants; therefore, aiding with weight management, life longevity and disease. Contrary to popular belief, superfoods are readily available at most local health food stores and are a great champion for boosting the immune system. Listed below are some of the most potent superfoods on the earth.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a flower pollen collected by bees and used as a food. The pollen is extremely high in protein and carbohydrates and have trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. Bee pollen is considered an ideal dietary supplement and a boost to a well rounded diet. The pollen has very high concentrates of the B vitamin complex and contains all the nutrients you need to live.
Health Benefits- Bee pollen is a natural body energizer and is great for reducing cravings for food. Bee pollen can help to improve your cholesterol, metabolism and premenstrual syndrome in women. It is great for flushing fat cells from your body, and athletes often use it for strength, stamina and endurance.

Cacao

Cacao is a wide branched evergreen and is the source of cocoa, chocolate and cocoa butter. Cacao is full of antioxidants and is a rich source of good fats and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. Cacao has a nutty, chocolaty taste and can be purchased as a nut or powder.
Health Benefits- Cacao can aide against strokes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease with its high antioxidant levels. It has great benefits for insulin sensitivity in healthy persons and is a good source of the beauty mineral sulphur (which is responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair).

Chia

Chia seeds are very small seeds that provide essential omega three and omega six oils. They are very digestible and have about two times the protein concentrates and up to 10 times the oil concentrates of other grains. The chia seed is able to absorb more than 10 times its weight in water which can prolong hydration and electrolytes in the body. You can purchase chia seeds or chia oils from your local health food store or online distribution companies.
Health Benefits- Chia seeds are great for diabetics and are very effective in treating hypoglycemia. They have great benefits for digestion, the heart and mental health. They also have an excellent source of calcium, magnesium and iron.

Coconuts

Coconuts are a very unusual fruit. The oil in coconuts contains very little polyunsaturate and monounsaturated fats. The majority of fatty acids are saturated fatty acids that come from lauric acid (a great nourishment for the immune system). The best type of coconuts to consume are young coconuts.
Health Benefits- Coconut oil is known to help the body metabolize fat and aid in weight management. It is great for calcium absorption for healthy bones, hair, nails and skin and is great for the digestion system. Coconuts help to guard the digestive tract from harmful organisms such as candida and protect the liver against toxins.

Dark Greens

Dark greens such as kale, collards , spinach, etc are rich in folic acid, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and phytochemicals. They are low in fat and high in dietary fiber.
Health Benefits- Studies have shown that a daily serving of dark green vegetables lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 11 percent. Green leafy vegetables are good for improving the immune system, and they help in the reduction of certain types of cancers, heart disease and stroke.

Flax seeds

One of the most powerful and versatile foods on the planet. Flax seeds have a plethora of fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids and are extremely low in carbohydrates. They have a subtle nutty flavor. They have a hard, shiny shell that is a little larger than a sesame seed and range in color from brown to gold. Flax seeds can be purchased as a seed or an oil.
Health Benefits- Because flax seeds are associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, they are pivotal in fighting diabetes, cancer, constipation, inflammation, menopausal symptoms, heart disease and the blues, just to name a few.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are shriveled red berries that resemble raisins. Goji berries are very rich in antioxidants. They are also rich in carotenoids such as beta carotene and zeaxanthin (a compound found in the retina of the eye). They have a tangy, sweet and sour taste.
Health Benefits- Goji Berries have been used for about 6,000 years in Tibet, India and China. Goji berries aid in improved circulation, eyesight and sexual function and fertility. They also help to protect the liver, strengthen the legs, boost immune function and promote longevity.

Hemp
Hemp seeds are produced from the hemp plant and are considered the most nutritionally complete food in the world. Hemp seeds are known as the superior source of protein. Hemp seeds are easily digested and contain all the essential fatty acids and amino acids pertinent to sustain healthy human life. No other plant on this earth comes close. You can purchase whole hemp seeds, hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein powder and hemp oil.
Health Benefits- Hemp seeds provide necessary amino acids to the body, and they help to enhance the immunity and detoxification of the body. Hemp seeds have been known to aid in the cure of autism and lyme disease.

Maca

Maca is a Peruvian radish like root. Maca contains two of the three essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic). It contains 18 amino acids and a host of vitamins and minerals. Maca is known to increase energy, endurance, strength and libido. You can purchase maca root powder from health food stores or online distribution companies. Maca has a malty strong taste to it and is usually used in smoothies.
Health Benefits- Maca is great for energy rejuvenation, hormonal regulation, menopausal treatments and anti depressants. Maca is great for the revitalization of sex and libido in seniors, and maca also aids in the mental and physical enhancement in seniors.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue green algae and is considered one of the most nutrient rich whole foods. Spirulina is about a 70 percent complete protein with all essential amino acids in perfect balance and has a photosynthetic conversion rate of about 10 percent. It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-caortene, vitamin E, manganese, copper, iron selenium and zinc.
Health Benefits- Spirulina helps removes toxic metals from the body, improves healing of wounds, counteracts toxins
in the body and purifies the liver. Spirulina also fights viral infections and improves the immune and nervous systems. Finally, spirulina helps with weight loss, mental alertness and blood sugar problems.

Wheatgrass

Wheat grass looks like lawn grass and is considered one of the easiest grass to grow. Wheat grass contains one of the highest concentrations of essential nutrients and chlorophyll. Wheat grass can be consumed by extracting the juice with a proper juicer.

Health benefits- Wheat grass can aid in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Wheatgrass is also thought to aid digestion, alleviate constipation, and cleanse the liver. Some state that wheatgrass can help with hair loss, blood purifying and menopause.

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