You may not be able to control everything that takes place in your life, but you can certainly control and take extra care in what you put in your body. A lot of us want to include varieties of superfoods in our diet, as they are after all, packed with nutrition and have stupendous health benefits. If you ask any nutrition or fitness expert to provide their “Go-to-List” of superfoods, their answers will vary. There isn’t a single superfood that can offer all the nutrition, health benefits and energy we deserve to have in order to nourish ourselves.
However, there are a couple of foods that can be singled out for special acknowledgement further living up to the superfood definition. Below, is a list of delicious ingredients that are rich in protein, how each one of them could be packed with disease fighting antioxidants, why is it important to consume them and how they help in boosting the immune system.
Berries
These superfoods are usually the first thing that pop up in people’s minds when they think of superfoods. Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids blueberries are not only known to be anti-inflammatory, but they can reduce the risks of getting cancer as well as heart related diseases.
Blueberries tend to be expensive especially when they are out of season, but there are several other berries that can be considered as superfoods. Raspberries for instance is packed with fiber, which is something most people fail to include in their diet and they also contain ellagic acid, which has anti-cancer properties. Strawberries also contain fiber along with an impressive amount of Vitamin-C.
Nutritionists generally advice eating ½ cup of berries per day. You can enjoy eating them in any given form fresh or frozen, or even mix them in yoghurt or smoothies.
Chia Seeds
Despite their tiny appearances, chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in anti-oxidants and provide fiber, iron and calcium.
This superfoods contain nearly five grams of fiber per tablespoon and their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acid aids in weight loss. They also help you feel full faster, due to their ability to swell. The seeds are convenient to eat every day because they are small and lack in flavour, you can add them to almost everything.
Spirulina
Spirulina has a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Research has shown that spirulina has antioxidant and inflammation fighting properties as well as its ability to help regulate the immune system. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are often linked to heart diseases. Spirulina plays a crucial role in preventing heart diseases as well as lowering blood pressure. It can also help in boosting a person’s metabolic levels. As per a study conducted in 2014, people who take 6 grams of spirulina experienced beneficial metabolic effects, alongside weight loss and health related quality of life.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are one of the most nutritious vegetables that exist. They are full of immune -boosting beta carotene which prevents coronary diseases and promotes eye health.
Pumpkins are known to contain an impressive number of vitamins. The seeds are even better since they are known reduce Cholesterol levels and prevent cancer. While they can also ward off bladder stones, the pumpkin seeds can also improve prostate and mental health.
It’s not necessary to eat such superfoods as fresh pumpkins as even canned pumpkins are a good choice. It can be had with oatmeal or you have an option of baking some delicious pumpkin bread.
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