WHAT ARE THEY ?
“Superfoods” or “functional foods”are foods with nutritional values and qualities superior to other foods. This term includes most fruits and vegetables, as well as less known foods such as kale, goji berries, maca (Peruvian ginseng), Chia seeds and spirulina algae.Their richness in antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, fibre, trace elements, essential fatty acids and other nutrients give them indisputable health benefits. Here’s a quick overview of superfoods.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SUPERFOODS?
Because of their richness in nutrients, many researchers consider superfoods as a quick-fix cure against malnutrition or a ticket to fight food disorders. In the face of what’s on offer (which includes ever more highly caloric and low-nutritious processed food products) superfoods are becoming a simple and effective way to increase the nutrient content of our modern diet. But don’t get me wrong: they alone cannot replace a healthy, varied and balanced diet. But they can give your body a much needed boost, which is why they are perfect as part of a natural detox treatment. Moreover, they’ll provide you with an ample supply of antioxidants and improve your immune system.
A LOOK AT 3 SUPERFOODS YOU SHOULD INCORPORATE INTO YOUR DIET
- Moringa, the detox tree, a bomb of nutrients.
Native to India, moringa leaves are dried and powdered. This powder contains twice as much protein as quinoa, 10 times more calcium than almonds, 4 times more potassium than banana, as much magnesium as a cocoa bean and twice as much iron as cabbage kale! This makes it an excellent complement for athletes. Moringa powder is also rich in caffeoylquinic acid and chlorophyll, which makes it a strong detoxifier for the liver. It contains an incredible amount of vitamins A, C, and E and lutein, which helps fight against skin ageing and cataracts.
- Reishi, Asian mushroom for more longevity. (1)
Reishi has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. This fungus increases the production of all kinds of immune cells and according to some scientific studies, it has anti-tumour effects by multiplying by 5 to 29 times the tumour necrosis factor.
- Chaga mushroom, a great anti-inflammatory.
More active than turmeric and omega 3, the chaga mushroom is one of the most nutritious mushrooms in the world! Chaga is rich in various nutrients: vitamin Bs, flavonoids, phenols, minerals and enzymes, moreover, with 25% antioxidants, it’s considered one of the richest antioxidants. In addition, it has anti-tumour, antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Chaga is also one of the best sources of vitamin B5, a vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands and digestive organs. Usually consumed as an infusion, these fabulous mushrooms improve the general state of our health and mental state by reducing stress.
But this list does not stop here! Amia, Cordyceps, Durian, Shiitake, Noni, Camu-Camu or even basil seeds and baobab fruit, the list goes on and on.
HOW TO EAT SUPERFOODS?
Superfoods usually come in the form of fruit, dried leaves or even powder. With multiple uses, they can be added to various preparations such as drinks (smoothies, tea, infusions, juices …) cakes, cookies or even as a garnish on mueslis and salads. They also make for the ideal snack both at work and at home.
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