Superfoods are foods that have a very high nutritional density. This means that they provide a substantial amount of nutrients and very few calories. They contain a high volume of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural molecules that occur in certain foods.
Antioxidants are natural molecules that occur in certain foods. They help neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are natural byproducts of energy production that can wreak havoc on the body. Antioxidant molecules decrease or reverse the effects of free radicals that have close links with the following health problems:
- heart disease
- cancer
- arthritis
- stroke
- respiratory diseases
- immune deficiency
- emphysema
- Parkinson’s disease
Superfoods play an important part in achieving and maintaining a healthy body. Nutritionists may vary in their lists of which foods are best but agree they’re all essential. Eating a wide variety of superfoods daily will satisfy nutrient requirements for optimal body functioning.
Start with the following top superfoods for improved health and fitness:
- Oats (high in fiber, improved digestion, heart health)
- Blueberries (antioxidants, reduces inflammation, cancer-fighting)
- Apples (antioxidants, reduces inflammation, weight loss)
- Green tea (antioxidants, increases metabolism, weight loss)
- Flaxseed (essential fatty acids, increases metabolism, reduces inflammation)
- Broccoli (antioxidants, cancer-fighting, detox)
- Yogurt (calcium, probiotic, improved digestion, bone health)
- Olive oil (monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)/heart health)
- Beans (high in fiber, antioxidants, improved brain function)
- Cinnamon (antioxidants, detox, healing spice)
“A lot of people have unrealistic expectations about these foods, thinking they’ll be protected from chronic diseases and health problems. They may eat one or two of these nutrient-dense foods on top of a poor diet.” Including superfoods as part of daily nutritional intake is great but only when consuming a healthy, balanced diet overall. Eat a “super diet” rather than to concentrate on individual foods.
© Copyright – Hector Sectzer
