By now, you have probably heard about superfoods, they have been everywhere the last couple of years. Especially Matcha have been really popular lately, I mean, they even serve it at Starbucks now. Maybe you have even tried it, but do you actually know the benefits of the different superfoods? If not, you should keep reading.
Matcha:
Matcha has skyrocketed in popularity lately, with matcha shots, lattes, teas and even desserts appearing everywhere from Starbucks to health stores.
Made from the nutrient-rich young leaves picked from the tips of shade-grown Camellia sinensis plants, Matcha is steamed, stemmed, and de-vined before being stone-ground into very fine powder. Matcha powder is then stored away from light and oxygen in order to preserve its brilliant green color and antioxidant properties.
Benefits of Matcha:
- Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
- Boosts metabolism and burns calories
- Detoxifies effectively and naturally
- Calms the mind and relaxes the body
- Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
- Enhances mood and aids in concentration
- Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
- Prevents disease
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
Wanna try it? Get some here
Goji berries:
Goji berries contain potent antioxidants. They are rich in phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and certain vitamins. Native to Asia, where they’re commonly consumed, goji berries contain vitamin A and C, iron, and potassium—they are a great addition if your goal is to improve health.
Benefits of goji berries:
- Anti-aging properties
- Antioxidant properties
- Help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease
- Increases stamina, according to practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Helpful for those with diabetes
- Lowers cholesterol
- Help keep retina eye cells healthy
Goji berries can be taken as a supplement, as a dried berry fruit, applied topically on the skin, or consumed as a juice.
Wanna try it? Get some here
Mulberries:
Mulberries are the sweet, hanging fruits from a genus of deciduous trees that grow in a variety of temperate areas around the world. Thought to possibly have originated in China, they have spread throughout the world and are highly praised for their unique flavor and impressive composition of nutrients.
Benefits of Mulberries:
- Aid in Digestion
- Increase Circulation
- Regulate Blood Pressure
- Improve Vision
- Boost Immunity
Wanna try it? Get some here
Spirulina:
Spirulina is an easily digestible nutritional supplement, which belongs to a family of blue-green algae and can be taken in a pill or powder form. Spirulina comes from a type of bacteria scientists call cyanobacterium, specifically arthrospira platensis. Learn more about spirulina.
Spirulina contains a complete source of protein, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Benefits of Spirulina:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- May reduce arthritis-related pain
- Antioxidant properties
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Lowers blood sugar in those with diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Good source of zinc, which is important for skin health, a strong immune system and memory
- Good source of B vitamins, which is important for nerve, brain, and heart health. Since those who consume a vegetarian diet tend to lack vitamin B12, daily supplementation with spirulina can provide up to 60 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) requirement for vitamin B12.
- Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid found in vegetables. It’s considered the healthy omega-6 oil and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
For those attempting to maximize their nutritional intake, adding spirulina to the diet is a good place to start. Spirulina can be taken in supplement form or as a powder, which can be added to foods or a fruit smoothie.
Wanna try it? Get some here.
Acai:
The acai berry comes from the Amazon region of South America, where it has been consumed for hundreds of years by indigenous cultures as both a food and drink. This powerful fruit, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, has become increasingly popular worldwide over the last decade.
Studies have demonstrated many health benefits of Acai:
- Weight Management
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Protects the heart
- Helps improve circulation by dilating blood vessels
- Anti-diabetic properties
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Antioxidant properties
- May help prevent Alzheimer’s disease according to a 2013 study (by inhibiting beta-amyloid deposits in the brain, the cause of Alzheimer’s)
Acai berry is available in both supplements and powder form.
Wanna try? Get some here
Wheatgrass:
Wheatgrass, which comes from the wheat plant, is a superfood rich in phytonutrients. Able to be cultivated indoors or outdoors, it grows in the United States and Europe. Wheatgrass is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can be used as a snack or meal replacement when consumed as a powder.
Wheatgrass is rich in:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants such as phenolic acid and chlorophyll
Benefits of wheatgrass:
- Promotes detoxification in the liver by supporting the phase I and phase II pathway
- Helps optimize immunity
- Helps alkalize the body
- Helps lower cholesterol levels
- Higher antioxidant properties than most other vegetables
Wanna try? Get some here
Maca Powder:
Maca is a small plant that grows to about six inches tall and across. Its turnip-shaped root ranges roughly 1 inch to 3 inches in diameter at harvest. It is this root that has been treasured for thousands of years for to its ability to increase energy, stamina and fertility. Maca has a predominantly earthy, nutty taste with hints of malt and caramel.
Benefits of Maca:
- Rich in Antioxidants
- Enhances Energy, Mood and Memory
- Improves Female Sexual Health
- Balances Estrogen Levels
- Boosts Male Fertility
- Maintains Bone Density
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is of course a must for a healthy body, but adding superfoods is part of the equation and can help you on your journey towards health and happiness.
Wanna try? Get some here
Have you tried any of these superfoods? Tell me what you think!
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