Home Diet and Nutrition What Are Superfoods and How Are They Beneficial?

What Are Superfoods and How Are They Beneficial?

What Are Superfoods and How Are They Beneficial?
Photo by Make It Special on Unsplash

While purchasing groceries, have you ever seen foods items like spirulina labeled as a superfood? If so, you’re not alone! What are superfoods and how are they beneficial?

The term superfoods first became popular in the early 20th century. It was when the United Fruit Company used the word as a marketing technique to boost banana sales.

Banana became a superfood since it had a covering that prevented germs from entering our bodies. Sounds like a dumb advertisement, right?

Well, it worked back then, and people started eating bananas like monkeys. However, times have changed. Both modern man and superfood have now become so much more than that.

Today, superfood is a term used for a nutrient-rich food that promotes health and well-being. Yes, experts rely on scientific research to make these claims. Read more to get a better insight into superfoods! 

What are Examples of Superfoods?

Superfoods are foods packed with extremely high nutrition. They contain a diversity of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Plus, they have very few calories.

So, you can consume loads of superfoods and avoid gaining significant weight too. (Note, this does not mean you should increase the intake of superfoods only. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet for healthy living.)

Most of the superfoods have plant-origins, such as:

  • Almonds
  • Acai berries
  • Blueberries
  • Avocado
  • Sweet potato
  • Kale
Blueberries is a superfood
Photo by Skylar Kang from Pexels

However, you will also find fish and meat-based superfoods. Some examples include salmon, mackerel, chicken, grass-fed beef, and much more. 

Benefits of Superfoods 

When consumed in appropriate amounts, superfoods are very beneficial. They can make your body super healthy and fit. Superfoods also come packed with benefits. These include: 

Boost Growth & Development

All the nutrients received from superfoods help our bodies focus on proper growth. The proteins accelerate new cells generation and repair the old ones.

Fats help restore our muscle mass, and carbohydrates provide the required energy to conduct all these tasks. Water increases hydration levels, and fiber improves the digestive tract.

Meanwhile, different vitamins and minerals enhance different aspects of our body. For example, vitamin C boosts skin health, and vitamin A enhances vision. Superfoods are also a source of phytochemicals that prevents heart diseases. 

Strengthen Immune System

The high nutritional density of superfoods also helps support our immune system. It refers to the body’s defense system against germs and pathogens.

With better immunity, there are lesser chances of us falling sick. In case you’re already suffering from a disease, superfoods help speed up recovery and reduce pain too. 

Provide Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that take action against free radicals present in our bodies. Free radicals refer to substances that become harmful in larger quantities. These substances can lead to severe diseases, such as diabetes and even cancer.

Since superfoods provide antioxidants, your body can eliminate free radicals which are very beneficial for your health and immunity. 

Conclusion

Perhaps, the best thing about superfoods is that you do not need to follow any extensive diet or routines. A single superfood, such as blueberry, can provide your body with all these great benefits!

Featured Photo by Make It Special on Unsplash