Recharge Your Health With 20 Powerhouse Superfoods
Use these whole food powerhouses to unlock radiant health
In a world increasingly filled with processed junk food—think sugary snacks, greasy chips, and artificially flavored drinks—the term "superfood" has become synonymous with health conscious shoppers. But what exactly makes a food "super"? Let’s dive into this world and explore their amazing benefits.
Understanding Superfoods
Whole foods should always be our number one dietary priority. But there is a concern about the declining nutritional quality of our food. Modern agricultural practices deplete soil of essential nutrients, leading to less nutrient-rich produce. Extensive processing, long-distance transportation, and heavy pesticide use can further diminish the nutritional value of our food supply.
In this landscape littered with unhealthy options, we can supplement with superfoods that are nutrient-rich and jam packed with large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. About 65% of Americans include them in their daily diet because they fill in nutritional gaps at an enhanced level.
Let’s look at some examples:
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Loose Leaf Herbs: These are considered superfoods due to their impressive nutritional content, which is packed in a smaller serving than many fruits and vegetables. This firmly establishing their status as superfoods. Buy at online herb stores.
Garlic: Known for its medicinal properties, garlic can enhance immune function and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Turmeric: Its active compound curcumin is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it a staple in healthy diets.
Black Cumin Seeds: Known as Nigella sativa, they are rich in thymoquinone, a compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce oxidative stress and lessen inflammation, support immune function, improve digestion, manage blood sugar levels, alleviate symptoms of asthma and address eczema and acne. Overall, these seeds are a powerhouse superfood.
Kelp Powder: Has an extremely rich nutrient profile, a high antioxidant content and supports digestive health. Its natural compounds can also assist in detoxification by binding to heavy metals.
Ginger: Boasts strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is renowned for alleviating digestive issues and nausea. Additionally, ginger may enhance immune function, support cardiovascular health, stabilize blood sugar levels and boost metabolism.
Chlorella Powder: Rich in nutrients and recognized for its detoxifying properties, it helps to eliminate heavy metals and toxins from the body. Additionally, it supports immune function, improves digestion, and promotes healthy cholesterol levels, while its high chlorophyll aids in reducing inflammation and enhancing skin health.
Dulse Flakes: Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iodine, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K, dulse supports thyroid function. It is a superfood that can contribute to overall wellness.
Spirulina: A type of blue-green algae that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can help boost energy levels, improve digestion, and support immune function. Add it to smoothies, juices, or soups for a nutrient-packed boost.
Chia Seeds: Tiny but mighty; they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They're perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt, aiding digestion, boosting energy levels, and supporting heart health.
Jun Kombucha Scoby—The “champagne” of probiotic drinks! These are similar in health benefits to Kombucha Scobies but they grow with green tea and honey (instead of the black tea and sugar used for “regular kombucha”).
The end product is full of great probiotics for a strong immune system and many more health benefits.
Kefir Grains– This is for “water kefir”, a non-dairy way to get probiotics. No need to purchase pricier organic milk kefir or yogurt this way. Add water, sugar, and a splash of molasses, let ferment.
Maca Powder – A natural endocrine adaptogen; supporting normal hormone production by stimulating/nourishing the hypothalamus and pituitary glands (which regulate other glands). It’s even been knows to aid hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, anemia, infertility, and post-menopausal symptoms.
Ashwagandha Root Powder – An adaptogen filling various nutritional/hormonal needs. It can support thyroid function, improve sleep and energy; decrease anxiety, increase libido; improve concentration.
Matcha Green Tea Powder– A potent superfood due to its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly EGCG. It can boost metabolism, enhance brain function, support liver health, and potentially reduce heart disease risk.
Coconut Butter – Made from the pureed flesh of the coconut, it's a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), is high in healthy fats and fiber and has antioxidant properties that help fight inflammation. It’s creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor goes great in smoothies, baked goods, and savory dishes.
Cinnamon, Ceylon– Can potentially reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Other cinnamon varieties (Indonesian, Saigon, cassia cinnamon) have a lot of coumarin, which can mess with liver function.
Superfood Powder by Dr. Schulze– If you’re looking for a comprehensive nutritional boost, this powder is packed with a blend of organic greens, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance energy levels, improve digestion, immunity, while providing essential phytonutrients that can reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Barley Grass Powder: Rich in nutrients, chlorophyll, amino acids, phytochemicals and high in antioxidant content, this powder generally reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It’s also known for its alkalizing properties, supporting overall pH balance in the body.
Goat Whey (Capra Mineral Whey) (from grass-fed goats)—Lots of minerals, in easily-absorbed form, highly alkaline, for reducing acidic deposits in arthritic joints, even helping acid reflux, inflammation, Osteoporosis, and bone mass loss.
Incorporating these superfoods into your diet is easier than you think. Start your day with a nutrient-packed smoothie and toss in your preferred superfood(s) alongside spinach, avocado, and berries and some nuts and seeds. These small, delicious changes can significantly impact your health and well-being. Alongside a whole food diet, this balanced approach ensures that you receive the full spectrum of nutrients necessary for good health.
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