Superfoods are foods rich in nutrition such as fruits, vegetables, mushrooms or grains with specific health benefits that have antioxidants, low-fat proteins, minerals, vitamins and fiber.
Include more of these superfoods in your meals and snacks for an extra dose of disease-fighting antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber. Many can be found at local health food stores as produce aisle staples; others can be found like spirulina and goji berries at health food markets.
Acai Berries
Acai berries, native to Central and South America, have long been consumed as staple foods by indigenous populations there. Acai’s deep purple color and unique taste profile combine mixed berry with dark chocolate notes for a delicious treat that many health and wellness enthusiasts find irresistible. Acai also boasts impressive nutritional credentials: full of antioxidants, fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as being low in sugar content.
Fruit is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A and potassium. Plus, its anthocyanins (which boast powerful anti-aging properties) help reduce inflammation while the omega fatty acids improve heart health and brain functioning.
Acai berries are often ground into a pulp-like mixture and served alongside fish, shrimp or cassava in their native regions. Acai products (fresh or frozen puree, juice supplements and skincare) should always come with organic and non-GMO certifications to guarantee authenticity and quality.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain antioxidants which protect cells against oxidative damage, helping prevent cancer and other chronic diseases from emerging. Furthermore, their high content of dietary fibre promotes digestion and bowel health.
Sauve’s clever marketing efforts ushered in an age of “superfood” obsession, elevating his Maine wild blueberries as nutritional “navy seals,” known for defending against cancer and inflammation while aiding cognitive functions – becoming known as cancer fighters, inflammation interceptors, and cognitive-function protectors–a nutritional Navy SEAL in their own right!
Food trends come and go, but nutrient-rich foods like blueberries remain popular and nutritious options. Easy to find and affordable, blueberries can easily fit into your meals for optimal nutritional intake. Enjoy one of our delectable blueberry recipes today to start reaping its many advantages!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an essential winter ingredient, found everywhere from cookies to lattes. However, this sweet winter spice offers much more than just tasty flavor: It is also an abundant source of essential minerals and other vital nutrients.
Cinnamon contains anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties.
Cinnamaldehyde, the primary phytochemical in cinnamon, not only contributes to its signature flavor and aroma but has significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses – which is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and aiding digestion.
Studies indicate that cinnamon consumption may help with weight loss by stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, thus helping prevent cravings and hunger, while simultaneously aiding fat-burning capabilities of your body.
Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties can protect the brain against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It works by upregulating proteins Parkin and DJ-1 which help reduce tau aggregation and filament formation characteristic of these conditions.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds might bring back memories of those 1980s terracotta pets sprouting chia plants in your kitchen, but these little seeds pack an unexpectedly powerful health punch. Produced from Salvia hispanica native plants in Mexico and Guatemala, these tiny black seeds boast many health benefits; including high levels of fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, calcium and magnesium content.
Chia seeds can help your meals and beverages provide more nutrition, whether that means including them in oatmeal, cereal, yogurt and salad toppings, or making chia pudding by mixing 1/4 cup of seeds with one cup of milk (or alternative milk like almond milk) and leaving for 15-20 minutes to set before stirring in nuts or fresh fruit for extra texture and enjoyment.
Chia seeds can help your digestive system in several ways. Rich in soluble fiber, they support proper digestion while also helping lower cholesterol absorption in your body. Plus, they’re an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid your body cannot produce itself and has been linked with heart disease prevention.
