We are all familiar with foods like Spinach, Chia seeds, Fenugreek seeds, and Barley. They go beyond the definition of healthy and are usually referred to as superfoods. As the name suggests, these foods have special qualities, providing you with more than one benefit in a bite. This is why many health-conscious individuals have started showing an interest in products like organic plant protein, detox juices, and liquid chlorophyll. If you are looking for something that’s organic and takes care of your overall health, superfoods are what you need. Let us broaden your horizons and introduce you to some superfoods that are unheard of but should be part of your wellness regime.
What are Superfoods?
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of superfoods, let’s get an overview of what they are and why they are called superfoods.
We have a question for you: What nutrient is present in oranges, lemons, or strawberries? If you guessed vitamin C, then you’re right! This is what makes all citrus fruits so good to have. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a natural immunity booster. But that is all an orange can do for you.
Superfoods, on the other hand, contain antioxidants along with other nutrients like fiber, protein, iron, phytonutrients, etc. This is what separates them from regular foods. Their benefits are so beneficial that they are now even being incorporated into supplements in the form of pills, tablets, effervescent tabs, and oral strips. You may even find them in vegan plant proteins.
Some Uncommon Superfoods with Surprising Health Benefits
- Spirulina
This blue-green algae plant found underwater is a powerhouse of nutrients. Initially used as a source of nutrition for NASA astronauts, spirulina is now available for the rest of us as well. It has exceptionally high antioxidant concentrations, which reduce oxidative stress and stop inflammation. Additionally, it has immunoprotective and cholesterol-lowering qualities. With a high concentration of vitamins E, C, and B6, it can promote the generation of white blood cells, which support your immune system's defense against illnesses.
- Moringa
Have you ever had a chance to eat drumsticks? They taste delicious in a curry and are very commonly consumed in India. The Drumstick plant’s leaves are what we call moringa leaves. It is a fantastic superfood, rich in calcium and a powerful antioxidant. It is said to have 17 times more calcium than a glass of milk. Besides, it has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels, so if you are diabetic and are looking for a natural remedy to manage your sugar levels, this superfood is perfect.
- Chlorella
Chlorella extract is extracted from green algae found in freshwater. It is rich in carotenes, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, among other nutrients. It also has a high Vitamin K content, which is essential for bone regeneration.
Chlorella has been proven to lower BP, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar levels.
Chlorella is especially beneficial for pregnant women. Taking Chlorella supplements during pregnancy can lower the amount of dioxin and raise the amount of immunoglobulin A and certain carotenes in breast milk.
- Alfalfa
Alfalfa is also known as the ‘Queen of Forages’ and is one of the oldest wild plants found in southwest Asia. It is rich in fiber, protein, vitamin K, Calcium, Chlorophyll, carotene, flavonoids, and amino acids. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a fantastic ingredient to improve health and wellness.
- Ashwagandha
The most significant and well-known plant in Ayurveda is Withania somnifera, or Ashwagandha. It is supposed to lengthen life if taken as a daily tonic. Ashwagandha has adaptogenic qualities, just like the other Rasayana (tonic) plants. It reduces stress, protects the brain, and increases cognitive function. Individuals who are constantly under stress should consider this supplement as it reduces cortisol levels (cortisol is released during our stress response). Not only will it help you manage your stress, but it will also prevent any diseases that are caused by excessive stress.
- Matcha
Due to its special way of production, matcha green tea is one of the most potent teas in the world. In the majority of the growing phase, the plants are shielded from the sun's beams. As a result, the leaves create more theanine, amino acids, and other bioactive substances, making matcha green tea extremely healthful. Additionally, matcha green tea provides you with a good number of polyphenols, vitamins C & E (antioxidants), and carotene, making it a natural immune booster.
How can You have these Superfoods Every Day?
Foods like Moringa leaves, Ashwagandha, and Matcha are easy to source and can be easily incorporated into your diet. You can prepare a concoction using these ingredients or a detox drink for your weight loss regime. Additionally, you can make soup out of moringa leaves and make Ashwagandha-infused milk. But having it through meals is going to limit how much of the superfoods you can consume, and let’s be honest, it is time-consuming. So to harness the power of several superfoods, you can try taking superfood supplements. Look for supplements that give you your daily greens. If you are a gym enthusiast, you can look for vegan plant protein powders that contain superfoods. The advantage of plant-based protein powder is that it’s cleaner and provides ample phytonutrients that are not present in animal-based products. If the taste is a concern, you can try oral strips containing superfoods in the form of nanoparticles and coated with a refreshing flavor.
Wrapping Up
The growing popularity of superfoods is due to their high nutrient content. There are so many superfoods provided by nature, but you only know a few of them. We hope, with this blog post, you were able to discover more superfoods and learn about their super benefits. Everyone should have one superfood in their diet to reap its tremendous benefits. But if it is inaccessible to you or not available in an authentic form, you can always rely on supplements. Superfoods can now be found in vegan protein powders, instant detox drinks, oral strips, and more. Find what feels right for you, and level up your health 10 times with superfoods.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9792400/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9703797/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000882/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551956/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919316991
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