The Power Of Superfoods: What Makes Them So Super?

Superfoods have gained popularity in these recent years due to their health benefits. Many people include these foods in their diet as a possible way to improve the over all health and wellbeing.

But what exactly are superfoods?

Superfoods typically refers to foods that are believed to have exceptional health benefits and nutrient density. There is no official definition of what makes a superfood but this term is often used to define foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Superfoods and Cultural Significance?

Many of these superfoods have a cultural significance. For instance, motcha green tea is considered as a superfood because it is rich in antioxidants but it's been consumed in Japan for centuries in traditional tea ceremonies as an integral part of their Japanese culture.

Similarly, turmeric is now considered as a superfood because of it's anti-inflammatory properties but it's an important spice and a vital ingredient in Pakistani and Indian cuisines. It's also an integral part of ayurvedic medicines for many years.

Quinoa is a gluten free grain that is high in minerals, protein, fiber, antioxidants as well as phytochemicals so it's a nutrient dense food and therefore it is considered as one of the best superfoods. But for people of Andes, quinoa has cultural as well as spiritual significance and therefore they use quinoa in traditional ceremonies and celebrations.

But what actually makes these foods so super?

These foods stand out from other foods due to the presence of certain nutrients such as:

1. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from harmful free radicals which can otherwise contribute to aging as well as many diseases.

2. Fiber

Fiber is an important nutrient because it regulates your digestive health and blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels.

3. Phytochemicals

Carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins are some of the important phytochemicals that can act as antioxidants and supports your immune function and also reduces inflammation.

Foods high in protein and healthy fats are also considered as superfoods. All these nutrients give these foods superiority over others so they are called as "superfoods".

Examples Of Superfoods

Some of the common examples of foods that are high in these nutrients are:

1. Blueberries

Due to their high antioxidant content and nutrient density, blueberries fall into the category of superfoods. Fiber, anthocyanins, and vitamin C in blueberries benefits your brain health, heart health, regulates your blood pressure.

2. Salmon

Salmon is high in vitamin D, protein, healthy fats particularly omega 3 fatty acids therefore it improves your brain function and supports the health of bones.

3. Kale

Kale is rich in vitamin A, C, K, fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals that makes it good for eye health and heart health.

4. Chia Seeds

They are high in calcium, magnesium, fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants that makes them good for digestion and heart health.

5. Quinoa

It is a gluten free grain that is high in iron, magnesium, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

There are some processed foods that are also marketed as superfoods but it's better to choose whole foods for optimum health and well-being