2024-01-11 17:20:14
What is a superfood?
If, previously, we were accustomed to talking about nutraceuticals to evoke foods with beneficial effects on health, today we prefer them. superfoods. Superhero-style foods that are neither adulterated, nor industrial and even less chemical! These are mainly well-known fruits and vegetables whose health benefits are being rediscovered, thanks to scientific work and research focusing on them. Their objective ? Allow consumers to benefit from the benefits of natural and unprocessed food products. Although the approach is not really innovative, interest in foods has been revived since the arrival in France and popularization of goji berries, acai berries, cranberriesthe grenade… Mainly berries and red fruits – family rich in fiber – although there are many other superfoods; we can distinguish 6 types of superfoods:
red fruits and berries such as blueberries, raspberries, goji berries… green leafy vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, watercress, kale… exotic fruits such as papaya, carob, fruit of the baobab,ashwagandha from India, cocoa … seeds such as fenugreek seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds … algae and super algae such as spirulina, agar-agar, chlorella… spices and herbs: cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, basil and other aromatic herbs…
Among the other benefits of these superfoods? They are also very suitable for fans of the vegan diet and those with a consumption focus favoring organic!
What are the benefits of superfoods?
In addition to contributing to the consumption goals of 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables per day, these foods are full of benefits! Most often, it is their nutritional benefits that these superfoods owe their benefits to: sometimes rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or all at the same time, they are perfect health allies. Some examples :
The nutritional benefits of acai berries? Their high antioxidant content (they contain 4x more than pomegranate and 10x more than cranberry berries, although known for their strong antioxidant power)! Also rich in omegas, fiber and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, etc.), acai is THE superfood superstar and it is praised today for its antioxidant, vasodilator, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, renal protective, antidyslipidemic, antiobesity and antidiabetic effects in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, as numerous studies agree to prove (Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects of Açaí, an Amazon Plant, Roberto S de Moura, Angela Castro Resende). Benefits found in many other red fruits and berries: acerola, pomegranate, blueberry, sea buckthorn berries and goji berries are also very interesting due to their high fiber content, antioxidants and vitamins.
Turmeric is a spice that is rich in curcumin and antioxidants. Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric helps fight rheumatic pain, digestive problems and even helps prevent certain cancers… In vitro, turmeric is even super-powerful to fight pain and aging (In Vitro Study on Antihypertensive and Antihypercholesterolemic Effects of a Curcumin NanoemulsionHeni Rachmawati, Irene Surya Soraya, Neng Fisheri Kurniati, and Annisa Rahma).
This intense green freshwater micro-algae fascinates science. Rich in beta-carotene, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin E, proteins, minerals and trace elements (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper), spirulina is a health ally that is worth consuming! It helps regulate cholesterol, acts on diabetes, boosts the immune system… So many reasons to adopt spirulina in your diet!
Camu camu – a term which describes both the shrub and its fruit – has experienced a resurgence in popularity recently. Its advantages ? Very rich in vitamin C (2400 to 3000 mg per 100g of fruit), camu has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, boosts the immune system, promotes collagen synthesis. …
Most often, superfoods give a boost to our health and strengthen it or improve well-being, but they can also have beauty benefits! The reason ? Their high content of antioxidants. In short, these molecules help limit the appearance of signs of aging. The skin naturally contains antioxidants, but their potency decreases when exposed to external factors, such as UV. In fact, collagen molecules, which are responsible for the volume of the skin and its apparent youthfulness, are damaged due to oxidation. To improve your body’s natural abilities to fight against the appearance of aging marks, you can consume foods rich in antioxidants, which help fight against the process of cell oxidation.
And by sifting through traditional vegetables, scientists have discovered plenty of little-known benefits. Avocado, matcha, blackcurrant, spirulina, cocoa… help us stay healthy. Get your baskets, get ready, get cooking!
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