Superfoods at a Glance (Part 1)

In a previous article we wrote about so-called superfoods. There are, of course, an awful lot of different superfoods and you can therefore make countless different lists of the best or most important superfoods. Which ones are good or important all ultimately depends on the benefitsyou are looking for in nutrition and what you want to add to your diet. To get you started, we put together a number of superfoods and their health benefits for you at a glance.

Raw cocoa

Raw cacao is the most antioxidant-rich food on earth. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, which are harmful to cells and tissue. They can thus help in the protection against diseases, but also against the natural aging process. Compared to “regular” or roasted cocoa, raw cocoa has a higher nutritional value because it does not go through a processing process and retains all of its nutrients. Raw cacao is mostly used in smoothies.

Chia Seed

Chia Seed is high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein and dietary fiber. It strengthens your immune systembrings the blood sugar in balance and works anti-inflammatory. Chia seeds also provide a feeling of fullness. When chia seeds come into contact with water, their volume increases, so you also need relatively little to feel satiated. Chia seeds are therefore often used during the lose weight. Because the taste of chia seed is neutral, you can easily incorporate it into smoothies, yogurt and salads.

Goji berries

Goji berries are rich in antioxidantsproteins, vitamins and minerals. They support the immune system and assist in a healthy weight . You can add them to your diet in countless different ways. For example, as a snack (mixed with nuts), through yogurt or in a tasty salad.

Coconut oil.

Coconut Oil contains good fatty acids with so-called medium chains. These fats are used directly for energy and not stored in body fat. It is free of trans fatty acids. Coconut oil is a very good source of nutrition and is often regarded as the most healthy oil To cook/bake with. This is because it does not change its composition when heated. This is the case with olive and sunflower oils, for example, where heating creates free radicals and oxidation occurs. This creates unhealthy trans fats. Pure coconut oil is also very good for the skin.

Açai (berries)

Açai berries are relatively new in Europe. This is because the berries have a very short shelf life. The small dark purple berries are native to South America. They are freeze-dried and ground into powder immediately after harvesting. Açai powder contains many antioxidantsgives energy and stimulates the metabolismso it supports weight loss lose weight. It is also rich in vitamins A, C and E, calcium, potassium, iron and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A healthy berry, which you can mix well as a powder with water, fruit juice or yogurt.

Ginger

Ginger is used mainly as a flavoring during cooking. However, it also brings numerous health benefits. This is mainly due to the substance gingerol. Ginger helps with pain and nausea, among other things. You can get fresh ginger in (almost) any supermarket these days. A good way to use ginger is to make it into ginger tea. This can be done very easily by putting slices of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water. As an extra addition, you can add lemon or turmeric.

Turmeric

Another name for turmeric is turmeric. It has that name because of the color, which it gives to dishes. It is an incredibly popular spice, which has many health benefits. The substance, which mainly takes care of that is curcumin. Among other things, turmeric helps with good digestionsupports the liver function and has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory operation. Turmeric can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes.

Wheatgrass

The stems of wheatgrass are enormously rich in fiber and are a good source of iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, among other things. Wheatgrass also contains the vitamins A, B, C, E and K and is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, which the body cannot make itself. It is a popular alternative for chives or parsley, but juice can also be squeezed from them. It also works appetite suppressant, which is why it can help you lose weight.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a natural sedative and helps to dealing with stress. Ginseng matures after three years and then the roots are used as a powder in supplements, teas and personal care products. Ginseng roots are in fact packed with minerals and antioxidants. The older the root, the healthier. Ginseng has many health benefits and also works positively for your immune system, blood sugar, energy level and works anti-inflammatory.

Moringa

Moringa is one of the most nutrient-rich plants on earth. Among other things, it contains a lot of iron, potassium, calcium, various vitamins and all nine essential amino acids. The moringa tree is native to the Himalayan region, but also grows in South American countries, such as Suriname. The tree grows in poor soil and can withstand drought well. Thus, despite this, it has a high nutritional value. The leaves can be dried and then processed into tea, powder or capsules. Moringa is known as super antioxidant and is a all-rounder. It helps against numerous health issues, fatigue and pain and supports among other things the immune systemthe digestion and blood sugar.