- Fresh organic foods like vegetables and fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 5 foods that earned the SUPERfood title. They are packed with nutrients to keep our immune systems in top shape. The antioxidants in these 5 foods that earned the SUPERfood title also prevent oxidative stress and reduce signs of aging.
- The word “SUPER food” is a title that is often thrown around, and sometimes without merit. Since there are no real regulations on labeling foods as “SUPER,” it can be tough to distinguish what is a real “super food” and what is not.
- We have done the work for you and have found five super foods that truly deserve the title.
- Let’s take a look at the 5 foods that earned the SUPERfood title:
- 1. Blueberries:
- Don’t let their little size fool you; blueberries are powerful. They are packed with health benefits and nutrients. They are renowned as a super-food around the world. Blueberries are second in consumption only to strawberries. They are on the top of the list when it comes to cancer fighting antioxidants.
- Their high dietary fiber also contributes to cancer prevention.
- Organic blueberries have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
- According to a Harvard study, consuming berries that are high in flavonoids like strawberries and blueberries may delay memory decline in older women.
- Tip: Add 1 cup of blueberries to your favorite smoothie, make a raw jam or just eat by themselves.
- 2. Chlorella:
- It is an algae that is grown in fresh water. The plant is used to make nutritional supplements and medications. What makes chlorella so spectacular is that it is such a simple life form, but packs so much nutrition.
- It is full of vitamins including vitamin A, B6, B12, C, and E.
- Organic chlorella is also rich in minerals and amino acids. A study published in a journal called Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy showed that chlorella extract had the ability to inhibit the growth of tumors.
- Tip: Just add 1 teaspoon (3-4 grams) of organic chlorella powder to your favorite smoothie recipe. Supplements are also available. Make sure you get them from a reputable source.
- 3. Kale:
- It is gaining more and more attention: Nutritionists, health experts, and chefs are promoting its health benefits.
- One cup of kale contains 33 calories and 9% of the daily value of calcium, 206% of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C, and a staggering 684% of vitamin K.
- It is also a great source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Organic kale is a true super food and a nutritional powerhouse.
- Tip: Use it in your favorite smoothie or juice recipe.
- 4. Spirulina:
- It is often mistaken as an herb because of its nutritional benefits, but it is actually a cyanobacteria, which is a blue-green algae found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers.
- Organic spirulina is an excellent source of Gamma-linolenic acid, which according to a study published in The Journal of Rheumatology is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
- One important characteristic of a true super food is the ability to benefit many areas of our health. Spirulina is an immune booster, cholesterol reducer, and blood pressure regulator.
- It also promotes eye health, liver health, brain health, digestive health, and more.
- Tip: Just add 1 teaspoon (3-4 grams) of organic spirulina powder to your favorite smoothie recipe. Supplements are also available. Make sure you get them from a reputable source.
- 5. Wheatgrass:
- 30mls of freshly squeezed wheatgrass juice is equivalent in nutritional value of almost 2lbs of leafy green vegetables. One teaspoon of wheatgrass powder, (about 3.5 grams) is equal to an entire spinach salad (50 grams). Wheatgrass contains over 90 minerals, including high concentrations of minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium.
- Organic wheatgrass has more vitamin C than oranges and twice the vitamin A as carrots.
- Tip: Make a juice 2 to 3 times a week.
- AS ALWAYS: Check with your health practitioner before you change your diet. These organic foods are not meant to replace any treatment or drugs you are taking.
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- For the health benefits of blueberries.
- For the health benefits of chlorella.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Nutrition and Cancer: A Review of the Evidence for an Anti-cancer Diet.” http://www.nutritionj.com. Nutritional Journal, 20 Oct. 2004. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
- 2. “Berries Keep Your Brain Sharp.” Harvard Gazette. Harvard University, 26 Apr. 2012. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 3. “Suppression of Acute and Chronic Inflammation by Dietary Gamma Linolenic Acid.” Europe PubMed Central. The Journal of Rheumatology, 1989. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 4. “Dietary Supplementation with Blueberries, Spinach, or Spirulina Reduces Ischemic Brain Damage.” Science Direct. Experimental Neurology, May 2005. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 5. “Antitumor Effect Induced by a Hot Water Extract of Chlorella Vulgaris (CE): Resistance to Meth-A Tumor Growth Mediated by CE-induced Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes.” Springer. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 01 Apr. 1985. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 6. “Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella Pyrenoidosa for Mild to Moderate Hypertension.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Journal of Medicinal Food, Fall 2002. Web. 14 July 2014.
- 7. “Nutrigenomic Studies of Effects of Chlorella on Subjects with High-risk Factors for Lifestyle-related Disease.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Journal of Medicinal Food, Sept. 2008. Web. 14 July 2014.
